Line up :
David DeFais – Vocals, Keyboards, Orchestration, Bass
Edward Pursino – Guitars
Frank Gilchriest – Drums
Joshua Block – Guitars
Do you know what happens when a mastermind decide to write a concept album based on mythology? Well, what happens is simple, rough and perfect. It's called Invictus and the mastermind behind this unbelievable album is Mr. David Defeis. And for me : that's the kind of album you only write once in your life, like “Hammerfall's Glory To The Brave” or “Edguy's Vain Glory Opera”. Anyway let's just say that the guy has earned my respect forever with that album.
Imagine Manowar, imagine a much more developed song writing, a richer sound and an exceptional vocal demonstration where David can sing quite aggressively (à la Manowar) or can make his vocals as sweet as an angel voice. The contrast and the vocal performance left me begging for more. The album is pure jewel of melodic Heavy/Speed Metal reinforced by classical arrangements then and there and a story that unfolds an excellent concept album. Guitar riffs and solos will make you go crazy, the fierce and fast drumming will annihilate your last resistance while you'll be under a powerful spell casted by David Defeis majestic vocals. Killer songs after killer songs, the album flows like a refreshing river in your brain, giving you the perfect balance between aggressively and melody.
This is an album that belongs in your collection, it's pure, it's rough, it's.... well perfect! From the first song “Invictus” to the last one, which is a superb and long victorious metal hymn called “Veni,Vidi, Vici” (which concludes the album in the best possible way) you get more than 76 minutes of unbelievable music that you can play over and over again. A must have epic, barbaric and melodic masterpiece. Thank you David for this incredible album.
An absolute must for lovers of Virgin Steele and metal music in general.