Having remained an integral part of the metal community for thirty-five years, Doro Pesch rightly earned herself the title Queen of Heavy Metal, and her upcoming new album demonstrates more than a few reasons why. ‘Forever Warriors, Forever United’ will be the singer’s thirteenth solo album, her twentieth overall from her time in Warlock to present day, and also explores new pastures for the German Metal Royal.
Having found herself with a wealth of inspiration personally, politically and in tribute to her fallen friend, the much beloved Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, Doro split her latest record in two over twenty-five new tracks, making it her first ever double-album, one chock full of Heavy Metal anthems and the other, an enchanting, melodic endeavour.
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‘Forever Warriors’ sets in motion the heavier dimension of this two parter, ushering in a wave of hard rock and metal belters by inducting listeners with the records leading single, “All For Metal”. A number that celebrates the spirit of the genre, with its harmonising ensemble and collective chants that prove difficult not to surrender to. If this doesn’t get the blood boiling, some interesting collaborations, and specifically a duet done in unconventional fashion may just do the trick, though as far as duets go, this one misses the benchmark.
“If I Can’t Have You, No One Will” sees Doro reunite with Amon Amarth vocalist Johan Hegg after she lent her vocal talents to the band on their song “A Dream That Cannot Be”. Unfortunately, where there last effort saw the two producing a strong track, this time around the only thing they manage to deliver is one uncomfortably long juxtaposition. When it comes to Hegg’s vocals over this edgy ballad, against the fervent musical backdrop, Hegg’s usual channeling of his inner beast not only clashes with Doro’s more relevant approach, it unfortunately fails to deliver.
Part blisteringly good metal, part peculiar choices, ‘Forever Warriors, Forever United’ picks up whatever slack might have been leftover in its first disc in its remarkable latter half. ‘Forever United’ is a collection of songs from Doro’s more soulful side and even echoes some of her work on the classic ‘Love Me In Black’ era. The ascending “Lift Me Up” lives among the best of the ballads while the unforgettable”1’000 Years”, the heartbreaking “Heartbroken” and the moving “Cuts So Deep” all play their part in the composition of this beautiful collection of songs. Cherry topped with a Lemmy inspired track aptly titled “Living Life To The Fullest” and a cover of Motorhead’s “Lost In The Ozone”, had she chosen to do so, ‘Forever United’ could have easily succeeded as a standalone album on its own merit.
‘Forever Warriors, Forever United’ is the most generous installment in Doro’s career to date. It welcomes a wide demographic and has enough well executed variances of Rock and Metal to please most, if not all who give it a spin. If stronger in some areas than others, the Queen of Heavy Metal has returned with a deep, daring and in some cases dazzling Doro record that will indeed further unite her loyal legion.