Invicta – Triumph and Torment
Sublevel Records
Release Date: 31/03/23
Running Time: 56:25
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
Invicta are a new band for me. The band are from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. The four-piece’s latest album, “Triumph and Torment” is their second release, following on from 2019’s debut full-length record “Halls of Extinction”.
Described as Melodic Thrash Metal, this is certainly a weighty release, clocking in at close to an hour in length. I’ll be honest, I had this playing on my headphones during a spot of gardening and first impressions were that I could remember three things. Firstly, Kyle Edissi’s vocals are limited in range and scope, which doesn’t do the band any favours. His Johan Hegg style delivery doesn’t quite work the same way the Swede does, but there’s a gravelly style which isn’t too detracting as the album progresses. In fact, as you treat yourself to repeat plays, tracks like ‘The Morning’s Light’, ‘Battle the Beyond’ and penultimate track ‘Embodiment of Infamy’ find you warming to the vocal style more and more.
Second observation is that the band are technically excellent, with some superb playing across the album. There are frenetic sections, such as the piledriving ‘Forces of Annihilation’ which is a relentless barrage of double kick drumming and raging riffing. The guitar work of Edissi and fellow guitarist Jonah Kay is impressive, especially their dual harmonies which expand as the album develops. And thirdly, Invicta aren’t a band who like short songs. Over half the album’s tracks are way past six-minutes, with a couple seven plus and the closing title track over 11 minutes in length.
Edissi is a touring guitarist with Heathen, one of the most underrated Thrash Metal bands of our time, so it’s no wonder that some of that influence has rubbed off, but don’t worry, Invicta have crafted their own sound. The three opening tracks are blistering in approach and intensity, a delivery that continues throughout the album. And overall, it’s a blisteringly good affair. Edissi states, “Our goal while writing and recording this record was to make it sound vicious and triumphant. We wanted each song to channel the villainous vibes that inspired it. We really challenged ourselves and feel that this is a big step beyond our previous material, while staying true to the Invicta sound”. It’s fair to say that Invicta have achieved this in spades, and whilst there is a certain amount of repetition, as there tends to be in most thrash metal, the overall power is enough to get you nodding along with each track. There’s a huge death metal element on some tracks – check out the Cannibal Corpse elements that are front and centre on ‘Parasitic Reign’ for just one example. It’s bruising stuff.
And then there’s the finale – the 11-minute title track that is the monstrous conclusion to an album which grows on you with every play. The band say that their music is a blend of Revocation, Kreator and Iron Maiden. I think that’s a comparison that’s close to the mark, for there are certainly elements of each within the band’s music. However, you find it, if you like your music savagely delivered but with some intricate and technically excellent playing, “Triumph and Torment” is one you need to check out.
TRACKLISTING:
01. The New Throne
02. Forces of Annihilation
03. Apprentice of Death
04. Battle the Beyond
05. Sinister Obsession
06. The Morning’s Light
07. Parasitic Reign
08. Preeminence
09. Embodiment of Infamy
10. Triumph and Torment
LINE-UP:
Shareef Hassanein – Drums
Kyle Edissi – Guitars / Vocals
Jonah Kay – Guitars
Steve Rowlands – Bass
LINKS:
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