I don’t know about you, but I’m sick to the back teeth of hearing how rock/metal is dead. Absolute steamin’ bullshit. With stonking new releases this year from the likes of Judas Priest, Accept and a new AC/DC album in the can, I would say the heart of this enduring art form is beating loud. But what of the new crop? Well a couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of seeing Conjuring Fate live in Dublin, as support to power metallers Dragonforce. This five piece metal machine from Northern Ireland blew me away that night. And this EP ain’t bloody bad either.
Kicking off with the title track, House On Haunted Hill, a real bone crunching metal track, which wouldn’t be out of place on some early Priest albums. With brilliantly executed guitars from Phil Horner and Karl Gibson, this is classic sounding metal at it’s best. My only criticism of next track Mirror Mirror, is that the production is a bit loose on the chorus, but apart from that, it keeps the metal vibe pumping with a outstanding guitar solo.
Closing track Backwoods Witch closes proceedings in majestic style. With an arresting chorus, menacingly delivered by vocalist Tommy Daly, and once again featuring a virtuoso guitar solo, this time with a helping hand from Stormzone axeman Steve Moore.
If you love hearing new metal bands, this 3 track EP will leave you wanting more. I suppose the best compliment I can pay Conjuring Fate is that if this EP was released around the time the likes of Metallica and Maiden were turning heads, i have no doubt they would be bloody huge today. Such is the strength of their music.
Conjuring Fate aren’t doing anything new here, they’re by no means trying to re- invent the “metal” wheel, this is straightforward, heads down, no nonsense heavy metal. So if your a seasoned brain shaker, and a proud metal flag waver like myself, this EP will not disappoint.
