Well, this review is truly special for your old Big Daddy here, so let this old Metal fan share with you all some memories. Back in 1985, only two years after I started to dedicate my life to Metal, I came to know a German band, the quintet WARLOCK. Their music full of energy caught me, and since then, and their vocalist definitively made a strong and excellent impression in my soul. If we can call Rob Halford the Metal God (he truly deserves it), we can call Doro Pesch the "Metal Goddess", because she is the most known female musician in Metal, respected by many, loved by much more. "Strong and Proud: 30 Years of Rock and Metal" is the live album we will speak about is the crowning of a brilliant career.

There's no doubt that this is an excellent live album, with some of Doro's anthems, both from her solo career (that we all know as DORO) as of heart times on WARLOCK, and even some versions for old hymns of Heavy Metal. It's the purest Heavy Metal with quality label "made in Germany," but as well there are some touches of musical accessibility on her work. Of course the band is presenting a perfect performance on stage (it's on the band's presentation on CCD Stadthalle in her hometown, Düsseldorf, on 2 and 3 May 2014, to celebrate her 30 years of her musical career), but Doro is the center of attention, and this Metal Queen can make you shake your heads until your necks is bent, or can make you shed tears on the most tender moments. The album's production was done in a way that the live feeling is preserved, and the sound quality is really clear. But remember: it's a Heavy Metal album, so you can feel the strength, the weight and impact of the band's music. Some very special guests are presented on the album: on IRON MAIDEN's "Fear of the Dark", we hear Blaze Bayley singing and doing a fine job; on "Rock 'till Death", Hansi Kürsch, from BLIND GUARDIAN, appears with his silky and rough voice; on DIO's "Egypt (The Chains are On)", it's time for Chris Caffery; and on the anthem "Balls to the Wall", from ACCEPT, Udo Dirkschneider (former vocalist of the band) sings with Doro. So, all is set for this album be considered a great live album...and it really is, indeed!

From her last studio album ("Raise Your Fist", from 2012), there are three songs on it. But the rest are really a fine set for one of the most outstand personalities in the German Metal scene. The best shots: the energy that flows of "On the Run" (that starts with fine orchestral arrangements, but soon the Heavy Rock scent of her music burns by the speakers, showing a great work of the Goddess voice), the blow in the face called "Save My Soul" (what lovely and heavy guitar arrangements), the raw live energy that is presented on "Raise You Fist in the Air" (a great and fine chorus, and the live version is way better than the studio one. On the Goddess' orders, raise you fucking fists!), the modern and heavy touch shown on "Revenge" (what a fine work of bass guitar and drums), and the hymn called "You're My Family" (a catching song, and I believe the lyrics is somehow linked to the fans). But to hear some hymns from WARLOCK once more, as "Earthshaker Rock", "Hellbound", "Für Immer" and "All We Are" is really incredible and warms our hearts. Of course is fine to hear the band's version for "Fear of the Dark" (a great work from Doro and Blaze on vocals), "Egypt (The Chains are On)" and "Balls to the Wall" (where I must say that Udo's energy seems to not be the same of the past), and they are great as well.

All that's left to say is that "Strong and Proud: 30 Years of Rock and Metal" is a fine way to celebrate 30 years of Doro's excellent career, but as well clear that our Metal Goddess can stay with us for more 30 years, which I am very hopeful for!