Konquest is a new wave of traditional heavy metal (NWOTHM) band from Italy formed in 2019 by Alex Rossi. Since the inception, he has been hard at work putting out two full-length albums and gathering a great group of live musicians. In 2022, Konquest came onto my radar after I heard their most recent album, "Time and Tyranny." The passion behind the vocals excited me to listen, and if you love early Iron Maiden, this one is for you. I caught up with the mastermind behind the band, Alex Rossi.
Alex, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions for 121dbmag. Konquest is from Prato, Tuscany. Tell us what the music scene is like there? Any go-to clubs or spots to see metal?
Hi there! Well, there’s not a big scene here actually, only a few concerts with metalcore bands occasionally, old school metal doesn’t exist at all here. There are some historic bands here like Strana Officina and Sabotage that are still playing these days, but not a new wave of traditional metal scene for real.
The only club that promotes some old school stuff is the Circus Club in Florence; during the past few years, they brought bands like Hirax, Assassin, Holocaust, Tyrant, and many others that I never thought I’d see one day near here!
Give us the history: How and when did Konquest begin?
Konquest was born in my room during fall 2019, with the idea to propose metal the old way. I always listened to metal since I was very young but mainly played hardcore punk (which I always and still like very much), but the need to start a heavy metal project was too strong and so I did.
Alex Rossi, you are the mastermind behind the band. Can you explain your writing process?
It’s very easy: when an idea comes to my mind, I record a “draft” (such a big word to describe it) on my phone, and then I imagine the arrangements and all the other instruments. Then when the idea is completely formed, I record a demo, and that’s all. Sometimes it takes a long time to write stuff because I’m the only composer, but I can work it out in some way.
For both full-length records, I see that you not only played all the instruments but also recorded and mixed the records as well. What was that experience like, and what were the biggest challenges you overcame while recording?
For me, it’s easier to write, play, and record all by myself because no one can say anything about it (laughs), jokes apart, it’s really the way I prefer, since it’s simply quicker to do. And also because I have many experiences with recording bands from here and I love doing it; sometimes it’s better than playing live. But this is only a personal taste.
The only challenge during recording is that it’s hard to press play on the PC and then run to the drums while recording (laughs).
In recent years, there has been a new wave of old school traditional heavy metal resurgence. Who are some of your favorites and why?
My favorite bands are not so many, but I’ll try: Blazon Stone because their tribute to Running Wild is simply perfect. Cauldron and Spell because of their sadness and homesickness in their songs. And obviously, the mighty Eternal Champion! I met them in Athens last year; very nice people.
Both “The Night Goes On” and “Time and Tyranny” are such great albums. Out of the two records, what one song would you pick to have someone listen to first to showcase the band and why?
Maybe "Warrior From A Future World” from “Time and Tyranny.” That song contains all the moods I try to transmit in my music and all the riffing styles I prefer. Check it!
I saw that Konquest played a few festivals this year. How was that experience?
Wonderful experiences, every one of them. We played the first gig in Athens in June 2022 at the Up the Hammers Festival; it was really emotional because it was the first gig indeed, but it was great also. We didn’t play perfectly, but it doesn't matter. Greece is the best place to play metal! And the Keep It True Rising experience was great too, everything so professional. We played at 12 am (never played SO early!) but the place was already half full; that was great. Then in 2023, we played at Heavy Metal Thunder festival in the Czech Republic; that was awesome, such a great situation, I recommend that to everyone; that’s a great event.
Any touring or show plans for the near future?
To organize a tour is very hard these days, but we have some concerts planned in Europe in some nice places. You will see!
What’s next for Konquest?
At the moment, I’m finishing the demos for a new album; I’m like at the 60% point of the writing process. Still missing the lyrics, which is the hardest thing to write; I’m not so nice in that! But you will have some news asap. Thank you so much for this interview!