Review: Worldview – Invincible
Much Anticipated-View
Invincible may very well be one of the most anticipated releases of 2025, let alone the past decade. Since the release of the iconic The Chosen Few in 2015, there has been much speculation and hype about how Worldview would release a follow up worthy of the debut’s greatness. Enter Invincible…
Invariably, any great artist (group of artists) will get the itch to “keep a good thing going.” And once the creative minds start gelling ideas, greatness is born. George Ochoa (guitars/producer), Todd Libby (bass) and Rey Parra (vocals), Crystal Mancaruso (vocals) and new drummer Terry Russell (Holy Soldier) put together and recorded 10 new songs, this time around with the help of Dino Elefante. While every listener will decide for themselves, the sound has changed in a way most (but not all) will find appealing.
Commercial Surprise
First off, you know that an album which features Ochoa working with Elefante (i.e. last year’s Human Code – Break the Silence) is going to have a certain pristine and amped up production sound. Check. When you add Bill Metoyer to the mix … well, the speakers speak for themselves. Check. But you also know that marriage to Elefante comes with a hint of more “commercial” leanings, songs with more melodic appeal, a few more ballads here and there, maybe? Check.
Consequently, my greatest surprise in hearing this music for the first time was that there were more of the slower, ballad-like songs than I expected. Human Code focused on the melodic rock side of Ochoa’s persona, which was great. I confess I was expecting a full-on heavy metal onslaught with progressive leanings. For a ballad I fully expected “Hauntingly Beautiful,” but I did not expect “Who’s to Say” and “Blindsided.” But, hey, I got blindsided and who’s to say, right? Still good music, for sure.
Vinyl-View
Side A
Wolves
Nevertheless, there is much greatness here. The opening track “Beware the Wolves” is just one such example. The amalgam of Led Zep, Red Sea and Deep Purple is a much-praised reference to ‘70’s metal with a tinge of Sacred Warrior shred. Not only is this the perfect opening “statement” track, but it may also just be the best song on the album, tons of drum, keyboard and guitar nuances throughout. This song exhibits all of the qualities and stylistic characteristics which nicely distinguish this new release from The Chosen Few … in a good, complimentary way.
Soldier
Similarly, the title track keeps the “progressive” pedal to the metal. In the spirit of Kamelot meets Queensryche, “Invincible” throws down the gauntlet and raises the bar for progressive metal while simultaneously harkening back to so many of those great songs from The Chosen Few. New to the milieu, however, is Crystal Mancaruso’s powerful voice, which perfectly complements Parra’s soaring roar. Perfect in every way.
Radio Rock
Surprisingly, just when the momentum is swinging hard in the direction of melodic progressive metal, the needle takes a hard knock the other direction, melodic rock infused with a massively “radio-friendly” appeal. “Blindsided” works on so many levels. From a flow standpoint, this song doesn’t belong at all at this point in the album, yet on the other hand, the lyrics are also not what you would expect, right? A song of betrayal? Or is there more meaning to this song than the genius of its placement and design imply?
Flesh
Consequently, this segues neatly into “Mystery Babylon” which clearly reflects upon the pull of the world on our senses and flesh to indulge in what it offers … and ultimately, doesn’t satisfy. Here Parra really channels Mike Drive (Barren Cross, Human Code) and the songs feels like a Barren Cross track except for the killer keyboard solo and the infiltrating keyboard accents. Once again, an exceptional song, but one which doesn’t have quite that anticipated “metal” vibe.
Blame
“Who’s to Say” represents a turning point or transition to the song flow on Invincible. Once again, and surprisingly so soon, the theme returns to relationships. Just when you are expecting things to ramp up, the music slows again to yet another discourse on “how did this happen” in the conversation about a failed relationship. In what appears to be a fruitless discourse on “who’s to blame,” the music echoes the mundane. Again, the music here is adequate, it just does little to inspire … perhaps the point?
Side B
Strangers
Now who here doesn’t appreciate the music of Ronnie James Dio? Right? Not surprising that this eclectic musical journey so far would travel to the world of Dio with this fantastic cover of “Don’t Talk to Strangers” the song Dio wrote when he was with Sabbath and debuted on the Holy Diver debut. From a purely musical/instrumental standpoint, the guys give this classic its proper due with this ripping rendition. Kudos especially to Parra’s vocals and Russell’s drums, that bass line pretty slick as well – from the guitars to the pace and production, these guys nailed it. Now we just need a Maiden cover to round things out? Oh well, maybe next time.
Vision
One of the hidden gems on Invincible, “Vision in My Mind” is another standout. Not only is this musically one of those lush Queensryche meets Pink Floyd-like ballads, but the words also speak deeply of the struggle to find inspiration and faith in the darkest times, when nothing seems quite real. But the truth breaks through eventually,
“You’re not a vision in my mind/Cause You’re as real as the air I’m breathing/You’ve always been there by my side/Through all the times of my hurt and grieving”
Reunion
Consequently, in reflecting upon the loss of a loved one, “Until We Meet Again” once again visits this theme of hope and faith in the unknown be known. Musically there is a progression in this song that is somewhat simulating the travel from sorrow and loss to the joy of rejoining loved ones in eternity, the song gaining intensity through its course like a runner racing to the finish, to that final destination.
Past
Subsequently, the pace slows again with the hauntingly revealing “Hauntingly Beautiful.” If there has ever been a song which combines the “beauty” of Sacred Warrior with Deliverance progressive melodic bliss it would be this song. Yes, that is Jimmy P. Brown II on guest backing vocals. Regret over past deeds resonates deeply with every one of us…
“The past is haunting me/And all the lies need to be over”
In addition to the amazing vocals of Parra and Brown here, Mancaruso makes an ethereal contribution in the middle section right before the beautiful guitar solo. Not only is this an elegant progressive ballad, but the humbling confessions are well received.
Artificial Intelligence
Finally, it is fitting that the final track would visit a theme so prevalent in current times, as well as the frequented subject matter in rock/metal catharsis. “A.I. Revolution” returns to the heavier side of the band’s expression with an all too “clear and present danger” warning:
“Coming your way, it’s here to stay/You will have no defense/AI Revolution…”
Final-View
Conclusively, Invincible is one of the best sounding rock/metal releases of the year. The melodies are incredibly good, the mix of instruments works well in both the digital and vinyl versions, lush yet powerful. However, those expecting a juggernaut of progressive metal shred and speed, look elsewhere. This is an elegant collection of songs, reminding me in a way of the 4th Conception album Flow, where rhythm, melody and lyrical impact surpass the shred/instrumental prowess factor. Compatible with The Chosen Few in sound and presentation, yet musically distinct, Invincible may end up being one of those timeless listens – better with every rotation.
1. Beware the Wolves (5:53)
2. Invincible (4:36)
3. Blindsided (3:51)
4. Mystery Babylon (4:19)
5. Who’s to Say (5:21)
6. Don’t Talk to Strangers (4:49)
7. Vision in My Mind (5:27)
8. Until We Meet Again (4:15)
9. Hauntingly Beautiful (5:36)
10. A.I. Revolution (4:36)
About Author
