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As I listened to Invader's self-titled album I was struck by how completely the band had nailed the classic sound of the 80s. Surprise, surprise, the album was originally released in 1992, independently by the band, and what I was listening to was Pure Underground Records' re-release. Invader was originally formed in 1981 so that explains the firm grip on the golden-age sound. They are still active today, yet this is their only full-length to date.

Musically, this is Traditional Metal from a time when that term covered a wider range of sounds than it does today. There are speedier tracks, like the opener "Master of Suspense" and "Light Me Up." Singer Gary Cobb's vocals are soaked with echo and that, combined with the simple, loose riffs and drums, reminds me of Icon's first record. There are also slower songs, like "Imaginary World" and "Victim of Terror," where the plodding tempo and Cobb's high-pitched wails conjure up Cirith Ungol's early Doom Metal sound. The riffs are generally good and the solos follow suit but where Invader comes up a bit short is in the songwriting. I like the album well enough while it is on, but I can't really remember much afterward.

While Invader may not be the equal of Icon or Cirith Ungol, fans of Traditional Metal from the 80s and more modern proponents of the style, like ZUUL and Screamer, should give them a listen. Especially if something other than regurgitated Iron Maiden sounds good to you.