Evil Invaders are well known for their speed/thrash style of metal. Formed in 2007, the Belgian metal band burst onto the scene with demos, EPs, and live videos.
They released their first full-length album in 2015, and have just released their latest album “Shattering Reflection” on April 1st, 2022 via Napalm Records
The album kicks off with “Hissing In Crescendo”, the start of this track gave me some mixed reactions, I loved the hectic tempo and the vocals, I found the guitar squeals a bit much. They took away from the feel of the track, which I was really enjoying. That’s a personal preference for me, I prefer them to be a little less prominent in a song. The solo in this track is pure class and I love the vocal delivery.
“Die for Me” took me by surprise, it didn’t have the distinctive speed/thrash style that you would expect from Evil Invaders and leans more toward an old-school heavy metal style. It feels as though the band is mixing it up a bit with their writing. It was not disappointing. The vocals are really cool with some badass screams and a catchy chorus.
Carrying on from the previous track, “In Deepest Black” is a part ballad, part heavy metal, part rock. It showcases the vocals, and the range Jöe has in his repertoire. There are some really emotive musical moments and vocal screams in it that exude feeling.
And just as you become accustomed to this shift in style, Evil Invaders throw you back into the chaotic speed and thrash metal madness that is synonymous with their brand. “Sledgehammer Justice” is a banging track, it’s furious from start to finish. And that solo is pure insanity!
Continuing with the roller coaster of styles in the album, “Forgotten Memories” is doomier and the contrasts in clean vocals and raspy screams are intriguing. The vocal screams remind me of Tom Keifer from Cinderella in parts. There’s also some stunning guitar work in this track.
This album is full of surprises, in a very good way. There is something for everyone here. “Eternal Darkness” is the speed metal I was looking for and expecting from the band. It’s absolute mayhem, heavy and frantic as hell. It is encouraging to see a band thinking about their music, exploring new styles, and adding to their arsenal. Evil Invaders have successfully crossed a few genres with this album and the result is excellent. This album will please the ears of any metalhead, regardless of their preferred listening genre, and is sure to increase the audience for Evil Invaders as a larger range of fans are drawn in by the variations in this release.
One final track to mention is “Aeon”, the guitar is out of this world, it grabbed my attention and I couldn’t help but be completely still to take it in. Absolutely brilliant!
Standout tracks for me are “Sledgehammer Justice” and “Eternal Darkness”. A must-listen for fans of speed, thrash, and heavy metal.
Evil Invaders: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: Napalm Records
Category: Album
Country: Belgium
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
