InVisions - 'Deadlock' - Album Review

For as long as I can remember there has been a New Wave Of British Metal in one form or another, older legends passing on the mantle to the next generation and so it goes. While the current leaders of the scene are still going as strong as ever, recent years have seen a batch of hungry newcomers determined to take their righful place in the food chain. Among that unstoppable stream of new blood are InVisions, who might have just dropped the most powerful statement of them all with their crushing new album Deadlock.

Hailing from the misty lands of York, InVisions aren't really newcomers, given their two full studio albums, huge festival appearances and previous experience playing with other bands. Despite their extremely hard work, until now the quartet has been missing that spark to really ignite their career, but Deadlock might just be the record to change it all. The talent and dedication were always there, but this third record finally adds that much needed flair and polish for them to compete with the very best of the contemporary metalcore scene.

Like many others late to the party, I discovered InVisions through 'Annihilist' towards the end of 2021, and immediately knew something wicked this way comes. Going through their previous Never Nothing (2017) and Between You & Me (2019) was an extreme thrill ride of mad riffs, blasts and breakdowns, but it is Deadlock that raises their profile on a whole new level. The forced hiatus of the pandemic did miracles to InVisions and their stellar third offering bears all the marking of a confident and mature band that has found its true self.

Going back to the new wave of killer British bands, InVisions are the brightest supernova across the star-studded metalcore scene in the UK. Clearly inspired by the giants Architects, While She Sleeps and Bury Tomorrow, the guys mould these influences in a raw and unique sound that stands proudly as their own. Alex Scott's and Lucas Gabb's raging riffs and epic progressions are monumental throughout; Josh Hard's restless yet consistent drumming takes center stage and keeps the engine running; Ben Ville's stunning vocal range makes the record dynamic and unpredictable; and just like that, a modern metalcore masterpiece is born and ready to challenge other album of the year contenders.

Fully pulling out all the stops, Deadlock opens up with a breakdown-driven '6 6 9' like every self-respected core banger should. The track goes in line with their heavier and more "stick to the roots" ragers like 'D V P E' and 'Amour' with their deep chuggy riffs and ferocious growls that almost push their sound towards deathcore teritorries. On the other hand, you have the darker and more emotional tracks like 'Deadlock', 'Last Light', 'D E A L E R' and the epic conclusion in 'Fall With Me', all pulling the focus towards atmospheric melodies and heavier lyrics, and showing InVisions at their most honest and vulnerable.

Somewhere inbetween are the three highest points in the album that perfectly display that meticulous attention to detail and newly found drive that transform Deadlock from an average metalcore pit-starter to a world class arena-filler. 'Half Life' and 'Hindsight' both exude that jumpy and energetic vibe so typical for rising British bands, mixed with the huge, open choruses for some extra grandeur, but it really is 'Annihilist' that stands out as one of the most insanely catchy anthems of the entire 2021 with the power to turn four talanted local dudes into global heavyhitters.

Every hard-working band eventually drops their breakout album and I am fully convinced Deadlock is the catalyst for InVisions. Their touring schedule already looks insane, going on to support contemporary juggernauts like Ice Nine Kills and Spiritbox later this year and this will only expose their music to wider audiences, and hopefully get them the attention they so deserve. If they manage to keep up with that direction, dedication and awesome work, we might be looking at the next leader of the UK metalcore scene very soon.

InVisions - Deadlock

Country: United Kingdom

Released: 11 February 2022

Label: Narrative Records

Tracklisting:

1. 'The 6 6 9'

2. 'Half Life'

3. 'Annihilist'

4. 'D V P E'

5. 'Hindsight'

6. 'Deadlock'

7. 'Last Light'

8. 'Amour'

9. 'D E A L E R'

10. 'Inertia'

11. 'Fall With Me'