When I first discovered the NWOBHM, I devoured an Italian language book listing all the major albums of the scene. Both for its cover art and its sound, “Dark Waters” could easily have been included among them. In fact, with their third album, the Piedmont based band KONQUEST confirms its status as one of the most authentic and inspired acts on the contemporary traditional Heavy Metal scene. The project, led by the multifaceted talent of Alex Rossi, abandons any pretensions of modernism to immerse itself completely in the sounds of NWOBHM, succeeding in the difficult feat of sounding genuine. From the very first notes, it is possible to sense an atmosphere that harks directly back to the early ’80s. The production is a key element of the album, as it eschews the clinical perfection of digital recording to embrace a raw, warm and deeply organic sound, faithfully recreating the sensations experienced in England during the first Heavy Metal boom. The bass pulses with a strong physical presence and the guitars maintain a sharp, natural tone. The compositions are built on solid foundations, featuring galloping riffs and melodic passages that stick in your head from the very first listen, demonstrating a maturity in songwriting. Rossi’s vocals give the album a distinctive identity and an almost artisanal feel that makes it unique. “Dark Waters” doesn’t set out to revolutionize the genre, but celebrates it with such passion and technical skill that it’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to perpetuate the cult of Heavy Metal. It’s an album of pure sonic craftsmanship that reaffirms how, at the heart of the Italian underground, the flame of classic Heavy Metal still burns with blinding intensity. Be sure to check them out at https://konquest.bandcamp.com and their label at www.facebook.com/noremorserecordsgreece