Five hundred years after the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes plundered Tenochtitlan -- the capital of the Aztec empire -- that iron, unyielding spirit has been resurrected on the plastic disc offered to us by a young Finnish collective. "Conquistador" is standard melodic symphonic power metal that won't be a revelation (unless you've never heard of STRATOVARIUS or FREEDOM CALL), but will elegantly brighten a few hours of silence with its dashing guitar gallop. The backbone of the band is vocalist Ian Highhill and guitarist Jari Sundstrom. Both previously played in cover bands, so appealing to their conscience -- accusing them of stealing music -- is pointless. The album's replay value of about two spins isn't unusual either when it comes to the modern power scene. As for sound quality, there are no complaints here -- and that, too, has become the norm.
Track Listing
- Seven Seas
- Stars
- The Last Light Of The Moon
- Wanted Man
- Black
- Through The Ice And Snow
- Black Desire
- Cleopatra
- The Princess Of Saba
- Lady In White
- Conquistador