Review TRIUMPHER “Spirit Invictus”

Hailing from Greece, Triumpher are one of the most exciting new bands in heavy metal. Formed in 2019, it was their debut album “Storming the Walls” that caused a stir in the metal community, and now it’s their second album that catapults the band to the top.

“Spirit Invictus” is the title of a masterpiece that contains true metal anthems. Fans of bands like early Virgin Steele and early Manowar will be delighted after hitting the play button. What comes out of the speakers is blistering metal rooted in the 80s. Even though Triumpher are inspired by the heyday of metal, their music doesn’t sound outdated at all. It’s old school in the best sense of the word.

After a dramatic intro called “Overture to Elysian”, the band kicks off with “Arrival of the Avenger”. The latter is a furious metal track and right from the start the screams of Mars Triumph impress. The frontman is a real metal siren, the likes of which we haven’t heard in a long time. Being able to hit the high-pitched screams as well as the raw vocals, that’s what Triumph can do and thus adds an essential part to the sound of Triumpher.

“Athena (1st Chapter) is next and starts with a dark intro before a thunderous break up the pattern. Equipped with a majestic riff, the song develops into a galloping metal treat that shows off the band’s full songwriting competence.

Photo: Polymnia Manopo

The title track sits in the middle of the tracklist and is a perfect headbanger. Powerful and not shying away from a good melodic line, the song takes the spotlight, while the already mentioned vocals have a storytelling vibe. “Alexander” follows the same basic formula, although the song is kept in a slower tempo, more reminiscent of epic metal that strengthens the traditional metal foundation. Triumpher creates excitement with twists and the ‘ohohoh’ section is for fan chants at live shows.

‘Shores of Marathon’ is the next chapter of this exciting release, carrying some Greek heritage before the pounding ‘Triumpher’ takes over. The latter is an ode to heavy metal that passes the baton to the closing track. “Hall Of A Thousand Storms” can easily compete with the earlier songs on the album. The mid-tempo stomper is a delight for the denim and leather community and a worthy finale to a stellar album.

In times when Virgin Steele are still searching for a proper sound and Manowar are talking more about metal than playing metal, it’s bands like Triumpher that deliver great music. These songs are a metal feast for anyone who likes traditional heavy metal. It’s metal that runs through the veins of these guys and “Spirit Invictus” is the outlet for this metal commitment. Triumpher’s second album is certainly a candidate for the top 10 metal releases of 2024.