adg211288 Invictus (The 11th Hour) is the second full-length album by Norwegian progressive metal band Tellus Requiem. It was released in 2013. The band previously released a self-titled debut album in 2010 but in the years leading up to the release of Invictus the band has acquired a new vocalist and a new drummer.

While Tellus Requiem seems to be listed on various websites as a progressive power metal band the truth is that while there are definitely power metal elements in their music, which are often quite strong, as in the track Eden Burns, Invictus as a whole is much more the modern sounding melodic progressive metal release. One that uses power metal elements, as well as symphonic elements to a much lesser extent, as an ingredient in their overall progressive sound. Danish band Anubis Gate comes to mind almost at once as a reference point for the type of sound that Tellus Requiem have going for them, although I think Tellus Requiem has a more openly progressive way of structuring their music, making comparisons to traditional progressive metal bands like Dream Theater all the more valid. Symphony X would be another good band to mention if we’re going down the ‘if you like Band X, you’ll like Tellus Requiem’ thing. Actually them more than any of the others I mentioned.

The album kicks off with an introductory instrumental, Ab Aeterno. I’ve singled this out before the other songs because I’m always pleased when I band includes an intro track worth its salt, because this one most definitely in a track in its own right, albeit still short at 2:44 duration. A haunting intro of piano and choir vocals, then building up into metal elements until the band is finally ready to shift into top gear with Red Horizon. I can’t think of a better way for an album of this style to kick off.

If I’m honest though despite its amazing start with carries over from Ab Aeterno into the fuller songs that make up the bulk of the release, I do find Invictus to be slightly inconsistent. Just slightly, I don’t mean this in a negative light as such. It’s just that some songs are spectacular while others are merely solid, competent compositions that are enjoyable but don’t move me in the same way as album highlights such as the infectious Eden Burns does, which is an absolute belter of a progressive power metal track no matter if I look at it from a prog or power metal perspective. Red Horizon, Sands of Gold and Reflections Remain are just a few that maintain that high standard. The returns that the album gives have got continually better with the more time I’ve invested in the release though and even the tracks which haven’t really stood out have grown on me some. Personally I feel that Tellus Requiem display a real knack for the songs which are the most power metal influenced although I admit that probably comes down to personal taste more than anything. But overall I’m more than pleased with Invictus regardless if Tellus Requiem are playing a power metal bit or not. An exceptional grade rating is deserved.

88/100

(Originally written for Heavy Metal Haven (http://metaltube.freeforums.org/tellus-requiem-invictus-the-11th-hour-t2793.html))

J-Man Norway's progressive metal scene may never have gained as much momentum as the neighboring Swedish landscape, but acts like Tellus Requiem show that the country still has a lot to offer in the world of progressive metal. After self releasing their eponymous debut in 2010, Tellus Requiem got picked up by Nightmare Records for the release of 2013's Invictus (The 11th Hour) - a killer progressive power metal release that borrows ideas from the genre's classic releases while still coming across as fresh and modern. Fans of old school progressive metal with a heavy power metal twist should definitely check out this highlight from early 2013!

The music on Invictus (The 11th Hour) most closely resembles Symphony X around the time of V: The New Mythology Suite. Much like that classic album, the tracks here are certainly progressive, but with a much heavier and more power metal-driven edge than acts like Dream Theater or Fates Warning. I also detect a little bit of a Psychotic Waltz influence in a few tracks (particularly towards the end of "Reflections Remain" and "Twilight Hour"), and that's almost never a bad comparison to draw when it's coming from me! For this reason and others, I wouldn't venture to call Tellus Requiem a 'clone' act, although their music is something that all Symphony X enthusiasts should enjoy for sure. Fans of dynamic and powerful power metal-styled vocalists should also love Ben Rodger's singing contributions on this album, as his voice is up there with the best in the genre right now.

Invictus (The 11th Hour) also features some great songwriting, with tracks like "Twilight Hour", "Redemption", and especially "Tranquility" standing as some of the best prog metal I've heard so far this year. Top it all off with a powerful sound production and high-class musicianship, and it's hard not to be left amazed by what Tellus Requiem have conjured for their sophomore observation. Though the album perhaps sticks to its guns a bit too much for listeners craving innovation, Invictus (The 11th Hour) is still an expertly crafted release with some tremendous songwriting. Fans of Symphony X, Empty Tremor, Psychotic Waltz, and Dream Theater shouldn't miss out on this one!

Time Signature Eden burns...

Genre: progressive metal

Norway has a lot of other types of music to offer than just black metal, for which the country is probably best known. Tellus Requiem, for example, is a progressive metal band in the vein of Dream Theater, and they probably represent an area of the Noregian rock scene which is not as internationally revered as its black metal scene, but which nonetheless produces quality music in large.

"Invictus (The 11th Hour)" features progressive metal which is akin to Dream Theater, but no as technical or quirky, but nevertheless just as sophisticated. There is also somewhat of an influence from power metal on this album, which is mostly prevalent in the choruses. While there are plenty of mellow passages and ballady elements, the songs are primarily riff-driven, many riffs being more straightforward and others more quirky - some even border on being aggressive, while others remind me a bit of Cynic's trademark style guitar figures. The album is generally very enjoyable and takes the listener through a variety of musical expressions - from thrash to symphonic rock - without ever losing focus.

Needless to say, the musicianship is impeccable across the board, and the listener is treated to both impressive guitar solos and keyboard solos, while the drumming is dynamic in many places. Like I mentioned, Tellus Requiem's music on this album is in the vein of Dream Theater's brand of progressive metal, but Tellus Requiem are by no means copycats. "Invictus (The 11th Hour)" focuses more on accessible, but sophisticated, song structures and melody, and is - for my money - a very original release.

Fans of progressive metal should definitely check it out.