WALKYRYA is a Thrash Metal hailing from Lucania in southern Italy. "Invisible Guest" is their fourth album and their first on Time To Kill Records. Founded by Vince Santopietro in 1999, WALKYRYA is a band that cites OVERKILL, CIRITH UNGOL, and SEPULTURA as influences among others. Press for "Invisible Guest" repeatedly mentions TESTAMENT as an influence for the album, and I think that assessment holds very true.

The album opens with "Black Hills" and features some funky bass in the intro from former drummer Aran Morion. The theme is classic Thrash, yet far more melodic at times than I expected. Santopietro's vocals are a mix of clean and growl, leaning more towards a menacing tendency.  Fedirico Caggiano's guitar work is on par, and the solo rips. Next up, we have "Open Grave", which also opens with some inspired bass work from Morion. Another great solo from Caggiano, and menacing, yet melodic themed vocals from Santopietro.

"All the Time" this time gives Casale an opportunity to impress, and he does. His drum work throughout is outstanding, and really adds to the tone of impending misery the band seeks to convey. The guitar solo here, leans far more Classic Metal, but definitely works as it changes the pace a bit. Too often Thrash metal guitar solos become to sound alike. That's not the case here. So far, so good. The uniqueness the band has is definitely working to their advantage.

"Drive Angry" and "Evil Clown" follow, and somewhat serve as mid album filler, though "Evil Clown" distinguishes itself for slowing down the pace a bit by introducing a mix of softer music and vocals, that erupt back into the heavier music already established by the band. "Drive Angry" seems to be the first single, though for me, it's not one of the strongest tracks. Regardless, it's still a good Thrash song.

The album continues with "Venom Tears", which is likely my favorite track. Heavy riff oriented guitar and bass accented by classic Thrash style drums and cemented by Santopietro's ominous vocals. "Out of Brain", continues in the vein of the previous track, and again I'm reminded of how well the band works in unexpected melody into such heavy music.

The album concludes with "March or Die", which is a fitting culmination of what the band has presented. Heavy, melodic Thrash that's unique and memorable. "Invisible Guest" at the least deserves a listen by any Thrash metal fan, and likely a permanent place in your music collection.