STEMS

CONQUEROR are from Italy and this is their fifth studio album. My favourite of the four I own is still the debut. I was surprised to see that Sabrina who played sax and flute has left prior to this recording. She joined the band for their second release. So like the debut we get a four piece of keys, bass, drums and guitar along with the pleasant vocals of Simona.

"Gina" is the longest track at 11 minutes. I enjoy the first 2 1/2 minutes with those nice female vocals and especially the prominent bass and guitar at times. The instrumental interlude after 2 1/2 minutes is hit and miss for me. I really like the start of it but not the sound before 4 minutes or 5 minutes in. The guitar before 6 1/2 minutes is enjoyable though. Vocals are back before 7 1/2 minutes as it calms down. "Di Notte" features a lot of synths that I like during the instrumental interlude. Back to the vocal led music which is okay. The instrumental section is back but much longer this time and it starts with those synths I like but developes into a heavier sound before the guitar starts to lead until synths end it.

"False Idee" sounds great when the guitar comes in soloing in a relaxed manner. This gives way to pulsating keys as the instrumental work continues. Soon the guitar and pulsating keys join forces. Vocals arrive 4 minutes in with strummed guitar in this mellow section. Drums join in as well as the vocals become double tracked. This helps as her voice isn't that strong. "Un'altra Realta" is another laid back piece with the vocals leading the way along with the steady drumming. It turns instrumental before 1 1/2 minutes with plenty of keyboards. The vocals return then it ends with a long instrumental section.

"Sole Al Buio" is laid back with relaxed vocals. A much better sound 2 1/2 minutes in when it turns instrumental, especially the bass. Then the guitar takes over with a repetitive melody and pulsating synths that come and go. A change before 4 1/2 minutes and then we get some aggressive organ which surprised me the first time I heard it but man this is a welcomed change. It's followed by a really good guitar solo where he doesn't hold back. Then back to the vocal led piece as it began. "C'est La Vie" is different with more passionate vocals, well a little more passionate. They are the focus until a synth solo before 1 1/2 minutes. Guitar then takes over before a calm with piano before 3 minutes. I like the sound that follows though. The guitar is back before 4 minutes as the song continues to change in tempo and mood.

"Sigurta" features reserved vocals that come in fairly early and the sound is very relaxed until both are pumped up a few notches. An intrumental break follows with a variety of keyboard sounds throughout. A calm 5 minutes in as we get that opening soundscape again as it builds. Beautiful guitar leads follow. So good. It stays instrumental to the end with the keyboards leading the charge including some aggressive moments late. "Echi Di Verita" is my favourite. I really like the instrumental sound that we get for the first 4 minutes. A definite highlight for me. Vocals 4 1/2 minutes in as it settles back. Back to that instrumental sound after 6 minutes to the end. A great way to end it.

I can't give this anything higher than 3 stars but it does have it's moments.