Invictus, by Damned Icon

Invictus

by Damned Icon

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Travis Barrett Let me start off by saying, this album provides me with one of my favorite experiences this world has to offer musically. I love finding new music that is, chronologically speaking, still in its infancy. Knowing that the artist will only grow from this point to put out more and more great music really makes me feel a great sense of joy.

This album is tagged as progressive metal and death metal and while it completely checks off every box for both of those genres, it also is much more than what is printed on the packaging so to speak. From the first opening tracks moving orchestration to the last tracks mesmerizing and moving piano piece, you'll also find wonderful guitar riffs sprinkled through this release.

My favorite track on the album is ghosts. The synth work on this track immediately hits you followed by Dream Theater style riffing. Nico's ability to place vocal harmonies and use of harsh vocals in the styling of Opeth throughout the song really tie the vocals together. A great use of vocal effects were used without being tiresome or gimmicky to add depth to the track.

Nico Machiavelli's first release has me extremely excited for upcoming music and I'll be sure to keep my eye on this great artist for updates. Favorite track: Hiraeth.

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1.	From Pole (Somewhere Cold) 02:03	buy track
2.	Hiraeth 07:37	buy track
3.	The Architect 03:16	buy track
4.	Ghosts 05:47	buy track
5.	Flight 03:38	buy track
6.	Where the Leaves Fall 07:29	buy track
7.	Please 04:24	buy track
8.	To Pole (Somewhere Warm) 04:28	buy track
9.	Please (Piano Version) 06:19	buy track

about

Invictus is the result of growth. Songwriting takes the main focus over ridiculous shows of musicianship that appears in a lot of prog. There's a lot going on inside, but the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. This is an album for prog fans everywhere. Soaring choirs and lavish orchestras punctuate fast guitars and powerful basslines. In addition to this, the album features both vocal-oriented pieces as well as instrumental tracks.

Invictus is for fans of Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree, Opeth, Dream Theater, Tool, Haken, as well as anyone who wants something fresh to hear.

Each track has sentimental value to me, but suffice to say, the album is framed with a nod to poetry (and the power that words have over us) and my own mental health. The poem "Invictus" embodies much of my own personal philosophy on how I ought to live my life, but regardless of all conviction there are still struggles that we all face. In particular, "From Pole (Somewhere Cold)" and "To Pole (Somewhere Warm)" represent my journey from a dark place in my life to a place where I can grow and flourish. "Please" also holds a very special place in my heart; you can read more about that on the page for the single.

I invite you to listen to these and find your own meanings and feelings. Music has helped me time and again, and I hope that the melodies and words in here help you just as much as they helped me.

Special thanks to...

Laura Danner, Chloe Day, Dan Ballas, Jose Carlos P Tinajero, Michael Bradican, Tanya Tinajero, Sarah Spell, Jason Spell, Ian Mead Moore, Francesco Filigoi, and everyone in the Wired Guitarist/Music Discussion community.

credits

released March 17, 2017

Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Synths, Pianos: Nico Madden/Damned Icon

Drumming: Michael Bradican

All tracks written by Nico Madden/Damned Icon

Songwriting contributions from Jose Carlos P Tinajero on "Ghosts" and "Hiraeth" with orchestration as well as on "Please (Piano Version)" with songwriting.

Mixing and Mastering: Dan Ballas - danballasaudio.com / dan@danballasaudio.com

Artwork done by Sarah Spell: Instagram @free_coyote, etsy.com/shop/soapminimalism

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Damned Icon Sandy Hook, Virginia

Progressive Metal.

Invictus.

March 17, 2017

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