Infected Dead – Invicta

A few days ago, I have talked to Alex Brown (guitars) and Lou Ede (vocals) from the UK progressive technical death metal band Infected Dead, so make sure to read the interview here. Alongside Alex & Lou, the band comprises Chris Rahman (guitars), Luke Fabian (bass) and Scott Lindsay (drums). After the line-up was finally completed in 2024 the band from Kent (‘from the rotten shores of the River Medway’) began writing new songs. The result of their effort has been released as four-track EP titled Invicta.

Although initially formed in 2014, out of the ashes of a former project, Invicta is the quintet’s first major output since 2019. I believe it’s safe to say that Infected Dead’s second era is set to be cemented in stone with their new Invicta EP. Thus, first think notable is that the EP strikes a rare balance in extreme metal – delivering an immense technicality without isolating the listener.

Invicta opens with talk of ominous lights in the sky, grim portents and otherworldly colours in “Astral Divination”. The album’ opener features a detailed wildness while constantly shifting instrumental tones, delivering blistering technical solos and complex progressive structures. Next up is “Organic Monolith”, a bit shorter, yet very intense and groove-laden track. I like the focused structure of the song, but also its experimentation with melodic undertones. Lyrically, “Organic Monolith” is about environmental collapse and a prevailing sense of being dragged unrelentingly into the maw of madness. Third song is named “In Spaces Beyond”, being probably the most standout song of Invicta, featuring relentless and savage drum work from Scott Lindsay, and a distinct, punishing and claustrophobic atmosphere, a blend of cosmic horror and technical brutality. Main focus of this particular song is on witchcraft, insomnia and a malevolent force lurking just beyond the gates of perception. Next is the closer “Realm Of Ichor”, which serves as an unforgettable and intense finale. I enjoyed its effective combination of heavy groove, black metal elements, and raw aggression. Lyrically it’s dealing with the ‘inevitable and chaotic end of everything you know’.

The musical style of Invicta is what I would call a blend of American and European technical death metal with modern, experimental and progressive touches. The vocals of Lou Ede are throat-splitting but also highly audible. Drum work of the aforementioned Scott Lindsay is exceptionally tight, relentless and savage, while the bass lines on this release (and bass performance in general) are bombastic, yet it breaks away from standard metal tracking and elevates the overall instrumentation through several key dynamics. Last but not least we have Alex & Chris producing some intricate riffs while crafting a style that blends technical savagery with expressive and atmospheric depth.

The lyrics of Invicta are very much inspired by the current chaotic state of the world, filtered through a lens of Lovecraftian cosmic horror, anticosmicism and eldritch themes. Production is clear but warm and pretty listenable. The visual presentation and artwork are created by highly acclaimed artist Artem Grigoryev (Profound Lore, Nightbringer, Decipher), and it perfectly mirrors the musical theme of Invicta, which means a blend of ‘cosmic horror’ and technical brutality.

To wrap things up; Invicta is a statement and the beginning of the second era for this UK five-piece. The only issue with this release is its frustratingly short length, as it leaves you crying out for more! Invicta is ready to assault the listeners with another intriguing mixture of technical death metal with modern touches through these four tracks. Highly recommended for fans of Archspire, Obscura, Aborted, Necrophagist, Blood Incantation, Job For A Cowboy etc.

Make sure to reach the band on all streaming services, facebook and bancamp, where you can find all necessary information on Invicta.