BornBroken’s Am I Invisible is a Brutal, Soul-Baring Journey

Review By Glen Parkes

Montreal’s BornBroken has once again unleashed their fury on the metal scene with their latest album, Am I Invisible, released this past September. This record is a visceral blend of relentless heaviness, introspective lyricism, and sharp melodic elements that showcase the band’s evolution. With 10 tracks packed with intensity and emotion, Am I Invisible is not just an album—it’s a cathartic experience.

“Am I Invisible” is a personal and collective triumph for the band, as vocalist and guitarist Michael Decker explains: “We poured our hearts into every beat, every note. It’s a journey through our highs and lows.” And you can feel it in every second of this album, which explores themes of anger, self-doubt, and the struggle to be seen in a world that often turns a blind eye. The title track, “Am I Invisible,” is a prime example of the existential questioning that runs throughout the album. With Decker’s growling vocals and searing guitar riffs, it’s both a battle cry and a desperate plea.

The opening track, “Time Pays No Respect,” immediately sets the tone with its five-minute assault of crushing riffs and dynamic shifts. Bassist Mike Marino and drummer Carlos Ojeda lay down a thunderous rhythm section, propelling the song forward with unrelenting force. It’s a blistering introduction to an album that refuses to pull any punches.

One of the standout tracks is “How Strong You Are,” where the band perfectly balances aggression and melody. The interplay between Decker’s guitar work and Marino’s basslines creates a wall of sound that is as emotionally resonant as it is heavy. You can feel the tension in the lyrics, with the band challenging the listener to confront their inner strength in the face of adversity.

Another highlight is “Fold,” the longest track on the album, clocking in at 6:30. The song takes the listener on a journey through various tempos and moods, moving from blistering metal riffs to a more melodic, almost haunting midsection before building to a crushing finale. Rob Henx, the band’s newest member on lead guitar, showcases his ability to blend technical prowess with an emotional edge, giving the track an extra layer of depth.

Tracks like “Scabs & Scars” and “Age of Anger” further exemplify BornBroken’s ability to craft songs that are not only musically tight but also lyrically poignant. The aggressive edge of the music mirrors the pain and frustration expressed in the lyrics, creating a symbiotic relationship between sound and story. BornBroken channels their influences from bands like Chimaira and Machine Head but maintains their own identity, offering a fresh take on extreme metal.

One of the most emotionally charged tracks, “The Day I Die Inside,” closes out the album with a raw, unfiltered expression of inner turmoil. Decker’s vocal performance here is especially striking, as he switches between guttural growls and cleaner, more reflective tones, adding weight to the song’s themes of loss and resignation.

The production on Am I Invisible is tight, with every instrument given room to breathe, yet maintaining the crushing heaviness fans expect from the band. The mixing allows Marino’s bass and Ojeda’s drums to shine through the chaos, providing a strong backbone for Decker and Henx’s guitar work. The album is meticulously crafted, but it still feels raw and unpolished in a way that enhances its emotional impact.

With the addition of Rob Henx on lead guitar, BornBroken’s live lineup is more powerful than ever. Fans of their upcoming Ontario and Quebec tour dates can expect a devastatingly tight and emotionally charged performance that translates the intensity of Am I Invisible into an unforgettable live experience.

Am I Invisible is an exceptional addition to BornBroken’s discography. It’s a brutal, soul-baring album that blends aggression with melody in a way that feels fresh and relevant. For fans of metal that isn’t afraid to confront its own vulnerability while maintaining a fierce edge, Am I Invisible is a must-listen. BornBroken is a band on the rise, and this album proves they are not to be ignored.