Black Moor
The Conquering

September 2009
Released: n/a, Diminshed Fifth Records
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Alan Gilkeson

Young Canadian classic styled metallers Black Moor attempt old school metal, influenced by Maiden, Priest, Megadeth, and Metallica. Mostly mid-paced and guitar oriented, their emulation of 80s styled Metal feels new enough that they almost pull off quite a coup, delivering the occasional nice song, catchy chorus, and terrific solo.



The opener 'Beyond Hell' features a twin guitar attack, reminiscent of early Priest, and this philosophy is repeated throughout the album, fostering some highlight moments like the intro to 'The Human Disease' and 'Death to The False Emperor'. Certainly, the disc's finest moment comes in the form of 'Breath of The Dying', a mid-paced number that's very atmospheric, with sweet crescendos leading to breaks and the chorus.



The vocals are a bit suspect, somewhat similar to a young Hetfield, yet even more monotone and lacking range. Quite possibly a new singer is in order, though his voice cracks just enough to sound a bit thrash, he's still missing notes here and there. There's a few bad songs as well, leading that race is the corny title track, 'The Conquering' which goes Manowarish, chanting the band name in the chorus, it comes across bush league. Still, a nice debut. If they keep at it, they just might do something.