REVIEW: OLYMPOS MONS – Conquistador

 

OLYMPOS MONS – Conquistador

Limb Music

When I first heard the name Olympos Mons, my mind immediately went to ancient Greece and the gods on Mount Olympus. But it turns out, the band's inspiration is far more cosmic! Their name actually points to Olympus Mons, that absolutely massive volcano on Mars – the biggest one we know of in our entire solar system. And let me tell you, it's a fitting name, because this Martian behemoth is truly immense, stretching 700 kilometers wide and towering 22 kilometers high, making it the highest point on the Red Planet.

Now, onto the music. The moment "Conquistador" kicked in, my ears perked up, thinking of power metal legends Running Wild. There’s a definite shared vibe, and both bands certainly play power metal, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Olympos Mons truly embraces the melodic power metal sound of their native Finland. You'll definitely catch hints of bands like Stratovarius and Helloween, but what really sets them apart is how they weave in these cool Rainbow-esque elements. It gives them a flavor that’s distinctly their own.

Let's talk about the band members themselves. Ian Highhill on vocals and Jari Sundström on guitar deliver really solid performances. They're clearly skilled, even if they aren't trying to be flashy virtuosos. The album flows nicely from start to finish, even with a few stylistic shifts. And honestly, there are some real gems here. "Through the Ice and Snow" for example, totally hooked me with its catchy melodies and clever arrangements. They also toss in some progressive and even exotic touches, like eastern influences and orchestral textures, which sometimes brought to mind bands like Kamelot or Nightwish. Plus, the keyboard work is fantastic, especially those keyboard-driven intros that add so much depth.

But if I had to pick just one track that really grabbed me, it's "The Last Light of the Moon." This song is a standout! It pulls you in with its awesome keyboard intro, then hits you with these riffs that scream Symphony X, all topped off with fantastic dual harmony vocals. While a lot of the album is above average, this particular track really resonated with me and truly shows what this band is capable of.

So, where does Olympos Mons land with "Conquistador"? Looking back at its 2004 release, this album showed a promising entry into the power metal scene. Often, a band starts by drawing from established sounds before truly finding their unique voice. While Olympos Mons ultimately disbanded, "Conquistador" remains a testament to their serious potential at the time. If you're a power metal fan keen on exploring the genre's past, this album is definitely worth a listen to hear a band that, even if fleeting, had something to offer.

Nick Parastatidis