Possessing a soft spot from European-oriented melodic heavy metal/hard rock, this scribe knows the popularity of the style probably will never hit the heights of million-selling commercial numbers like the 80’s or 90’s. But we all know as long as Swiss acts like Shakra still ply their trade, we can expect quality new records even in this modern era of music. Unfortunately watching the entertainment world grind to a standstill upon the February 2020 release of Mad World, the quintet kept the creative juices flowing, working on the next set of material that would be this thirteenth studio record Invincible. The twelve songs embrace a mix of catchy anthems, mid-tempo rockers, as well as the occasional darker/modern forays for atmosphere and tone elements that could captivate a second to third generation of heavy music followers.
The twin axe team of Thomas Muster and Thom Blunier provide the right hook-laden chord work, intuitive transitions, as well as killer lead breaks that make sense while being highly engaging – check out the cultural textures throughout “Old Irish Song” as well as the heads down metal riff shuffle throughout “The Matrix Unfolds” for two slices of symbiotic smoothness. When taking the proceedings down to lighter fare, there’s still this sense of unfolding a song in a logical powerful manner as you’ll get in the semi-acoustic power ballad “As I Lay Down to Sleep”, Mark Fox’s gritty, bluesy-fused register able to squeeze the best phrasing or rising notes for edge of your seat depth all the way to the final, breathy conclusion. Much like current favorites Eclipse, the band has the knack for developing the best main hook and keeping the engagement through solid groove mechanics or dropping out specific instruments to let other aspects shine – “Walls of Hate” a second half favorite that hopefully will be a future Shakra setlist staple. The metal side peaks in now and again – drummer Roger Tanner juggling his double kick/ main tempo duties in a high energy way for the finale “As Long As I’m Alive”, intertwining a Southern swagger against some neoclassical lead break action.
Invincible is a solid record that continues to keep Shakra in that reliable melodic hard rock/metal category that probably won’t blow people away through their material – yet it’s hard to deny the infectious songwriting to leave your headspace for weeks (or months) at a time. Ideal for those who miss acts like Skid Row, the heavier aspects of Dokken, and current favorites like Kissin’ Dynamite plus the aforementioned Eclipse.