Calling themselves LatiNWOBHM (Latino Wave of British Heavy Metal), INTRANCED, a trio of veterans from the L.A. metal scene have launched their self-titled, six-track debut album, "Intranced" on September 24, 2022, featuring singer James-Paul Luna (HOLY GRAIL), guitarist Fili Bibiano (FORTRESS) and drummer Ben Richardson (WILD EYES) From the bands press release: "Taking inspiration from the greats of '70s hard rock and '80s metal, we write catchy-as-fuck songs with dizzying solos and deadly vocals. Like some of the best classic metal bands-think BLACK SABBATH or IRON MAIDEN, they have a self-titled song on their self-titled release. We wrote this song about love and the cunning, baffling and powerful tricks it can play on lost lovers, we tried to give the vocals a JUDAS PRIEST and W.A.S.P. kinda vibe, which I think works really well for this band. It was a bold move to declare this the eponymous track, but we're all super happy with how it turned out." The band puts an emphasis on premium, captivating songwriting and a focus on the epic themes of real life: triumph, tragedy, and heartbreak. I like what I'm hearing about INTRANCED and their direction, ok muchacho, now let's see if they deliver the goods.
Opening with a brief fifty-seven second instrumental on "Angeles Nocturnos" with a fading in  guitar that ramps up nicely just as the song ends, this would have been a great lead into the second track had they connected, not sure why they opened with that because "Upside Down" is full throttle rocking smashmouth vocals that are complimented with hyper, powerful screams conjoined with a muscular guitar riff and solo, stoked by some pretty nifty lyrics: "You shake me up, and then you break me, leave broken dreams, upon your prey, you led me on, to think it was for sure, and then you kicked me to the ground, you're spinning me upside down, I'm caught in the upside". "Dream Lover" opens with a "Rock you like a Hurricane" riff and feel but showcasing more deeper vocals than the previous song, while still incorporating sporadic, classic metal screams, fused together by nice backing elements of the drum and bass lines. So far, with two songs under their belt, the direction is evident, old-school rock with somewhat predictable template and application, I was still waiting for that 'WOW" factor when they delivered with the title track "Intranced", as thundering drums set the pace for an engulfing, headbanging song fueled by the guitar and vocals interacting in perfect harmony.

According to the bands press release, they accomplished what they set out to do, record a classic 70's/80's rock and metal sound. There were nasty, playful riffs, solid backing rhythms, with the strong point being the vocals, which were truly excellent and engaging. I did google the lyrics, and no, they're not Pulitzer Prize winning, but they are catchy and entertaining enough. Overall, INTRANCED is a band with a lot of potential, they are so close to getting to the next level, my suggestion would be simple, stay away from the gimmicks and formulas and dig down deep to perfect your sound that would distance themselves from the field.