Invictra
"The World Game"
Self-released
Dude ... Dude ... first of all, what an absolutely killer guitar tone. Killer. Same goes for the vocals, roaring heavy and relatable, because they're discernible for a change; rabid, angry, and snarling but discernible. Holy shit, let me say that this is some of the best metal I've heard in a long time.
Rochester heavy quartet Invictra is positively aces, infusing brutal rhythms with fiery panache and restraint, along with a command for melody that would make any self-appointed pop diva envious. But Invictra doesn't go all the way metal, there's some heavy and hard rock 'n' roll liberally dusted throughout. This should earn the band a following outside the immediate phylum.
The guitars are distorted, of course, but they aren't so refined into sand and dust that you can't pick up on the grinding of the gravel and bone. The drums are super-solid and don't over-cop to the double kick. "The World Game" has me spewing superlatives and telling all my friends. Look out.
