For forty years now, Doro Pesch has been one of the most recognisable voices in heavy metal. Since the Warlock days with classics like "Burning The Witches," "All We Are," and "I Rule The Ruins," she's been a true pioneer for women in metal, well and truly earning her nickname "the metal queen" even before launching a successful solo career. "Conqueress - Forever Strong And Proud" is her fourteenth studio album since performing under her mononym and there will no doubt be some who wonder if after so long she's lost her touch. Never doubt the queen!

"Conqueress - Forever Strong And Proud" is a fitting fortieth-anniversary celebration, as it feels like something of a "best of," compiling all the things that Doro's fans come to expect from the veteran singer. There's a throwback to the likes of "Three Minute Warning" with such fast-paced neck breakers as "Fire In The Sky," one of the true highlights on an album with plenty competing for the tag, getting the heart racing and blood pumping. Elsewhere "Time For Justice" is a great, thumping song that will get live crowds singing along for sure, while "All For You," begins like one Doro's trademark ballads, but soon becomes an absolute stormer a la modern Judas Priest.

Speaking of Judas Priest, vocalist Rob Halford makes not one, but two appearances on the album, helping to cover his own song, "Living After Midnight," which is a faithful take on the original recording, as well as another cover, this time Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse Of The Heart." Again, this isn't a million miles away from the original version, but it's well done and a decent listen. There are two original ballads on the record too, a style Doro has become known for as much as her hard-rocking tunes, and of the two, "Fels in der Brandung," seems the more memorable. Sung in English verses with a German chorus, it's a touching song, seemingly about those we can depend on the most.

Of course, there's far more here than slow ballads and runaway freight train speeds, with some really good songs throughout the album, with "Drive Me Wild" being another highlight that will get stuck in the listener's head. "I Will Prevail" constantly feels like it could be going faster, but maintains a mean, snarling pace, something akin to classic era Megadeth, while "Bond Unending," a relatively short song, is a perfect choice of a single, being really catchy and featuring a good performance from special guest Sammy Amara. One of the surprises was "Love Breaks Chains," which begins with a tinkling piano before becoming a heavy metal anthem, steadily building up during the verses.

Some legends fade, others burn out, others remain heroes forever and Doro definitely belongs in that last category. The metal queen still draws big attendances in Europe and with "Conqueress - Forever Strong And Proud," she's given each of those people some truly brilliant new heavy metal to experience. It's undeniably one of her best solo albums to date and offers so much to enjoy. Fans will be playing this one back again and again and probably have a different favourite song every time. Those who don't like old school, sometimes corny heavy metal music probably won't be drawn to this record too much, but for everyone else, it's a real treat. Hail the queen!