History
These unlikely Bradford power metallers were formed in 1998, but owing to their sound like to claim an inception dating back to 1980. In fact, the band’s pure and vintage power metal sound – not to mention lyrics and denim outfits - would support such a claim. The demo Priests Of Metal lead to a Conquest Of Steel/Evanesce split in 2003 and a full-length in 2004.
The May Your Blade Never Dull of 2007 featured rerecorded material from the Priests Of Metal release as well as a new song. Chris was temporarily out of the band in September of 2007 after he broke his hand and was replaced by a John Savage. The group toured the Benelux with Scavenger. Germany and UK were also visited. Hammer And Fist was issued in 2007.
Reviews
CONQUEST OF STEEL – Same – NO FACE 
Conquest Of Steel is to heavy metal what The Darkness was to rock music. There is a slight shadow of a doubt regarding whether the group is completely, utterly and irretrievably serious, but other than that this is vintage heavy metal with a hint of Iron Maiden. The savage riffing, screaming vocals, odes to the veracity of heavy metal and patches on denim jackets leave little room for false styles and posers.
Take song titles like Only The Devil Can Stop Us Now, Bitch Of Steel, Hard Rockin’ Steel and Metal Witch. This is the stuff that has barely survived in the dark corners of Germany and Holland. The fact that these guys hail from Yorkshire in the UK adds to the marvel.
The band’s edge has been dulled due to a cheap production, although even that is probably true to the group’s roots. Fans who were banging heads in 1981 or still live for that stuff need to get Conquest Of Steel. – Anna Tergel
CONQUEST OF STEEL – MAY YOUR BLADE NEVER DULL – NO FACE 
Conquest Of Steel’s May Your Blade Never Dull is a British metal band with allegiances to early ‘80s metal, NWOBHM and very early Savatage and Iron Maiden. Yeah, I know, how ironic that the group hails from the United Kingdom!
May Your Blade Never Dull is a 2005 production, 2006 release that is signed off in 2007. The mini album contains old songs from the Priests Of Metal disc that band independently issued and a newer song. The biggest difference between the songs here and the band’s eponymous debut is the vocals of Dan Durrant. There is less power and enthusiasm here compared to the full-length. It is to the band’s detriment; otherwise the songs are vintage hard rock that occasionally sounds like Slough Feg. The best is left for last which is where the old number Steel Is The Law sits. – Anna Tergel
CONQUEST OF STEEL – HAMMER & FIST – NO FACE
I believe Conquest Of Steel has fallen victim to the classic ‘sophomore album syndrome.’ The album’s aggressive name, violent cover and promotional shot of the denim-clad band all indicate otherwise, but Hammer & Fist is not quite as aggressive as the band’s earlier music. Just check out the video of the band’s earlier songs on the group’s website!
Several songs drag on too long, the melodies dominate, the vocal harmonies are excruciating and the Maiden-isms are confined to melody not heaviness (or genius) of the NWOBHM leaders. On the plus side, the band is pure traditional metal and good songs exist. I Am Legend is inspired by Running Wild, while Call Of The Wild is a good cut.
Conquest of Steel needs to cut out the numerous harmonies, cease beginning every track with either and intro or acoustic segment and adopt real metal as its mantra again. And, oh, please stop singing about “Valhalla” and “Valkyrie” or worse combing them into one song. It has been done to death. – Anna Tergel
Interviews
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