Active in the Heavy Metal scene of Germany since 1996, I'm quite surprised that SKYCONQUEROR hasn't been scooped up by some record label with 18 years under their belt. Or maybe it's a case of thinking the D.I.Y. ethic works best, because this quartet has released 3 demos and now 2 albums, slowly working on their craft while playing out shows when they can.

For my first exposure to the group, this foursome resonate adequately to the foundations of early NWOBHM and Traditional Metal, intertwining a lot of the straight ahead melodic vocals, stripped down guitar chord combinations that infuse a bit of gallop and power, and a rhythm section built to handle anything thrown down their path. A lot of their sound has that JUDAS PRIEST style power along with some occasional darker, atmospheric elements that can recall MERCYFUL FATE.

Be it the introspective, reflective moments on "The Dusk" or the occasional militant march rhythms for "Fallen Rainbow Warrior", the band perform admirably and from the heart. There are times where the riff similarity is uncanny, as you will hear classic ACCEPT strains coming through the 3:05 "Bells of Fate". The sound is going to be very basic to match the musical proceedings, so do not expect modern techniques to infiltrate the purity at hand. Bassist Mirko Jankord delivers reflective work in the four minute instrumental "Through Different Eyes", providing an outer world feel without being too busy or Progressive in the process.

SKYCONQUEROR could have easily been in existence in 1983 just as much as they are now in 2014. Old school rivet heads most assuredly near to hear "Under the Pentagram". Do know going in that this isn't the most original take on Heavy Metal - but again the conviction and attention to the style at hand outweigh the lack of surprise.