Review: Black Moor – The Conquering (2009)
Yes! Leave it to the Canadians to bring me back to my senses! After listening to the disappointing new Ravage I really needed a pick me up, and holy Moses, Black Moor is that pick me up!
I know after writing this that many of the Ravage fanboys who will be hovering around AMR for the next week or so, will groan upon reading about my interest in Black Moor, so it’s probably somewhat necessary to make a few comparisons, though I don’t think it’s really fair to Black Moor, I will do it anyway since my review of the latest Ravage is only but a few days old. The reason why I dig Black Moor more than the new Ravage CD is not because of technical proficiency or some fetish I have with Canadian music, it has to do with sheer enjoyment. As a musical entity, Ravage is spot on, they really are, and I mentioned that in my review. However, the vocals of Al Ravage completely eliminate any lasting interest I have in the album. Black Moor on the other hand do not try to reach for an echelon that is realistically out of their reach. On The Conquering you hear a raw classic heavy metal band that is reminiscent of classic NWOBHM moments both musically and spiritually. Ravage tried much too hard to push themselves into the same breath as our classic metal heroes of the 80’s (consciously or not), but the band’s aspirations have actually limited their success instead of harnessing it. The Conquering is a ruckus of an album, and I believe that’s all it’s meant to be. It’s like comparing “Balls to the Wall” to “Seventh Son of A Seventh Son,” both songs are great and memorable, but one is just a fun anthem while the latter relies on technicality and “epic-ness” to succeed. If a band aims too high before they can realistically grasp that level, one can’t expect greatness.
Alright, enough with comparisons. I enjoy The Conquering because it’s a fun time from a band that is comfortable with what they have. Punk is great when done right because of bands who can take advantage of their talents and run with them, and I think Black Moor is the equivalent to that in the world of metal, as was the case in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I think once Black Moor takes on the U.S. with a tour, the cat will be out of the bag and Americans will understand what true classic heavy metal can bring to the table in the 21st century.
The Conquering won’t likely go down in the annals of history as the great re-awakening of classic heavy metal, but it’s good, and a solid addition to anyone’s collection.
GOOD
Top Tracks: Beyond Hell, Warshark, The Blood Moor
Similar Artists: 3 Inches of Blood, Wolf, Goat Horn, Iron Maiden
1. Beyond Hell
2. The Conquering
3. Warshark
4. The Human Disease
5. Death to the False Emperor
6. Fiend
7. The Blood Moor
8. Red Blood, Cold Steel
9. Acid Biker
10. Breath of the Dying
Eric Hanlin – Guitar/Lead Vocals
Nick Jones – Guitar
Rob Nickerson – Bass guitar
Sylvain Coderre – Drums
http://www.myspace.com/blackmoormain
Review by CODY
too fuckin good.