Slanderus, the alternative metal dynamo hailing from California’s Inland Empire, has just dropped their new video for “Invert Your Eyes.” From the get-go, the song hits you with a barrage of heavy guitars—a signature welcome for any metalhead. The opening riffs will hook you and they set the stage for the relentless groove of a bassline that’s impossible to ignore.
The musicianship in “Invert Your Eyes” is nothing short of stellar. Each instrument carves its own niche in the sound, together constructing a monument of metal excellence. Listen closely, and you’ll catch the cunning drop after the line “Higher” in the verse, a momentary plummet that grips your spine with its intensity.
Midway, the track eases off the throttle. A gentle guitar interlude offers a moment of a quick breather, a soothing contrast to the torrent of power that precedes it. But just as you get comfortable—the tranquility is a prelude to the adrenaline-infused guitar solo from Jason, the band’s axe-wielding master. At the four-and-a-half-minute mark, we’re gifted with a stylistic pivot that showcases modern metal’s versatility. This is a band that knows how to balance brute force with finesse.
Allen Alamillo’s vocals is like a call amidst the storm, a soaring, rhythmic force that beckons you into his realm. His delivery is both potent and commanding, an impeccable match for Slanderus’ heavy, and dare I say, almost prog like sound blend. The track’s six and a half minutes is an adventure that you’ll wish never ended.
For those who venture to Band Camp to support the band, an exclusive instrumental version of “Invert Your Eyes” awaits. This combo is like a treasure trove for the ears, an opportunity to peel back the layers of Slanderus’ musical brawn and appreciate the intricacies of their instrumental prowess. I mean, you have epic vocals, and powerful instruments, you can’t help but want a bit of both.
As far as the meaning of the song, “Invert Your Eyes” is like a shout-out to everyone to take a good, hard look inside themselves. It’s about digging into your own mind and figuring out what scares you. Think of it as flipping a switch to shine a light on the creepy corners of your thoughts.
When we talk about “inverting your gaze,” it’s like saying, “Hey, instead of checking out everything around you, why not check out what’s going on inside?” It’s about facing those inner demons, the stuff that gives you the heebie-jeebies, and really getting to the heart of why they freak you out.
The whole “distortions in reality” bit is pretty deep. It’s all about how fear can mess with your head, making mountains out of molehills and turning little things into big, scary monsters. The song is like a battle cry to muster up the bravery to confront these fears, to stop them from bending your reality.
By going on this journey of self-reflection, you’re supposed to come out the other side knowing yourself a whole lot better. The real you is waiting beyond that fear—a version of you that’s more real, raw, and ready to take on the world without those fear goggles on.
“Invert Your Eyes” is a masterclass in modern metal, a track that both honors and transcends its genre. Slanderus is sculpting an experience that resonates with the power of the genre they so skillfully represent.