Label - Self Release
Release Date- 11 February 2022
Words- Chris Fletcher
York metalcore four-piece InVisions are back with their third full length album ‘Deadlock’. This self- released record, the band's third since forming in 2016, shows them hungry to push the boundaries of modern metalcore. Leaning on the heavier side of the genre and with lyrical themes touching on loss, self-doubt and addiction, this is an album that aims to provide a relatable sense of catharsis to listeners following the difficult circumstances of the past few years.
Right from the off this album represents a step up from previous record, 2019’s ‘Between You and Me’. The use of electronics on both the vocals and instrumentation is executed to a much higher standard and is blended into the mix in a much more palatable manner. This is demonstrated on opening tracks ‘The 669’ (which is the standout track on the record) and ‘Half Life’, which couples an undeniably bouncy riff with a chorus that will undoubtedly sound huge when they take these songs on tour later this year.
The main criticism of this record would be that, with a lot of this style of music, it can seem quite formulaic at times. However, the fact that when the band do stray from the path and mix things up a bit, whether with the Meshuggah sounding intro riff on ‘Amour’ or the vocal style reminiscent of later Parkway Drive on ‘Dealer’, InVisions show that they have real potential to be more than just metalcore also-rans.
Despite this, there is no escaping obvious comparisons to other bands such as Architects and Bring Me the Horizon, and while they are appropriate to a certain degree, InVisions seem intent on forging their own sound. One way in which this is achieved is through the range of the vocals on display. Harsh vocals mixed with clean choruses isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel, but vocalist Ben Ville shows he is adept to comfortably execute both and, as demonstrated on ‘DVPE’, even going a bit more guttural when required.
There’s no doubt that fans of this style of metalcore will find a lot to like here. The evident quality lifts it above a lot of albums in an otherwise saturated genre. Whilst this is not breaking any new ground, the foundations are there to build on further and if this band can continue to evolve and expand their sound, then there is no doubt that they could become major players in this arena.
7/10
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