The Norwegian band INVASION has done it all wrong. Last year they released their debut album “Invasion 2023”, which I rated at 9 out of 10. It is a rating that I still stand for. The pure and straight forward Heavy Metal on that album was not only as Heavy as I like, the songs were all of an extra high quality too. Everything just fit as the proverbial gloves. In the end I voiced my expectation to see how they could and hopefully would improve on that record. Well, somehow INVASION decided that they couldn’t honour my wish, so for “Invasion II” they decided to change tactics, meaning, they opted for a different musical style. They switched to Melodic Metal/Rock. The question now is if they did the right thing.

Let me start by saying that it does take some getting used to their new musical direction. The voice of Jørgen Bergersen is more suited to Heavy Metal, but I have to admit that he is doing a great job singing the quieter songs on “Invasion II”. he does this with an enthusiasm and conviction that it takes away the doubts that arose at first. As for the tracks that INVASION is treating us to, they are all rather to quite good. But they don’t wow me as much as before. I understand the change, but when listening to “Invasion II” you have to conclude that the band sounds most at ease when they can put a bit of oomph into the music, when they can go Metal. Just listen to the opening riff on “Take It Away” and you’ll know what I mean.

I’m not suggesting that INVASION isn’t able to produce a very good Melodic Metal/Rock record. On the contrary, as every song on “Invasion II” proves. This is a very good album, from start to finish, with good musicianship and very good songs. It’s just that after the impact of the debut album this sounds just a little bit underwhelming. And that is why I’m stating that they have done it all wrong. If “Invasion II” would have been the debut album and “Invasion 2023” their sophomore album, INVASION would have been awarded almost top marks for both. But as that is not the case, I can only say that although I really like “Invasion II”, it just can’t compete with their debut. Sometimes life is just plain unfair. Nevertheless I hope that you music lovers will give “Invasion II” a good listen. It is worth it.