Customer Reviews

Conquer & Divide

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Speed and thrash metal, with a melodic twist. There's no doubt Joe Stump is a talented guitar player, one of the fastest I've heard. However, it gets kind of mundane by the middle of the album. Vescera delivers great vocal melodies as usual. Looking at the cover, and with a name like Reign of Terror, I thought the songs would be darker and heavier. Conquer & Divide is still a great album if you like your metal fast, high powered, and unrelenting.

"Conquer and divide" is the 4th studio album by US neoclassical metal outfit "The reign of terror", originally released in 2003. The band led by American guitar shredder-virtuoso Joe Stump featured renowned lead singer Michael Vescera (ex-Malmsteen, "Obsession"), bassist Jay Rigney and drummer Matt Scurfield.

"The Reign of Terror" play neoclassical metal similar to the styles of "YJM Rising Force" and "Impellitteri", belonging in a genre with well defined musical still "Conquer and divide" manages to bring new elements to the table, particularly in terms of guitar playing.
Indeed, Joe's guitar playing is the very definition of neoclassical shredding, yet he manages to come up with rather inventive solo patents and lead themes that are original though reminiscent of other guitarists of the genre. Aside of that, most of the guitar riffs are fairly similar to the works of bands mentioned above, yet that is to expected for a band of this genre.
A more significant differentiating factor of "Conquer and Divide" is the darker lyrical and musical concept that is directly hinted on the front cover. Indeed, its rather uncommon for neoclassical metal bands to sound as evil as "The reign of terror"; for that matter "Mark of the devil", "Sign of the Cross", "Forsaken" and "Sacrifice" are prime examples of the musical approach described above.

I have to conclude that the "The reign of terror" flows naturally, being technical without getting repetitive-definitely keeping the listener engaged to most of its songs. For fans of neoclassical metal, "The reign of terror" will probably prove an interesting, if not thrilling, musical experience.

Reign of Terror is Joe Stump's band project. This is the fourth disc from Reign of Terror and it again features Mike Vescera on vocals. Overall, I think the band is growing comfortable with each other and the songwriting is more focused than on the previous effort, "Sacred Ground" (which I also enjoyed). The production seems a little clearer, too, and Joe's guitar tone seems a little smoother and focused this time also. For guitar fans out there, Joe still shreds as almost no one else on the planet can. Though this is more of a vocal project, Joe still gets in one instrumental - "Seance".

If you enjoy power metal, you'll most likely find this to be a great purchase. If you need some similarities, Dio-era Rainbow mixed with perhaps a touch of earlier Blackmore-era Deep Purple might come closest. I don't say that to make anyone think this is a '70's-style disc - it's definitely got a modern sheen to it. Maybe take some of the best offerings in progressive and power metal and mix in some Blackmore might be another way to describe Reign of Terror. But regardless, it's a great album.

The first thoughts that came to mind when listening to this CD was the worst of Malmsteen with a bad Bruce Dickinson soundalike!
I also think the somgs and the melodies are a little outdated. But if you haven't heard many shred guitarists (especially from the eighties) and are not interested in commercial songs, then this CD will probably appeal to you.