(Power) Invictus - Persecution - 2009, APE (image+.cue), lossless

Seems Escape Music is expanding their talent roster, or at least thinking outside the box, by signing Invictus, a French power metal band. Signing a French band may be a first for the label. But some (RockReport.be, for instance) are saying that adding a power metal band is out of character for them, a label that has established itself upon AOR and melodic hard rock talent. This may be true if you believe that Invictus is power metal band in the classic sense. After a spin through their second release, Persecution, I have my doubts about their classification and the conclusions of certain pundits. I think Invictus is a perfect fit for Escape Music.

Persecution could probably best be described as general melodic heavy metal that draws from and integrates various other styles into their song composition. This includes power metal (Kill The Dogs, Spiral or See You Back), straigh melodic metal (Face To Face Part 2 or The Eclipse Of The World), even some progressive metal (Silence Of Death), and combinations of several (Face To Face Part 1). In the end, Persecution is eclectic mix of music making it an interesting listen (even with its overt anti-war sentimentality). Additionally, you can hear strong elements of European metal elements from Stratovarius to Edguy to Scorpions which also may account for the musical variety. Again, I submit it is a perfect fit for Escape Music.

Overall, Invictus's Persecution is a better than average disc of eclectic melodic metal which integrates many styles and keeps you guessing along the way. Some may call this artistic confusion, a band not knowing which musical road to travel, and so find Persecution a frustrating listen. Conversely, though I did not find any song exceptionally brilliant or memorable, they were all intriguing; and Invictus is light years ahead in creativity than many of their peers. Recommended!

(c) Пресс-релиз.