In some ways, we must have in mind that the first thing that a Metalhead gives his attention to on a Metal album is the vocals. Yes, the vocals are important because they are the first element that any fan will look for. It can make a band's musical work go down the tube. And on the Irish quintet CONJURING FATE, I must say that their vocalist must improve as fast as he can, because he is the only weak point of "Valley of Kings", their first album.

Their musical style is an energetic, heavy and strong form of traditional Heavy Metal/Power Metal with inspiration on the 80s. No, there's nothing bad at all with their musical work, because the band has personality, besides this style is really eroded by the use and by the time. Their music is really catchy, done with fine melodies and charming choruses. But the vocals need to improve a bit more, because even not being as good as they could be, they aren't as aggressive as their music needs. And by the Metal gods, I'm not asking to expel Tommy from the band, because his voice is good, but needs to evolve a bit more in terms of aggressiveness.

The sound quality is another point that could be better. Of course it's not bad, but it could have be done with more care, because the rawness in the search for the feeling of the 80s made the tunes from the instruments sound poor, without that heavy weight and clean aesthetics that they deserve. Their musical work deserves a great sound quality, with better tunes and the right volume. Once more: if you want something in the way of the 80s, a good producer can be Joel Grind from TOXIC HOLOCAUST, because he knows how to build an organic sound with a modern sound quality.

Musically, they are great. All their songs are fine pieces of Metal, done with heart and energy. But "Our Darkest Days" and "Marching Dead" with their fine melodies and guitars (both presenting very good tempos and very good energetic arrangements), the savage and nasty aggressiveness of "Dr. Frankenstein" (a fine work from bass guitar and drums, and how a better sound quality could have made this song great), the fine NWOBHM inspiration on the melodies of "A Primal Desire" and on "Trust No One", and the harsh aggressiveness tempered with melodies on "Apocalypse" can be pointed as their finest moments. But we have two bonus tracks, "Mirror Mirror" and "Backwoods Witch", both very good and filled with fine guitar riffs. On all tracks, the vocals are regular, but if Tommy had used more aggressiveness and better tunes (that he has, we can feel them in some moments), the result would be way better than what we hear on "Valley of Shadows".

Guys, I believe in your work, you have guts and potential. Then, a better production, a special care with vocal tunes will do miracles. And I'll be waiting to review it, be sure of that! In reality, I want to do that!