Review Summary: ...Evil does exist...
Invictus features the spectacles that fans of the gruesome genre have most likely come accustom to. Soaring melodies backed by crunchy riffs and catastrophic solo work. It helps that this is all supported by the rapid blast beats and rhythmic drum fills of Kollias's kit. Kollias accomplishes numerous feats on the album however, with his guitar,bass, and vocal work bringing him into the spotlight as a exceptional multi-instrumentalist.While he does do all the drumming and most of the vocals on the album, guest stars (including members of
Nile, Rotting Christ, and Firewind) are brought to back him up, mainly on bass and guitar. Though this works in Kollias's favor, it's unfortunate that these backers are simply used to fill cracks in the pavement rather than to contribute their artistic values.
Invictus, like many metal albums, is unfortunately a bit repetitive. In multiple situations you tend to only view a song as yet another hate-filled, brutal death march rather than recalling them as a significant piece of the puzzle or a diversion in music. If enough differentiation was put into a couple of tracks, I'd imagine that this record would get a much higher rating, as the necessary talent is there to support outstanding imagination. But
Invictus simply fairs as to consistent in sound, and any credible distinction between supporting artists and Kollias himself has been filled by his singular writing. It doesn't help that the bass is overthrown by the rest of the instruments here, punctuating at times that this was very clearly an album made by a drummer for drummers a bit to much.
This doesn't greatly detract from the album though, as great riffs and blistering solos are common throughout. But often the best songs are the ones that are able to stand out the most. The self-titled track for instance, while not the most unique song here, often swallows any similar endeavors from a memorability standpoint because of the impact it has on the listener, being the opening number and all. Sure - one could argue that
The Passage is a better track, but its consumed by its own extreme lack of contrast.
Aeons of Burning Galaxies also stands out, with its industrial metallic clanks and quick change in tempo setting the mood for a definite rocker.
Shall Rise/Shall Be Dead starts with a looming atmosphere, and contains some of the best riffs in the records entirety. Its distressed middle act makes it all the more jaw dropping.
Voices while overbearing in its length, has a certain quality to it that puts it in the forefront. Maybe it is its more melodic style, with guitar sways and hard hitting booms, but something is definitely more ear grabbing about this than other efforts on the record. Other tracks are memorable in parts, but don't quite go the extra mile to pack the punch needed to make the mark.
In the end, not much is wrong with
Invictus. As a collection of songs, it has a lot of compelling work. As a continuous entity, more variety is needed. Fans of the subgenre might be able to look past the monotony, but be forewarned of its repetition. Recommended, but with a bit of caution. Recommended.
Best tracks :
Invictus
Aeons of Burning Galaxies
Shall Rise/Shall Be Dead
Voices
