I know very little of INVADER the unsung legends from Seattle. I assume that this is a re-mastered release on Pure Steel Records of their 1992 self-release. The production is more polished and the songs seem better mixed. I assume they gained their namesake from either the JUDAS PRIEST or IRON MAIDEN song, as they maintain that Traditional 80s Classic sound. I have been informed that the band has reformed, and they are working on new material.

Hailing from the Northern Washington region puts them in the same circles as SANCTUARY, QUEENSRYCHE, METAL CHURCH, and other class castes. Vicarious vocalist Gary Cobb has a bit of a falsetto range to his approach, thus bands like these are apt comparisons, as are LIEGE LORD, PATHFINDER,OVERLORDE SR, and BLACKSMITH. Fans of re-releases on both Stormspell and Heaven And Hell Records will feel drawn toward the infinite quest to learn more about these masters of suspense.

The album gets underway with homage to Alfred Hitchcock's "The Cast Of Mr. Pelham". Here the classic MAIDENesque values apply, as well as hints of SACRED OATH, LETHAL, SACRED WARRIOR, , or later OMEN come to mind. "Victims Of Terror" is a slow burner, while "Infinite Quest" has more momentum like AXEHAMMER or AMULANCE. There is definitely a haunting quality to the music too which fans of KING DIAMOND, DEADLY ASSASSIN, ATTIC, etc. may prefer. Dan Hulford's eerie keyboard passages light me up with the apparition of perdition invoking the introspection within the confines of my own sanity.

The illustrious "Imaginary World" harps back to early FATES WARNING, while "Light Me Up" and the themed droll spiraling menagerie of "Glass Castles" have a HELLHOUND, GARGOYE, or FATAL VIOLENCE force or feel. "Uncontrollable Fire" is the fastest cut, and their attempt at playing Speed Metal with some alacrity and promise. PictureAPOCRYPHA, HERETIC, MAD MAN, or STEEL ASSASSIN. In fact, I am amazed that this band never made it onto any of the "Metal Massacre Compilations".

"The epic and enthralling "Legends" draws this full-scale invasion to a close, with a brooding and caustic emphasis. I look forward to hearing what is in store for the future of INVADER. In the meantime, I have the uncontrollable fire and feel of this album to quell my hunger.