Savage New Times, the seventh album from Phoenix, Arizona thrashers Incite, is a robust statement on not only the world, but the band’s evolution. Releasing via Reigning Phoenix Music, these 10 attacks exhibit the metal guerrillas at the top of their game.
“On this one, I think you really see us defining our style and what this band can do going forward,” declares lead vocalist Richie Cavalera. The stepson of metal legend Max Cavalera (Sepultura, Soulfly) is spitting no lies regarding the impact of the new record. The arrangements flow seamlessly, and there’s a potent sense of urgency permeating through each song.
Cavalera’s vocals and lyrics are diverse but not out-of-line, maintaining a balance that keeps everything fresh for the listener throughout. When asked to compare himself to his mighty stepfather, he humbly proposes, “Damn, that’s tough, but I’d say my vocal range is a lot wider than his. Max has always rocked that deep, signature growl. I don’t recall him ever going high vocally.”
Like Max, the Incite frontman yells to empower the masses. “The themes on this album will definitely help your mental health,” Cavalera proclaims, citing examples, “Doubts and the Fear’ is about battling the voice in your head that says you can’t do something or can’t succeed. ‘Savage New Times’ is about getting through hard times when you feel like you’re about to break. ‘Just a Rat’ is about exposing toxic people we need to remove from our lives.”
With “Feel That Shit”, Cavalera looks to simply snap anyone out of a funk, stating it’s “literally about getting fired up.” However, there is one track that sets a distinct mood where he and the band flourishingly leave their comfort zone to slower, melodic terrain. Regarding “Dolores”, the singer explains, “We’ve always been a band that feels like we can do whatever we want.”
“The story came from a recurring dream I had as a kid—something that really felt like it was haunting me,” Cavalera cryptically continues, “When I heard the music, I knew it was time to approach a lyrical theme like ‘Dolores’. The name felt like a sign—I kept seeing it in the most random, weird places for a long time.”
A huge factor towards why Savage New Times relatively holds more substance is new guitarist Layne Richardson. “Layne is incredibly musically gifted—he can play and write piano, shred solos, dial in killer tones—and, on top of that, he shares the same musical vision and influences as Lennon (Lopez, drums), EL (bass), and I,” boasts Cavalera. “He became the guy we’ve been looking for since this band was formed. He and Lennon split the album’s music 50/50, and that’s what you hear. That’s why I think Incite made such a huge leap forward.”
Continuity in other areas also plays a huge role in elevating Incite’s style and sound. That comes in the form of the full-length’s producer Steve Evetts. “Steve is a master. This is the fourth album he’s done with us, and each time, he pushes us further, brings in new ideas while staying true to the core of what Incite is: a heavy metal band,” begins Cavalera, “Steve knows what we’re trying to sound like and the vibe we’re trying to create, and the production quality on this record is absolutely insane.”
Cavalera has been a consistent presence in Incite, himself, so he’s witnessed the band’s progression firsthand, culminating in the triumph that is the new release. With two decades of service as lead vocalist under his belt, he reflects, “We’ve evolved so much. We were all really young and early in our playing years, and the mission of the band was nowhere near as serious or dedicated as it is now. With each album, we’ve grown into better songwriters and musicians, no question.”
“We’re all just super laid-back, music-loving, chill dudes,” Cavalera divulges, then bares a similar sentiment to his stepdad, referring to Incite as “a band of the people.” The frontman proceeds to give insight into his and his mates’ personalities, “EL is really into tattooing, fostering dogs, and hitting up local shows in Arizona. Layne’s into working out, eating cheeseburgers, and writing riffs. Lennon likes to smoke tons of weed, and I’m big on taking it easy, cruising my bike with my fiancée, cooking, and chilling at the beach.”
Touring in support of Savage New Times is something the raging vocalist is really looking forward to. Cavalera recalls a touring experience that conditioned him for life on the road, “One tour, Incite got to share a bus with Gorgoroth, Melechesh, and Earth Rot. Every single day was insane camaraderie and debauchery. I really learned how to work hard and how to party hard on that tour.”
Cavalera then looks to the future of rocking new songs on stage, “Just a Rat’ is one I’m really looking forward to playing. I can’t wait to see the mosh pits and the insanity it brings. I think it’s one of the best songs we’ve ever done. I also can’t wait to jam ‘Feel That Shit’. That song is really going to set some stuff off.” Without a doubt, Incite’s latest material will garner movement in more ways than one.
Savage New Times is out on Friday, and you can preorder it from Reigning Phoenix Music. Follow Incite on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for future updates.
