Illucia – A New Reign

Illucia
A New Reign
Label: Self-release
Out: June 11^th, 2022
Playing time: 41:03

Illucia was founded as a trio in 2014. And a trio they obviously still are today, because bassist Imli Suneo Jamir seems to be on board only for studio sessions and live performances(?). The musicians hail from the south Indian metropolis of Bengaluru (Bangalore). In 2015, they played at Freedom Jam, one of the biggest music festivals in their hometown. In 2019, the EP “111” was released, followed one year later by the single “Dreamtime Observers”. In June, the Indians released their album debut “A New Reign”, in its eighth year of existence.

Right from the start, the listener is bombarded with straightforward Heavy Metal. In “Fateful Night”, one riff follows the other. And Nitin Charles Martin performs a great guitar solo. As with some other Indian bands, the rough vocals take some getting used to at first. In keeping with the title, “Clap Of Thunder” starts with a thunderous roar. Twin guitars follow. Here Nitin has obviously recorded the individual melodies on several audio tracks and put them on top of each other. “Trauma Of The Sea” is again a straightforward riff-dominated rocker. “Slaves Of The Land” is quieter, even ballad-like, for long periods. Later, manowary riffs can be heard. On the other hand, “The Fortress Of Gold” is full on again. The song goes into the Speed Metal area. The hymn-like “Hellucination” has hit potential. The power ballad “The Ritual… A New Reign”, which mutates into a riff storm in the intervals, forms the end of the album. 

With “A New Reign”, Illucia can definitely convince musically. Good songwriting, strong guitar parts. The weak point, in my opinion, is the vocals. They are often pushed into the background by the instruments. Live, the Indians could be an experience if they hired a second guitarist for their shows. Otherwise it will certainly be difficult to bring the album sound to the stage.

Illucia – Walls of Desire (Official Track): https://youtu.be/pv4k7FvJ9no

Lineup:

Nitin Charles Martin – Guitars
Srivatsa Balaji – Drums
Vineesh Venugopal – Vocals
Imli Suneo Jamir – Bass (sessions)

Label: Self-release

Out: June 11^th, 2022

Playing time: 41:03

Track list:

• Fateful Night
• Clap Of Thunder
• Trauma Of The Sea
• Slaves Of The Land
• The Fortress Of Gold
• The Chosen One
• Hellucination
• Walls Of Desire
• The Ritual… A New Reign