Tellus Requiem – Invictus (The 11th Hour) 2013

Tellus Requiem has a penchant for using Latin words and phrases in both their name and song titles. Perhaps one Latin phrase could describe the band’s ascent into the progressive metal field: ad astra per aspera, or ‘to the stars through difficulty’. It’s been a rough road for the band especially when securing a stable line up of players. With Invictus, their second album, the band is established and sounding quite good.

Coming from Norway, Tellus Requiem stands in the classic progressive power metal tradition common to the European theater.Invictus is both typical of the genre, but also rather accomplished and impressive material. Most of this is the result of good songwriting and fine musicianship, both of which are at a premium here. A notable stand out is the keyboard work of the classically trained player Anders Berg Sundbo. His part goes beyond highlights or atmosphere to significant meaningful contributions that enliven every song. Yet,Invictus is a work of many, and every player contributes to whole with enthusiasm and skill.

To the songs, as mentioned earlier, they are essentially well-crafted progressive power metal, often quite hasty material loaded with lots of clever shifts and bends. Songs like Red Horizon and Eden Burns, by example, offer speed and intricacy. Sands of Gold can offer the same, yet in a heavier wrapper, and then have sublime instrumental midway. Conversely as their titles suggest Reflections Remain and Tranquility are largely mid-tempo softer material, yet ranging from symphonic to emotional to epic in scope and feel. Overall, Invictus has an immense and powerful presence, a sound that will make fans of the prog power metal genre drool. Recommended.

‘Ab Aeterno’
‘Red Horizon’
‘Eden Burns’
‘Reflections Remains’
‘Twilight Hour’
‘Sands Of Gold’
‘Tranquility’
‘Redemption’
‘Invictus’
‘Dies Irae’

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