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The biggest Metal Monday crowd of the year (at the Drayman) met the four members of Conquest as they strode on stage. All four members are already known for their work with previous bands, solo outings or merely being mainstays of the local scene so there were no strangers up there. With a sound based between traditional heavy metal and 80s hard rock (when so many local band influences lay elsewhere) this was going to be a very interesting evening indeed.

Engaging the crowd immediately, frontman Kev Eardley introduced the set opener 'Cresent Moon Setting Sun'. From the off you could hear Kevs vocals were on top form. Clear, classic and so different from anyone elses in the local area, the vocals screamed a pure melodic safehaven from comtemporary growlings. His time in 80s hard rock band 'Cardiac' would seem to have served him well. The simple but catchy as hell riff from Les Clayden drove the track so all you could do was follow. 'Dangerous City' was next and despite sounding a little messy at times helped display the warp speed guitar playing skills of Roy Stone, although anyone who has seen one of his many solo performances would already know this. 'Too cruel' was apparently the last track they wrote to fill the set. Well it sounded anything like a set filler due to its AC/DC structure and chorus to die for with drummer Keith Barnes almost exploding with enthusiasm. This track has crowd pleaser written all over it and so it proved to be. 'Lady in black' continued the momentum while 'Master of Doom' belonged to Roy Stone with Les Clayden providing ample support. Once again, the guitars flowed pulling the track in different directions. Sabbath cover 'Paranoid' finished the set in style, prompting the biggest headbanging session from onlookers for a long time. A triumphant roar met the last drumbeat and Conquests debut gig was over.

Overall, the band will obviously benefit once a bass player is found and once they have several more gigs under their belts the songs will sound bolder and more concise. But when you take things into consideration, like having no bass player, it was their first ever gig together and the band was only formed in August, you have to admit this was a stonking performance. The response from the crowd was first class and the way each member of the band performed meant you forgot about Mr Nobody on bass.

If there is to be a new wave of local metal bands sounding as good as Conquest then hail NWOBHM, the new wave of Bexleyheath heavy metal.

7.5/10

Review by Alan

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