It would be hard to be over critical towards a musician who has remained a force for quarter of a century in the ever choppy seas of Heavy Metal. Whatever your thoughts on DORO PESCH and her band WARLOCK, it can’t be argued that she has long cemented her place in Metal history, a benchmark for all other women who strive to make an impact in a overly packed male dominion.

And what a career she has had and is still having. Aside from the music I remember Metal Hammer magazine periodically issuing massive, life size poster of Miss Pesch much to the chagrin of this reviewer… any way I digress, in the 80’s DORO was hot stuff and a hot topic with regular radio and video play and magazine coverage it wasn’t only her looks that got attention.

So twenty five years on and a new album, ‘’Fear No Evil’’ sees DORO deliver much as you’d expect from her. There’s fist pumping anthems, ‘’The Night Of The Warlock’’ and ‘’Celebrate’’ being a particular highlight, up-tempo bruisers like ‘’Caught In The Battle’’, or the rousing emotional spirit shown to the fans on ‘’25 Years’’, however it’s on the three ballads that DORO stands out and showcases a voice that has served her so well over the years.

I wouldn’t say that this record is an essential purpose for all but the most ardent of DORO fans but then again I’d like to think that any liberal Metal head would take time out to appreciate a True Metal warrior still giving it plenty in passion and in commitment.

(Online March 4, 2009)