Everytime it seems like the thrash genre has been exhausted of any kind of originality, a band like Invection comes along and makes things interesting again. Their long-awaited debut album "Facet of Aberration" successfully pushes the boundaries on what thrash should sound like. Invection managed to incorporate some minor Gothenburg influences without going overboard and completely straying away from the thrash core, but it's not just the touches of Gothenburg styled metal, there are also subtle things that give them their sound and as the cliche goes: "You've got to enjoy the little things."
The first thing most listeners will notice is the vocals. They're not your traditional thrash vocals, but more of a hardcore style. A lot people complain about the vocals and there are others who feel they fit, with the latter being the correct assessment. Andrew Kubiak's style is effective because he uses the vocals as another instrument. On some songs, his vocals move along smoothly and keep the same pace as the music and it works, but on other songs, "Two Faced Lie" and "Solace in Mediocrity," in particular, he shifts into another gear and his vocals instantly become a highlight of the song. On the chorus of "Two Faced Lie," the intensity that is added by the vocals is ridiculous. It almost feels like your eardrums will collapse, it's so damn heavy.
Another strength of "Facet of Aberration" is the variety of the songs. Some tracks are pure thrashers ("Impulsive Violence" and "Drug Justice"), some are more on the melodic and technical side ("Formication" and "As the Locust Starve") and then there are the songs that mix the styles perfectly ("Derealization" and "Broken Silence"). "Formication" is probably the most experimental song as it takes a more melodic path than any of the other tracks. It isn't the most headbangable song, but it's still a quality track with some decent riffs. Anyone who listens to this and thinks Invection is incapable of thrashing will be proven sorely mistaken when they listen to the mid-paced mosher that is "Solace in Mediocrity." The first riff of the song is impossible to not headbang to and the riffs that follow aren't any more mellow. This song is guaranteed to be a live favorite and a venue's worst nightmare.
The focal point for any kind of metal should always be the riffs, with other things coming after. When a band can conjure up some memorable and fun riffs, but also surround them with excellence in the other areas of songwriting, it's amazing, and Invection accomplished this. The drumming on this record is superb. The drum intro for "Two Faced Lie" is dangerously catchy, and the drumming that accompanies the melodic intro of "Formication" is stellar as well. Along with these exceptional moments, the drums do a terrific job of adding some speed and heaviness throughout the album. The other main highlight of this record is the lead work. Just about every solo is great and different from the next. The track "Derealization" features some of the best lead work that can found in the entire NWOTM.
Invection is the perfect example of how to be innovative while simultaneously being undeniably old-school. This is also a band that can easily be appreciated by youngsters and old timers alike. "Facet of Aberration" is an album that could and should put Invection in the same league as Warbringer and Toxic Holocaust, but only time will tell how far these guys go.
Be sure to check out and like Invection on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Invection/252167965052
Final Rating - 4.4/5 or 88%.
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