Unless you're constantly searching for new music or are completely dedicated to your preferred genres, a lot of bands will probably be under your radar. Invictus from Romania could be one of those bands to have flown below the aforementioned proverbial radar. Surprisingly there's little information about the band, even on their official website and Facebook page.
The band's debut self-titled release, which was released last month, opens up with the synth orientated track Descent before rushing into the bombastic power metal assault of the title track, Invictus. The guitar riffs immediately hook the listener's ears, performing a well orchestrated dance with the keyboards which create a very haunting aspect to the song.
Conquer portrays itself as a driving force, stirring together well thought out keyboard passages and complex yet simple drum sections. The guitars and bass are on top form but the vocals sound very uninspired for this style of music, falling flat of the band's full potential. The lyrics are very gothique, almost like they were taken from a Powerwolf track. An august shaded orchestration introduces the song Warhorse, which is filled with chilling vocals and cimmerian melodies and an imposing atmosphere of blackened grandeur.
Turn of the Tide shows the band's ability at composing more melodic passages, conjuring forth from the nether a series of melodic and catchy riffs. The vocals on the other hand vary in their strength, coming across as weak during in the verses but beaming with strength during in the choruses. The piano and orchestrated segments of Sorrow of the Forsaken call out with emotion, laying a sorrowful path for the solemn vocals to tread along, leading up to the fierce snarls of the guitars.
The guitars in Unchain The Beast lash out like a slaver's whip, fast, sharp and without mercy, carving out their own route throughout the song leaving strained vocals to follow in their wake. Fallen Angel appears to be the name of what would be a faux-Gothic track but it unleashes something far more vigorous, making use majestic orchestrations and howling guitars.
Black Widow, for the most part, sounds like a heavy rock song than a power metal track. Even the vocals sound almost like those of Halestorm's Lzzy Hale. The guitars and drums are the main driving force of the song, acting like the vanguard amidst the battle field. Invictus' self-titled release comes to an allegded soothing end with REVolution as a peaceful orchestration takes hold at the beginning, leading the listen into a garden of blazing vocals, crashing riffs and celestial orchestration.
Musically, Invictus is on the same level as releases such as Epica's The Divine Conspiracy and Nightwish's Wishmaster but it's the vocal work brings the album down. Whereas elements such as the guitars and keyboards are built up by a staunch wall of musicianship, the vocals wax and wane throughout the album, weakening the power of the release itself.
http://invictus.rocks
http://facebook.com/InvictusRomania
http://twitter.com/Invictus_RO
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