Invader: Invader

Invader is a self-titled release from a strong thrash metal punk band out of Pittsburgh, PA. Although they've only been together for a few years, they sound great and will certainly please listeners who haven't forgotten how important punk is to early thrash. I was especially impressed with the guitar playing on this album, particularly with the way Tyler Gallentine and John Orrell play together. Several of their parts split off into harmonies and somewhat complex lines that reminded me of the best of Mastodon and even early Metallica. I was surprised not to hear more guitar soloing--I guess these guys are holding back, or are avoiding the whole rock star shredder persona. Check out the killer lead to "Never Wanted to Kill You More," though. These guys have chops--let us hear some more passages like that. The best track, P.C.U.S.A. has much more of their solid guitar parts. Invader will make an impact if they develop their sound to include more of these kinds of leads. The bass playing is slightly less interesting, though Rick Link (bass) and Tim Michaels (drums) never let up for a minute. They play at a blistering pace. I couldn't help but imagining the audience at a live show while I listened to this release. I bet Invader works up some pretty big mosh pits. With all the energy these guys bring, I bet they could add to their overall impact if they showed off a little more. I preferred the times when the band stepped away from the thrash sound to develop

harmonies in the guitar parts. These guys mention that they love Mastodon and that influence comes through at times. I don't think they should follow Mastodon too closely, but it would be cool if these guys explored more of the rich musical possibilities of their guitar parts. I don't think they need to explore progressive rock, but with a little more musical variety could establish themselves as superb songwriters with a punk attitude. I enjoyed the instrumental track "Nunnamaker," for example, but it was too short and didn't really expand on its basic theme.

My main critique about this recording is that there isn't enough vocal variety from track to track. Tom Campedel has a good, rough, voice, but he tends to stick with it. I think that some alternating between rough and clean vocals would add to the overall impact of this album. This is especially true given the way these guys infuse strong political views into their lyrics. It would be interesting to give fans things to think about with a little more variety in the way they perform the lyrics.

Invader is a strong debut, one that metal fans should definitely check out.

Track Listing:
1. A.C.R.R. (Absorb Conform Reject Repeat)
2. Lines in the Sand
3. Tools of God
4. Never Wanted to Kill You More
5. BDR 529
6. Warship at the Altar
7. Nunnamaker
8. P.C.U.S.A.
9. 500.600
10. Lesser Species

Added: March 17th 2012
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1913
Language: english

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