New Horizon – Conquerors (2024)

The almost one man project is back! New Horizon is the Power Metal child of H.E.A.T. ‘s Jona Tee, who is responsible for almost all instruments with a vocalist being his only full member companion. His first album Gate of the Gods was very promising and hinted at a great potential for New Horizon. The announcement of Conquerors alone was enough to spread joy to fans of the genre, especially when it came with a pleasant surprise, namely the change of vocalist. Not because Erik Gronwall was lacking, but due to the fact that he was substituted by the incredible Nils Molin (Amaranthe, Dynazty)!!!

By looking at the cover you may be confused what a Roman Legionnaire has in common with a spaceship, but fortunately the concept is not a cheesy sci-fi opera. It is a thematic anthology, delving into pivotal moments in history and the remarkable individuals who have shaped them. So we travel from Jesus to Japan and from the creation of the nuclear bomb to humanity’s first journeys on the moon. 

The translation from theme to music is done in a way to capture the feeling of each story. Fallout War is more dark and aggressive, Apollo has a triumphant background and King of Kings is all about reverence. All share the common characteristic of having the unreal performance of Nils. He is the type of singer that will make a mid song sound great and a great song sound Fu***ng amazing!!!

A detail that makes the album so good, is the production that resembles the sound of great Hard Rock bands like Europe, Tyketo and of course H.E.A.T.. In reality New Horizon is how those bands would sound if they played Power Metal and I find that very refreshing. It is more than obvious that the background of Jona is responsible for this, so kudos! Since we are talking details, three guest guitarists have been called to arms to play some solos and it was a right call judging from how good they all are.

My only objection that applies to almost all bands, is having guest vocalists and limiting them on the ballad of the album. In our case I can forgive giving that role to Elize Ryd, because we can enjoy the duet of Elize and Nils on Amaranthe all the time. If that wasn’t the case, I would see it as a wasted opportunity to not have them sing a “proper” metal song.   

I was delighted to see New Horizon cashing on their potential so fast, with just their second album. The teaming of Jona and Nils is a blessed match that I hope will continue, with the latter establishing himself as one of the best Metal vocalists of today. Conquest does not only stand out in a year packed with new Power Metal music, but manages to stay invigorating start to finish. Must check! 

88/100

Pavlos Pavlakis

On behalf of Metal Domain