2016
Melodic Death Metal
Self Released
This is the debut 4 track EP by Impavidus, a new Metal band from Manchester featuring band members who also perform with local bands My Wooden Pillow, Driven Apart and Forged In the Furnace of the Sun. Whispers of a Manchester based supergroup anyone?! This debut EP was recorded at Skyhammer Studio in Liverpool. This studio, owned by Chris Fielding of Doom titans Conan, is becoming a hotspot for British Extreme Metal bands, with Boss Keloid and Witchsorrow also recording there recently. And it looks like Skyhammer has given birth to another fantastic release!
The debut EP actually opens with my least favourite track (though by no means a doosey) "Heaven's Gate". Straight away you are treated to a catchy and powerful riff. Michelle performs some of her most extreme vocals yet in the verses, but the melodic chorus gives way to her equally excellent clean vocals. I know it's going to sound like a rather obvious comparison, but Impavidus really does remind me of Arch Enemy, and those screaming vocals are definitely reminiscent of Angela Gossow. The only reason this is my least favourite song on the EP is the "Die! Die! Die!" breakdown near the end feels like too much of a tired Metal Cliché and takes the song a bit too much into the cheese zone, but not enough for me to stop listening. Fortunately the EP just gets better from there. "Exculpate" begins with an awesome twiddly guitar part that runs through the song, "Black Mirror" has an awesome pounding bass twang and my favourite track is the finale of "Scourge", which has the fastest riffs and drumming. The drums on this track are particularly versatile, one that the Forged In the Furnace of the Sun fans will also dig.
Impavidus have a way of mixing brutal verses and softer melodic choruses really well, and in particular I love the contrast between Michelle's screaming and clean vocals. The transitions are seamless, and in particular I like that there is a slight pinch of psychedelia on the clean vocals. One of the things that stands out on the EP is how well produced it is. Considering it is the first recorded effort from this band, it is sublime. The guys in the band use backing vocals really well to add emphasis on the more brutal sections, and the guitars sound meaty and punishing. I can definitely hear a strong influence of 90s Gothenburg Melodic Death Metal. Whilst Impavidus may not have quite found an original sound yet, there is still something about them that sounds fresh and exciting on this EP. A fantastic first release that leaves me excited to see them play live! 8/10.
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