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Skarlett Riot - Invicta

Album review by; DeeDee 

 

To gain over 38 thousand followers on Facebook speaks volumes for this quartet from Scunthorpe, led by the sultry vocalist Skarlett, along with her schoolmates turned band mates. A glance at their bio tells you how well this hard working band have risen up in the ranks, since their inception in 2010, to become one of the UK’s top Alternative Metal outfits. From appearances at Bloodstock, Steelhouse and Hard Rock Hell to being on stage with Funeral For A Friend, Deaf Havana, The Darkness, Wednesday 13 and the notorious Black Spiders!, Skarlett Riot have become a force to be reckoned with. Wow, they even hold a 4K badge from Kerrang! Magazine for their Download set. After a short break from the limelight to write new material, Skarlett Riot are now back and have unleashed their third album ‘Invicta’ into the world.      

 

From the start of the initial track ‘Breaking The Habit’ it’s obvious that Skarlett Riot have lost none of their prowess, laying down a smouldering heavy riff and immersing themselves in a pounding and muscle beating rhythm. The stereo switching is welcome and adds more emphasis on the guitar shredding of Danny Oglesby, while the vocals from Skarlett increase in volume to smash down any remaining barriers. ‘Gravity’ is one of the singles from the album, so you may be already familiar with its powerful drumming from Luke Oglesby. I like the way it tosses from rapid heavy fire with chortling vocals to more shrieking and hell-raising. The introduction of ‘Black Cloud’ brings up the vision of just that, a storm cloud heading your way. However, the song is deep and more intricate with soul mending pleasantness. ‘Underwater’ raises the bar again with a fast moving melody. Lashings of throaty and passionate vocals from Skarlett and christ can she belt out a decent roar. Another single ’Stronger’ comes straight in next and is a punishing monster. The band are quoted as saying this album is about both physical and mental struggles and this track in particular sums up, that you come back stronger when overcoming issues, together and individually. ‘Cut The Ties’ is another pointer at the reasons so many of us face pain. It takes a lot of determination to break free and this track addresses that. Swirling and interlocking with metal rap and crushing strings ‘Cut The Ties’ is a massive plus and I’m surprised this too wasn’t brought out as a single.  

 

‘Into Pieces’ is a solemn and emotional ride. Heartbreaking and full of true feeling, it’s a power ballad with all the sensitivity and charm you crave. Again the vocals dominate and strike right through any defence you might hold. It takes your breath away with its simplicity yet gives you hope for the future. ‘Not Alone’ resumes the noise factor, pile-driving riffs of the lowest density and uncorrupted bass throbbing from new boy Tim Chambers. The pressure is insurmountable as the song rolls along with incredible magnitude. The ninth track of the eleven is ‘To The Flames’ and there’s more strumming and an undercurrent of melody. The middle hook is more direct, so breaks up the evenness and gives the song unwavering resoluteness. ‘Falling’ takes us down again, lovely chimes to begin with and then a steady increase in decibels. I love the way Skarlett delivers her lyrics, reaching the highest levels and then diving into the abyss.

 

Last number ‘Human’ has the most appealing video to accompany it, do watch it, I think lot of us can relate to it. The lyrics of ‘Human’ are quite remarkable and speak for themselves;

       

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You think that I'm unbreakable, I've become invincible,

I know of heartache, I too feel pain,

I wear these scars just like you do, I still bleed like you. 

I'm not made of stone; I live and breathe like you,

I am only human, I am only human (I am only human),

So here I am, I'm caving in. 

 

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It took 3 years to produce this album and after listening to it in full, I can appreciate the amount of intense work it has taken to get it wrapped. Invicta is Latin for undefeated or unconquered and the title is well chosen. It will take a lot to force this album into surrendering for anything less than top position in this years Alternative Metal charts.  

 

5/5

 

Order here;

https://despotz.ffm.to/invicta

 

Order bundles;

https://despotz.bigcartel.com/artist/skarlett-riot

 

Track list;

01. Breaking The Habit

02. Gravity

03. Black Cloud

04. Under Water

05. Stronger

06. Cut The Ties

07. Into Pieces

08. Not Alone

09. To The Flames

10. Falling

11. Human

 

Chloe "Skarlett" Drinkwater - lead vocals, rhythm guitar

Danny Oglesby - lead guitar, backing vocals

Luke Oglesby - drums

Tim Chambers - bass guitar

 

Connect with Skarlett Riot;
Spotify (23645);  Skarlett Riot | Spotify
Facebook (30189);  https://www.facebook.com/skarlettriotuk
Instagram (11100);   https://www.instagram.com/skarlettriot/

 

 

#rockmediauk

#skarlettriot

#Invicta

#ChloeSkarlettDrinkwater

#DannyOglesby

#LukeOglesby

#TimChambers

#newalbum 

#albumreview

#despotzse

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