Germany’s Dorothee Pesch, who is also referred to as Doro Pesch or simply Doro, is considered by many as the Queen of Metal. Beginning as the frontwoman for the Heavy Metal German band Warlock, their career ranging from 1982-1989, they released four studio albums. A woman leading a Heavy Metal band back in the ’80s was less common than in modern times and bands like Metallica, Judas Priest, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC and Mötley Crüe were just a few of the bigger names dominating the genre. Doro’s voice and presence made her stand out and slowly become more recognizable after opening up for W.A.S.P, Judas Priest, and Dio. With several albums making it to the Top 30 charts in Germany, Doro has dedicated her life to Metal. Sustaining the devotion to the scene and fans, each and every album that she releases maintains a high quality.
Since Doro’s first studio album, Force Majeure (1989), she has gone through several lineup changes, yet it never makes a huge impact or delay in her production and success. The current lineup includes longest running members Nick Douglas (bass), Johnny Dee (drums), and newer members Bas Maas (guitars) and Luca Princiotta (guitars). With 2014 marking the Metal Queen’s thirtieth anniversary, it is time to bow down to her greatness with a reissued release of her twelfth studio album, Raise Your Fist. Originally released in 2012 via Nuclear Blast records, luckily for all Doro fans, the reissue edition features a glorious eleven extra tracks which includes cover songs of Doro’s personal favorites from artists such as Metallica, Dio, and Led Zeppelin.
“Raise Your Fist in the Air” is the perfect intro that will get any metalhead pumping with the joy of headbanging. In addition to the forceful opening that contains great guitar riffs and high energy, the meaning is about fighting for our own lives. Doro belts out beautifully, “I’ll fight until I die/ Fight this fight to stay alive/ In my heart I know I’ll be alright/ I know it’s up to me to change this world or let it be.” “Coldhearted Lover” is a fun track where one is looking for their fellow metalhead lover. The subject of this song is a bit melancholy, however, Doro rocks out to make it uplifting and highly enjoyable. Meanwhile, “Rock Till Death” is one of the heaviest tracks from the album. Doro does not show any sign of a soft side with this one as she sings powerfully and showcases her true love and passion.
It then becomes time for fans to raise their lighters, or cell phones, with the ballad “It Still Hurts.” The song appears twice, with different versions, and both feature the infamous Lemmy Kilmister from Motörhead. Interesting for listeners, the remixed edition on disc two features production of Jacob Hansen whom worked Volbeat’s Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies (2013). The track is beautifully written with morbid lyrics and sensitive rhythm that makes for an epic listen. “Take No Prisoner” is a heavy track that Doro passionately expresses her views on the lack of freedom in this world.
Lemmy is not the only special guest appearance to this album; Ozzy Osbourne’s current guitarist, Gus G., picked up his axe on “Grab the Bull (Last Man Standing).” The track is enjoyable and catchy with incredible guitar work, especially during the last minute. The album slows down again during “Engel,” where the listener finds Doro singing her native German language. A piano is heard throughout and, despite the change in pace, it remains a brilliant piece. “Freiheit (Human Rights)” keeps in the German tongue and is heavier than the previous. The emotion is thoroughly showcased in the guitar work with its slow and dramatic riff changes. “Little Headbanger” is all about going out to the show and having great headbanging fun. It is one of the best tracks on the album and should be a mainstay on Doro’s live sets.
Doro has no subtlety when it comes to love and her own personal passions, and “Revenge” only proves that. The instrumentals stand out the most with the heavy pounding of the drums that syncs well with the rhythm of the guitars and, of course, the solos. “Free My Heart” is an incredible ballad that would make any listener tear up from the beauty this song holds. “Hero” closes the album and is perhaps the best of the bunch. It is a tribute to Ronnie James Dio, which is one of Doro’s personal heroes with lyrics such as “Like a rainbow in the dark/ you put meaning in our hearts/ Went to see Kings and queens/ Yeah, you meant the world to meet/ With your voice so strong and sweet/ You were the mystery/ No, we’ll never let you go and we wanna let you know that in our hearts/ deep in our hearts you were a hero.”
Disc two of the 30th anniversary edition of Raise Your Fist features nine tracks in total. Featuring unreleased originals such as “Warfare” (featured on the soundtrack for Anouk III – Die Dunkle Flut) and “NYC Blues,” the disc also has a slew of killer cover tracks. Clearly songs that Doro handpicked herself as personal favorites, standouts include her cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” and Tina Turner’s “Nutbush City Limits.” All unique to Doro’s sound and style, the covers are rounded out by her rendition of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” KISS’s “Only You,” and Dio’s “Egypt (The Chains Are On).” Over forty-three minutes of bonus music, it is like receiving an entire new album all bundled up in one neat package with Raise Your Fist.
Raise Your Fist, as a whole, is very much enjoyable and there is very little to no stale tracks. It is a great to listen from beginning to end, especially with the extra bonuses disc for 2014. There are also a few heartbroken and looking for love tracks that works in a non-depressing demeanor, exemplified by “Coldhearted Lover.” The rhythmic diversity and multiple dynamics on this album, along with great songwriting, makes Raise Your Fist, the 30th Anniversary reissue Edition, a masterpiece. CrypticRock gives this album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- Nuclear Blast
Check out an in-depth interview with Doro:
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