Formed in 1988 in St. Louis, Missouri, Conquest is a heavy metal institution with thrash and power metal contours from the Midwest of the United States. Under the leadership of vocalist and guitarist Derrick Brumley, the quartet released its tenth studio album, "Paradox", in April via Dark Star Records. Conceived in the midst of the pandemic and strongly influenced by it both in form and content, the album is capable of surprising, surpassing releases from more established groups on the best of the year lists. In this exclusive chat, Brumley provides some interesting details about the creative process and diversity that makes Conquest a name to be discovered by listeners who stick to the mainstream.

Marcelo Vieira

"Paradox" is described as Conquest's most complete album to date. Could you explain what that means? Is it the musical variety? The lyrical themes?...

"Paradox" is a complete record for us due to strong and very diverse songs. A very true heavy metal record. Musically and lyrically all 15 original tracks have a distinct and definitely a conquest sound, but with quite a bit of diversity.

The press release mentions that the album took 3 years to make. What were the biggest challenges faced during this period? Did the pandemic influence the songwriting for "Paradox"?

The biggest challenge on this record was that most of it was put together during the pandemic, which made some things complicated and then some ways something's easier. And yes, assault riding was influenced by the pandemic. So I was like Babylon America. World of hate. Just to name a few that came out of that period when it came to lyrical content.

Can you describe the songwriting process in Conquest? Is it collaborative, or do you take the lead on most songs?

So definitely install writing. It is a collaboration of all the musicians in the band. Yes, I do bring in most of the themes and write the lyrics but the guys participate in vibe and in sound throughout the record. Some songs are written as a group and then some songs are written as individual parts and put together with the band. We try to do everything in one room. It seems to be a lot more cohesive when doing so.

'Walking Dead', 'Writings On The Wall,' and 'Babylon America' are cited as standout tracks. Could you tell us a bit more about the inspiration behind these songs and what makes them special to you?

The cards that are behind the 'Walking Dead' are pretty much taken from all the drug abuse used in the streets and on every street corner, at least in America, there's a walking dead person. If he's not there now, he's coming to a town near you. If we go into the 'Writings On The Wall' that track is pretty much self-explanatory again. Documentary format of the current situation in America. So that's kind of a deep track representing the politics and the sign of the times. You go into 'Babylon America'. That's a deep track written during the pandemic. First part of the song was definitely written when we couldn't go anywhere. Nobody knew what was going on, how things were going to pan out and it developed over the course of the next four months, I would say before that song was put together looking for a strong upbeat, aggressive vibe, but with a dark overtone lyric that represents the fall of a great nation a parallel to the old biblical Babylon.

The song that caught my attention the most, however, was 'Save Me.' What lies behind its provoking lyrics?

'Save Me' was a very cool track to put together. Old school vibe with some modern twists. Lyrically, it came together with the Fentanyl crisis going on in America and all the heroin abuse with all the young kids falling victim to this unpredictable and unnecessary abuse of our society which gave birth to the song saved me because we definitely need to be saved.

The album features a cover of the classic 'Man On The Silver Mountain' by Rainbow. What motivated the choice of this song for the cover?

Covering the song 'Man On The Silver Mountain' by Rainbow was an easy choice for me. It was a song that has always been in my playlist from when I was a kid and to me is one of those songs that stunned. It's just a time very influential in my childhood. Ronnie James Dio and Rainbow and then Dio moved on to Black Sabbath again. Very influential.

It's impossible to talk about the album without mentioning your unique vocal style. How does it contribute to Conquest's sound? In your opinion, is this the band's main distinguishing feature?

Well, I guess addressing my vocals never really considered to be unique. I think I have a distinct sound, but always strive to make a good vocal, whether it be heavy, whether it be soft, depending on what the track might be, but no, I think that the band has a lot of unique sounds. I think Mike's lead guitar work is distinct, and its own right. I also think that Rob's bass plane has a really unique flair that a lot of bass players don't have anymore. The art of playing with lead performance involved in it has kind of lost its way and he does a great job with that. Lee's outstanding, strong, aggressive, phenomenal ability to read a song is just very transforming when it comes to helping the music alone. So I would say that the sound that is created is of the band, not just the vocal.

You handled the production and mixing of "Paradox." How was the experience of recording the album as a band while also taking on this additional role?

The production on the record I've handled for the last I don't know, 20 years. I have definitely had some ups and downs throughout the years with production getting it right. But I think we've got it right and I think the sound is very complementary. I don't like overproduced records. I like records that sound like a band of instead of a producer. So we try to keep a very natural and live feel to the mix. I think we accomplished that on "Paradox" I think everything is clean, clear, and strong and you hear every instrument in the mix and get to identify with what it brings to the table. Not to mention I'm very, very into production and keeping the sound in a real format is very important to me. So we work hard to do so. It's fun as well. Very hands-on kind of guy when it comes to production and what things sound like.

Although "Paradox" is a pure heavy metal album, there are many flavors to choose from. Could you tell us a bit more about the different influences the band incorporated into the album?

Well, thank you for noticing, yes, "Paradox". This record is very diverse. It was a whole lot of fun putting it together because of that. Actually, I would say our influence is shine from Judas Priest, Iron Maiden some old school thrash and Testament some old school hard rock and Queen. All kinds of influence shining through on this record. I would say, but when we make a record, we really try hard to keep our own identity without running off into someone else's territory. It's easy to do because everything has been done on this. Case scenario, I think we incorporated just enough influence with our own trick bag thrown in there and then just some good straightforward hard rock, heavy metal tunes.

Considering these different influences, does the band plan to explore new sonic horizons in future releases?

We always travel down new ideas when we make new records. I can't think of one Conquest record that sounds like the last without losing our identity. We try hard to not repeat every idea every time on the same wavelength of music because as time travels on in history, music changes and the perception of music changes. But I still think that an old school idea, at least for Conquest, is where we'll stay.

Conquest formed in 1989. Can you tell us a bit about the early days of the band? What was the metal scene like in the Midwest back then, and how did it influence Conquest's sound?

1989 was the first time we released a full length record. Prior to that was demo work. We started up in the 80s early on, but we matured in 1989 to a full length record. So yes, that was the period where heavy metal was at its maximum potential in society. So it was good, it was bad. We were a heavy metal band in a world of pop metal. So the Midwest was very MTV driven. We always got everything late in the Midwest, but we did well for ourselves. Played throughout the Midwest and the surrounding states and went back to a harder edge sound in the late 90s.

How has the band's sound evolved over the years while still staying true to its roots? What's the secret to staying true to its roots?

Well, I would say the evolution of time and knowledge makes a band that stays together evolve whether you like it or not. Your sound changes a little bit. Staying true to the old school is pretty simple for us because we don't try to be something we're not. A lot of bands chase ideas, trends, and fads. We tend not to do that. We're a heavy metal band with a lot of variation and a lot of depth to the music. And lyrical content. Most things we do have a variation not big on 45 minutes or so of one long song.

You have a show scheduled with Burning Witches in July. Are there plans for a more extensive tour to promote "Paradox"?

Yes, we have a few shows booked for summer. There'll be a lot more shows in late fall, early winter Definitely more will be announced to keep your eye out.

What would you like to say to Conquest fans who are enjoying "Paradox"? And for those who haven't heard it yet, what's your message?

As always music is a journey. This record is no different. "Paradox" has a lot of peaks and valleys. And if you like heavy metal, I think you'll dig this record. You should check it out for sure. Love. Sure. Lot of aggression and a lot of true angst towards societies downfalls. Check it out. "Paradox". And if you have not checked out the record, you should go do so now. Conquestmetal.com and where music is sold.