ALBUM REVIEW: Conjuring Fate capture excitement on 'Valley of Shadows'

WHEN it comes to live shows few can capture the attention in the same way that Conjuring Fate do, but when committing songs so beloved by those who have seen the band to an album then it is a serious challenge. Could the CF team manage that feat on their album 'Valley of Shadows'?

Of course they can - did you ever doubt it?

Converting the energy and intensity from the live versions has been achieved what seems effortlessly, but that belies the work that has gone into produce an album brim full of superb tracks.

You could describe it as classic metal, NWOBHM inspired, or some other descriptive rubbish, but that would detract from what Conjuring Fate have captured on this release. There are immense choruses, searing melodic guitar lines, rolling rhythms, humour and seriousness all laid out to marvel in.

Sure, the influences are there for all to hear, not least in the riffing á la Maiden etc, but it is never a slavish take on that early era of the Irons and their kin. Rather it brings it bang up to date, adds elements of thrash, and the result is something that packs 11 songs of pure metallic joy.

The pacing of the album means that there is a sense of dynamism on the album. Whether it is the rampant roll of 'Dr Frankenstein' and 'Land of the Damned', or the measured fury of 'Trust No One' this is a complete picture of a band that has risen above being local contenders and now will be attracting attention from further afield.

And, also from further afield Conjuring Fate snagged a couple of guests for the release. Neil Fraser of Stagma/Rage of Angels lays down a guest solo on the re-worked 'Backwoods Witch' and Mordred's Scott Holderby provides guest vocals on 'Trust No One'.

And, it is the re-working of familiar tracks that really elevates 'Valley of Shadows'. The aforementioned 'Land of the Damned' has a tweaked mid-section. Also, the three tracks from the House On Haunted Hill ep release have been given a dusting down, a good shake up and sit proud to conclude the album.

Pic By Darren McVeigh

The performance throughout from Phil Horner and Karl Gibson on guitars is faultless. There are so many places to identify, but the work on 'Chasing Shadows' is an exemplar of what can be achieved.

In terms of energy you can picture Tommy Daly's congenial and creative stage presence on each of his vocal lines, and the passion for each lyric that he coaxes from his voice box.

'Primal Desire' has a contemporary feel in its structure and Daly tears each note from himself with obvious passion. And, there's a tasty solo there too...

There is not a bad track on this album in terms of execution and production. For an unsigned band to accomplish this speaks volumes about the talent within Conjuring Fate.

Keeping every track nailed down, Steve Legear (bass) and Bogdan Walczak (drums) are a formidable rhythm section, whether it be metronomic sensibility or flourishes they are provide the beating heart on 'Valley of Shadows' as displayed on the immense 'Apocalypse'.

From the opening track 'Our Darkest Days' outrageous intro effects to the last note this is an 11-song album that should - no must, be played loud.

We doff our caps to Tommy, Phil, Karl, Steve, and Bodgan. One senses that the quality here will propel Conjuring Fate way beyond the parochial slumber that many acts find themselves confined to. Already the 'Dr Frankenstein' (and accompanying video) was being hailed by reviewers across Europe. The album is sure to receive the same acclaim.

'Valley of Shadows' keeps giving with each play, keeps rewarding the listener...and we have pretty much had to suspend a lot of our other work with it being on repeat almost constantly.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

LIVE REVIEW: Triumphant album launch show as Conjuring Fate tear into the Valley of Shadows

THE much anticipated new Conjuring Fate album was unleashed in the Limelight2 on Saturday (10th December)...and what an event it turned out to be: celebratory, raucous, joyous and wondrous.

It was the last show of the year presented by The Distortion Project and a significant crowd of fans and local stars were there ready to be sated with their fill of Fate.

The vagaries of a public transport this close to Christmas meant there was no chance to catch A Little Bitter, who by all accounts wowed those seeing these talented rockers for the first time. With writing underway for their next release more 'Bitter shows will be forthcoming soon.

With confidence and composure Selene brought their symphonic metal with style and substance. Singer Shonagh has a tremendous range, and works the stage with stadium like grace.

What Selene have done so well on this Saturday is balance their set as they emerge as an ever stronger act. Their ability to switch tempos and still remain faithful to the symphonic roots is impressive.

John's guitar antics add a progressive flourish at times, but whether it is runs along the fret board or solid riffing he keeps the songs moving along. Equally Thomas (bass) and Cameron (drums) remain solid when needed but add delicate touches as exemplified on songs such as 'Memories'.

As Selene concluded their set there were still punters coming through the doors for Conjuring Fate - and when Tommy and co hit the stage none were disappointed.

There is an engaging quality with Conjuring Fate. The music and the way they conduct themselves on and off stage is always professional, but once they ascend the steps on to the stage they take on an almost otherworldly presence.

Panache and power combine as they weave musical patterns that beguile and leave all beaming from front to back of Limelight2.

The new album is revealed in all of its finery - and each tune, even the new ones unveiled is greeted with an almost rapturous welcome.

The strength of each song is further enhanced by the entire band enjoying themselves on stage. Each time they take to the stage Conjuring Fate elevate themselves, but on Saturday evening each and every member seems to be immensely proud of what they have achieved with 'Valley of Shadows'.

Karl and Phil joust on guitars, exchanging solos and mock rivalry as songs such as the first single from the album 'Dr Frankenstein' are played with precision.

Tommy, Steve (bass), Phil and Karl play all the metal tropes, that in lesser hands would be clichéd, but such is the enthusiasm and energy it is a celebration of every taut note, every meaty metal note is a joy to listen to and watch.

Nailing each beat Bogdan batters himself and the audience into submission as the band raise themselves to quite incredible heights. Tunes like 'Trust No One' are roared out by all and all enjoy each line, intonation and piece of stagecraft as 'Mirror, Mirror', Backwoods Witch and many more were aired.

Whether it was Phil roaming the venue, Tommy pushing the microphone into audience member's gobs to allow them to join in on choruses, or the rest of the band switching places on stage the energy was contagious.

Conjuring Fate have always been consummate performers, but on the event of this launch they took it to what - to coin a phrase - was another level.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Photos by Darren McVeigh, MetalplanetBelfast