The Singer
Dorothee Pesch, known in the music world as Doro Pesch or just Doro, is a German heavy metal singer and the former singer of the German heavy metal band Warlock.
She started her musical career in a time when metal wasn’t very women-friendly, the 80s. Women in rock had to have an overly sexualized image to appeal to a mainly man-dominated audience. But Doro never accepted that, and she kept true to her personal image and music. She is committed to music. She chose not to get married or have kids to dedicate all her time to her music career and fans.
What I’ve always liked about her is, besides her music, her attitude. She’s not delicate, she’s powerful and plays by her own rules, and keeps going, singing and playing, no matter what. Just for her love of music, while being all dressed in black leather, as a symbol of power (synthetic leather, because she’s a vegan and a supporter of animal rights).
Band Members
- Doro Pesch – vocals
- Bas Maas – guitars
- Bill Hudson – guitars
- Stefan Herkenhoff – bass, keyboards
- Johnny Dee – drums
The Album
Conqueress – Forever Strong and Proud, is Doro’s solo studio album, N°14. Released on October 27, 2023.
The album contains powerful songs, a heavy metal style with a vintage sound, almost 80s vibe in some songs. And counts with some collaborations like Rob Halford of Judas Priest in two songs and Sammy Amara of The Broilers in one track.
The Songs
The album starts with Children of the Dawn. Heavy metal song, but almost like a battle anthem. Epic introduction with bagpipes and choirs. Power metal hymn to enter battle. Great way to start an album.
Fire in the Sky. Classic heavy metal, leaning into speed metal. I liked this song more than the first track.
Then comes the first collaboration with Rob Halford. They do a cover of his band Judas Priest’s iconic song Living After Midnight. It’s difficult to cover such a famous song, but they do a good version. Two heavy metal legends singing like two old friends.
All For You. A rock song, heavy, that starts as a ballad.
Lean Mean Rock Machine. Starts with motorcycle sounds. Rock song, with good riffs and a catchy chorus.
I Will Prevail. My favorite song on the album. A heavier song that provides strength. About keep fighting, always.
Bond Unending. A collaboration with Sammy Amara from The Broilers (German punk rock band). They’re friends and the song is about that. An ode to friendship. Melodic and sweet. A bit corny, but I like it.
Time for Justice. Love the guitar work here.
Fels in der Brandung (rock on the shore). Beautiful ballad. She sings to someone who is her support, thankful.
The songs Love Breaks Chains, Drive Me Wild, Rise, and Heavenly Creatures are songs that have an 80s feel, of old-school heavy metal, super catchy, so of course I liked them.
Best in Me is a power ballad. Beautiful, very emotional.
The last song of the album is a cover of Bonnie Tyler’s mega classic Total Eclipse of the Heart. Amazing. I’ve always loved this song, and this cover just gave this song a new life. It counts with Rob Halford of Judas Priest, again, singing back and forth with Doro. And Rob’s high voice mixed with Doro’s raspy voice made the perfect combination. A duet with The Metal God and The Metal Queen. Simply beautiful and majestic.
Final Thoughts
It’s a good album. What I love the most about Doro is that she has never changed her appearance or music style to become more commercially successful. She has always kept true to her essence, musically and visually, and she’s still rocking her heart out and has become an institution of German heavy metal in the same category as her compatriot, Udo Dirkschneider.
Tracklist
1) Children of the Dawn
2) Fire in the Sky
3) Living After Midnight (feat. Rob Halford)
4) All For You
5) Lean Mean Rock Machine
6) I Will Prevail
7) Bond Unending (feat. Sammy Amara)
8) Time for Justice
9) Fels in der Brandung
10) Love Breaks Chains
11) Drive Me Wild
12) Rise
13) Best in Me
14) Heavenly Creatures
15) Total Eclipse of the Heart (feat. Rob Halford)