ALBUM REVIEW: Deadlock – InVisions

York-based band INVISIONS released their third studio album Deadlock last week and it is a must-listen for all metalcore fans. Since forming in 2016, the band have become one of the most promising forces of the British scene and continue to act on that promise that so many see in them. In their short time as a band, they have managed to play a slot at Download Festival and tour with the likes of GLAMOUR OF THE KILL, and their newest offering is produced and mixed by none other than Joe Graves (ASKING ALEXANDRIA, DEAF HAVANA, GLAMOUR OF THE KILL).

With these friends in high places, INVISIONS have already begun to make the connections they need to go far. The band was formed as many in today’s scene often are – from the ashes of a number of others, but their current and permanent line-up has displayed their furious musical prowess in their new album, continuing to build on their already impressive reputation from previous releases.

INVISIONS have put their all into Deadlock, utilising guitarists Lucas Gabb and Alex Scott’s furious riff writing in songs like the album’s title track. It is four minutes of pure aggression in the absolute best way. INVISIONS clearly take influence from bands like ARCHITECTS and WAGE WAR, with bouncy guitar riffs and Ben Ville’s vocals that are extremely reminiscent of Sam Carter. He manages to keep every track interesting, switching up his use of aggressive vocal styles to make a compelling mix. Underneath all of this is drummer powerhouse Josh Hardy, propelling the track (and rest of the album) forward with fierce, lively drumming that stays consistent throughout.

While existing fans of the band may be used to their usual heaviness that would consist of breakdowns and brutality, the band have used this release to show a more vulnerable side of their music. Gabb says that the band wanted to write something entirely different from their previous discography, while “also writing from a perspective where (they) are not necessarily playing it live.” This decision gives the album a more emotive impact, given the context of the last two years. While they may have wanted to avoid writing about the pandemic, over 18 months away from a stage gives pause for reflection that will inevitably work its way into the lyrics. Across its 11 tracks, Deadlock looks at loss, frustration, self-doubt and the other things that may work their way into our minds when distractions are taken away. This change in lyrical stance makes it relatable for almost every listener.

Deadlock has completely reinvented INVISIONS’ sound. Instead of chugging away at the standard heavy riffs full of blast beats and breakdowns, they have utilised the softer sounds of the genre in tracks like D E A L E R, unlocking a softer, more emotive sound to the band. This, paired with the classic sounds we know and love as INVISIONS, make the album a masterclass in all things metalcore.

Rating: 9/10

Deadlock is out now via self-release.

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