Album Review: Incite – Savage New Times (Reigning Phoenix Music)

Phoenix-based groovers and thrashers Incite present their most ferocious incarnation with their new full-length album, ‘Savage New Times’, set for release on August 15, 2025, via Reigning Phoenix Music.

On the one hand, this new Incite record is the groove thrashers through and through, unmistakably harsh and heavy, but with bounce, energy, and infectious intensity. Yet, importantly, on the other hand, it’s the sound of a band going through an evolution and enjoying themselves while doing so.

It might not be the most ground-breaking Incite release to date, but it is certainly their most experimental. Although you could be forgiven for thinking such a statement is laughable when they open the record with a couple of tracks that can be simply called ‘Incite specials’. Think speed and heaviness, heart-racing aggression and blood-pumping groove. The instrumentals are manic, and the vocals are spat out, rather than sung. This is how Lies, Feel This Shit (I’m Fired Up), and Just a Rat can be summarised and each has enjoyable heft.

Of the three though it might be the latter that stands out the most thanks to its hardcore-infusion and vocal switches. A more imaginative Incite effort, heavy enough to crack skulls and break bones.

Speaking of weightiness though, how about Chucked Off’s meaty groove and shouty chorus? The riffs on this one slay, prominent and potent, whereas Richie is spitting fire, particularly in the excellent chorus. A track capped off with a short, but punchy guitar solo. Then there is Doubts and the Fear, a ferocious headbanger with likable melody, and one that is lyrically strong. Before the album’s shock moment arrives, although as it was released as a single, hopefully Incite fans have gotten used to it now.

It is, of course, Dolores and it’s impressive. Showcasing layers of horror, cinematically so, and featuring more progressive ideas, this is a fascinating track from Incite. Something that really does show that they have so much more to offer, especially from a more thoughtful and harmonious point of view. It’s pretty damn dramatic, but has a robust heavy thickness that makes it feel so much heftier.

It’s no surprise that following that staggering track, Incite let listeners have it and have it hard with a series of crushing, smashing, crunching, and blasting tracks. All of which bring varied amounts of brutalising intensity. From the short and sharp No Mercy No Forgiveness, to the stomping vitriolic sound of Used and Abused, and the methodical groove savagery of Never Die Once. Here, Incite focus on what they’re so good at, and that’s sounding hostile via a combination of heated and varied heavy tempos, roaring riffs, powerful drums, and viciously delivered vocals.

Savage New Times, not just a pithy title or a beastly blast of unbridled ferocity as the title track finale proves to be, but a statement of the world we live in and Incite’s position within it. They’re moving forward, while maintaining what has got them to the level that they’re at now. It’s all very exciting stuff.

Incite – Savage New Times Track Listing:

1. Lies
2. Feel This Shit (I’m Fired Up)
3. Just a Rat
4. Chucked Off
5. Doubts and the Fear
6. Dolores
7. No Mercy No Forgiveness
8. Used and Abused
9. Never Die Once
10. Savage New Times

Links

LinkTree | Facebook | Instagram | X | RPM