CONFLICTED – Never Be Tamed

Conflicted is a five-piece Progressive/Power Metal outfit hailing from Toronto, Canada. Formed in 2008, they have previously released two critically acclaimed EP’s and gained a respectable local fan base due to their live performances and even won a couple of awards in 2010. They were named “Best Metal Band” at the 2010 Toronto Independent Music Awards and also earned three awards at the ImageFM Radio 2010 Annual Independent Music Awards (Male Vocalist Of The Year, Guitarist Of The Year, and Progressive Single Of The Year).

Through all of those accolades, Conflicted have now blessed fans with their debut full length album Never Be Tamed. This album is an eclectic mix of many different types of Progressive and Power Metal. The music is centered on the extremely forceful vocals of Jason Orton and virtuoso guitar work of Mark Owen. There is an amazing chemistry that flows between Orton and Owen that is classically appealing. It is reminiscent of some of the great vocal/guitar teams of the past such as Plant/Page, Mercury/May, and Gillan/Blackmore.

Jason Orton is a truly gifted vocalist with incredible talent. Not only does he have a four-octave vocal range, he brings a remarkable sense of energy and excitement into each of his songs. You never know what direction he is going to take — one second he will be screaming for vengeance and the next he will be calming the storm. Orton originally studied and trained as a Baroque Opera-style singer. Coincidentally, he was approached by Yngwie Malmsteen’s management back in 2002 to audition for his band.

Mark Owen, on the other hand, plays a fervent Neo-classical guitar style true to the form of Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen. He even goes so far as to sport the signature Fender Stratocaster guitar of his heroes. Owen has amazing ability; he can put out some very strong and powerful riffs as well as perform lighting-fast guitar solos.

As far as the sound of Never Be Tamed, it could be compared to the last two Yngwie Malmsteen albums, featuring Ripper Owens on vocals. However, this album is arguably much better simply due to the raw aggressiveness and intense passion in the performances. Of the 11 tracks, all are equally outstanding. The most memorable song would be “The Hand Of God”, which features some of Orton’s most concentrated vocals, not to mention a very catchy melody and chorus, along with great riffs and amazing guitar licks.

Conflicted throws in a little bit of everything with this album. Their passion and intensity along with the great songs and talent make this album a must listen. If that isn’t enough, a taste of the bands impetuous personality can be sampled in the LEGO promotional video for Never Be Tamed, which can be found on their YouTube site.