INVICTA

I was very impressed by The Enid's "Invicta". This is the first album I've heard from them, and admittedly I was a little put-off by the opening opera-ish track. As it progressed, I realized it was more of an epic set piece that was foundational for the album. By the time the track ended, I was already sold on this album, I think!

Imagine my surprise, then, when "Who Created Me?" played. Wow. This track is simply outstanding prog in every sense of the concept. Fantastic vocals combine with heady themes to create a masterpiece of a track.

The album does not top "Who Created Me?", but it is strong throughout anyways. "Witch Hunt" and "Heaven's Gate" are poles apart, but they fit together so well. That's what really caught me about this album: This album has so much variety---featuring purely classical music movements to prog ballads to choir-led vocals within folksy tracks---and it always fits together so well. I'm not sure if it's the tone or the atmosphere, but this album is a unified whole regardless of how different each track is.

Overall, this album is epic in scope and ethereal in imagination. Incredible classical influences meet prog folk to create a simply delightful album for the open minded.