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ILLUCIA
A New Reign

Self-released (2022)
Rating: 6.5/10

All the way from Bangalore in India we have this fresh-faced act that formed in 2014.

A New Reign is the band’s full-length debut and it offers a nice, nifty fusing of traditional metal with occasional thrashy flirtations, as evident from the opening tune ‘Fateful Night’. There are hints of Judas Priest and streaks of Iron Maiden, although at times everything sounds a touch lightweight. However, I do like the slightly snarled vocal approach of Vineesh Venugopal as the band charges headlong with interesting, exuberant flurries fizzed by Nitin M. Charles’ competent axework.

Illucia attempts to build atmosphere with the slow-burner ‘Clap Of Thunder’ which provides a standard metal gallop, but ‘Trauma Of The Sea’ is a good example of the outfits willingness to stretch towards speedier climes. The track is catchy, and Venugopal comes into his own here as his commands boom over the gleaming metal nuances.

‘The Fortress Of Gold’ is another hasty favourite with its rattling bass and sturdy percussion, and I also found myself tapping along to ‘Hellucination’ with its plodding drum and sizzling axe work.

Other notable tracks are ‘Walls Of Desire’, which is another careering headbanger, while ‘The Ritual… A New Reign’ attempts some sort of majestic unravelling with trickling acoustics and Venugopal’s calm whispers.

A New Reign is a record that does exhibit limitations, but I also get the sense the guys are just happy to be creating a metal record. So what it lacks in weight or wizardry is more than made up for with passion and energy, as showcased on the superb ‘Slaves Of The Land’.

Sure, it’s all a bit generic when it comes to traditional metal and it’s certainly not treading any new ground, but what is nowadays? However, if you want a straight up heavy metal record then why not support Illucia, they deserve it.

Neil Arnold

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