ALBUM REVIEW: SAVAGE NEW TIMES BY INCITE

Reviewed by Cecilia Pattison-Levi

The US Phoenix-based band Incite’s new album ‘Savage New Times’ is their state of the union address as they ask you to “feel this shit” in “this private hell” where the band state “you can’t let them win” as they “have earned their place in this world” and urge fans to not “let the fear” win.

The album opens with ‘Lies’ as the guitars, bass and drums jack-hammer a fierce beat at about 100 kms an hour. It is the sound of pure rage at the “broken world” and how lies dominant the world through the pain of a huge guitar solo. The rage continues on with the sonic storm of ‘Feel This Shit (I’m Fired Up)’ and its huge bassline riffs. The album moves into the groove metal third track ‘Just A Rat’ that talks about dealing with betrayal and overcoming it with front man Richie Cavalera’s raw, visceral vocals and powerful talking “about being caught trap” with thrashing rhythms and squalling guitar solos.

All is not well in Incite’s world view, but they offer a way for fans to stand up for themselves in ‘Chucked Off’ and ‘Doubts And The Fear’ were the battle cry goes out to not let fear creep in and consume your life. Then, there is a sonic shift with the beautiful ballad ‘Dolores’ and its haunted piano melody. It is a sophisticated blend of melody paired with huge guitar solos and the riff is just divine. ‘Dolores’ is an album highlight that shows Incite can do experimental and evolve their musical style. 

Incite return to the rage in the syncopated bass and guitar riffs of ‘No Mercy No Forgiveness’ as the huge drums fire-up in unfiltered aggression. The next track is ‘Used And Abused’ which urges listeners and fans to stand up for themselves. Then, ‘Never Die Once’ follows and it kicks off the big bassline thrums and guitar riffs and it sounds like a storm is approaching. It’s a jagged beat and fierce as we are told “be all in”.

The album closes out with the title track ‘Savage New Times’ and a rallying cry that blends nostalgic elements of metal with a fresh rock as it tells us to get on “amour” and face “the battle” of life as we are “forged by the fire”. The song concludes a fierce and intense album of thrash metal with one final barrage.

Incite’s decision to have mostly short tracks with a punishing fast pace delivery of the ten tracks, in thirty-three-minute, a tidal wave of aggression and menace. ‘Savage New Times’ lives up to its name and it’s foreboding resonance. We are indeed living in savage times.