Incite Savage New Times Review

Incite

Savage New Times

RPM Music 
2025

Nepotism is probably something that has greatly benefited a lot of bands as much as it has brought on plenty of naysayers and diversity to several of them also. Having a famous musician for a mom, dad or uncle may have its perks for getting your proverbial foot in the door. But at the end of the day, if your talent, work ethic determination and songs are all on point, then let the naysayers, nay man. You can't deny good music, no matter who the people creating its relatives are. Such is the case with Phoenix Az’s INCITE and their new long player, Savage New Times (God what an apt album title for 2025, but I digress…)

Formed in 2004 by Max Cavalera's (Sepultura, Cavalera Conspiracy, Soulfly, Nailbomb) stepson, Richie Cavalera (vocals). INCITE has been burning up stages across the US and abroad since 2009’s debut The Slaughter. They play thrash, which isn't surprising given Richie’s lineage, but they do so with a modern edge, and something that I find is sorely missing from a lot of new thrash bands - an unmistakable and pronounced groove. So, I guess a better descriptor here would be “thrash/groove metal”. 

The band is rounded out by Lennon Lopez on drums, bassist EL and new guitarist Layne Richardson. Together with Richie's edgy, raw and spiteful vocals, they craft songs here that are fiercely heavy, fast, and utterly vitriolic. The album was produced by Steve Evetts (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, HATEBREED) and mixer Arthur Rizk (SOULFLY, MUNICIPAL WASTE). Along with striking artwork by Marcelo Vasco (SLAYER, KERRY KING). We get 10 songs, and none of them overstay their welcome – they all stay close to the three/three-and-a-half-minute mark. Musically, it would be very easy for the band to sound like Sepultura, but that’s not the case save for in the SPIRIT of Chaos A.D.’s metallic hardcore and punkier moments. Richie's vocals fall somewhere between Robb Flynn and Jamey Jasta. The riffs and grooves undoubtedly owe a bit to Slayer, Machine Head (Burn My Eyes vibes specifically) and the long-forgotten Seattle band, Forced Entry to my ears. Aggressive opener “Lies” kicks us off with a relentless pace, the energetic rhythms of “Just A Rat” could easily start a pit anywhere. Then comes the atmospheric “Dolores” and the seething closer “No Mercy, No Forgiveness”. They are all notably my picks, but the album keeps my attention – it’s never boring and thankfully, it's devoid of any filler. I believe this is thanks once again, to the songs being trimmed of all fat and running lean, and most certainly mean.

INCITE are carrying the torch for not only thrash and groove metal from the past, while carving their own path into the future with a varied, exciting and visceral modern take in Savage New Times. 

Nepotism? Hell no. The beasts that are INCITE are standing firmly on their own and ready to maul everything. Let's fuckin’ go…

~TB