Evil Invaders is a band I’ve had my eye on
for a while. For quite a few years now, it seems like their name has popped up
all over the place, so it was not too surprising to hear the band signed to Napalm
Records. Though their brand of speed metal isn’t quite like that of the album
they’ve named themselves after, Evil Invaders offers up a serious platter of
ripping metal on their debut full-length “Pulses of Pleasure”. What comes
through more than anything else on this record is the sheer attitude of the
band. The title of the first song really describes the album best: “Fast, Loud ‘n’
Rude”. Every song on “Pulses of Pleasure” is pure speed metal bliss that offers
up aggressive riffs, maniacal vocals, and metal should only be played at full
volume.
In general, the songs on “Pulses of
Pleasure” are not overly complicated. The song structures are usually standard,
though the band makes plenty of room for guitar solos (almost to the point of
excess at times). Every chorus will linger in your head, though you’ll
undoubtedly fail to sing along as Evil Invaders’ vocalist has a voice that
makes no sense. Whether you call it a high-pitched wail, cry, shriek, or just
plain emotional singing, this man has a unique approach. In other words, the
second he opens his mouth, you’ll know you’re listening to an Evil Invaders
song.
While the vocals are the most unique aspect
of this release, the best part of it is the guitar work. Sometimes the riffs
are straight forward, but there are also a few riffs that will leave you in awe
of the band’s technical wizardry. More importantly, however, “Pulses of
Pleasure” is an ode to shred and harmonized guitars. The album features
numerous moments where you can’t do anything other than smile and bang your
head because of how Iron Maiden-like the leads are. It would be pointless to
try to name examples of this sound because it occurs so often throughout the
album, but it is worth pointing out that both the title track and “Stairway to
Insanity” offer up delectable levels of shred. Even when the solos are long,
the band is smart enough to switch up the rhythms underneath (for example, in “Pulses
of Pleasure”, after one solo, they move to a great half-time section where the
guitars end up harmonizing with each other, and then the song progresses to
another solo), so as not to make everything sound similar.
“Pulses of Pleasure” is a very strong
album. Although I don’t think the songwriting is as memorable as that of the speed
metal elite like Skull Fist or Enforcer, there’s no doubt that this band can
put together a catchy tune. If nothing else, this album really gets the blood
flowing, as it is an energetic affair with absolutely no signs of compromise or
slowing down. This music is not for the faint of heart, especially given the
absurd vocals, but is quite easy to get into for anyone who worships speed
metal from the 80s.
Highlights
"Fast, Loud 'n' Rude"
"Pulses of Pleasure"
"Stairway to Insanity"
Final Rating
4.1/5 or 82%.
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