Invictus is a new French metal band who joined Limb Records ... and I think that Limb made the right "transfer".

Ok, your gonna tell me that Invictus sounds very much like Nightwish/Stratovarius/Heavenly, but honestly their songs are really good. Always melodic, speedy, emotional and catchy, this Black Heart is also well produced. After the first spin, I have pushed the play button again as some songs were already "twisting" in my head.

The vocalist might hurt some of you. He doesn't sing out of tune ... he simply sings with a French accent. In other words, you immediately spot him as French. On the other hand, the more I focus my attention on the singer, the more I accepted him. The guy is good ... and at least he will not remind you someone else. Finally a vocalist who doesn't sing like Bruce, Halford or Michael Kiske :)

Overall, Black Heart reminds me of Nightwish. That's obvious for the symphonic parts. When the tempo gets faster, Heavenly - or should I say Helloween :) - comes to my mind. We are not talking of another speed metal copycat band as Invictus has written inspired songs. When the tempo gets "heavier" - Miracle - Invictus even emerge with its own shape. The band should explore this direction again in the future.

As I stated at the beginning, the Finnish school is very present (Nightwish, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica). Songs like Depression or Redemption are typical Nightwish melodic speed metal hymns. Invictus' personal touch comes from the "progressive & atmospheric" approach of the music. I also like the way they oscillate between fast and slow tempo. On Whispers with the women's epic choral in the back, on The Strongest, an hard rock oriented song or Since The Day, a wonderful ballad where the singer illustrates its potential.

I agree these guys haven't invented the powder. Invictus might sound like another Helloween clone - like Nightwish, Stratovarius or Heavenly are indeed :) - but for a first shot, this is a good one. Will the worm become a butterfly on the next album? I guess that the performance of the singer and the song-writing must be taken to another level. In other words, we will keep an eye on this new French band :)