Invader - Invader

Originally self-released in 1992, this Seattle version of Invader is a traditional metal styled band whose material pure classic US power metal. For its original release period, this would not have fared well in a world and city then obsessed with grunge, but this was a sign of the times with a lot of bands I was into at the time. Move forward to 2012 and this re-release is just at the right time, especially with popular festivals such as Keep It True and Headbangers Open Air heralding this style of metal. Whilst the sound is dated, it’s very timeless and there is a great deal of warmth here. ‘Living Scared’ begins the album properly and ensures that the bands delivery reminds me of Malice and early Leatherwolf, classic US power metal. The style is obviously Judas Priest inspired as was most of this genre but one of the highlights here are Gary Cobb’s vocals, these are brilliant. Such is his range; they are really comparable to the great Rob Halford, but I would assume that some folks will find them trying in the higher register, but not me. The subtle inclusion of keyboards really brings out the songs atmospherics like displayed on ‘Glass Castles’ and the stunning ‘Light Me Up’.

Throughout this album I gain a great sense of feeling, the song writing process has been thorough with the musicians carefully crafting their ideas into music that has substance. Such is the criminality that this style was not considered cool enough when talentless grunge acts came along, it is with great delight that I write this in 2012 and all the grunge acts are long gone, a passing fad. Heavy metal in its most traditional sense has always been active, it is only now that a new generation of fans are coming to realise the error of the previous generation’s way, and of course for folks like me who have lived through it all, that keep this vibrant and I get a great sense of satisfaction to hear music like this once again.


Invader may not be at the top of the US power metal tree, but they are an important branch of it. ‘Invader’ is one of those lost classics that is better suited to this time and place. The song writing is cool, there is a nice sense of melody with epic guitar and vocal styles. If you are a fan of classic US power metal, then I would highly recommend this release and I would also watch out for planned new recordings coming soon.


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  1. Master Of Suspense
  2. Living Scared
  3. Victims Of Terror
  4. Infinite Quest
  5. Imaginary World
  6. The Fool’s Masquerade
  7. Light Me Up
  8. Glass Castles
  9. The Uncontrollable Fire
  10. Legends

Label: http://www.puresteel-records.com
Band: http://www.facebook.com/invadermetalusa
Reviewer: twansibon
Oct 30, 2012
Next review: Ouijabeard - Die And Let Live

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