Stephen Carpenter (Deftones) and Eric Bobo (Cypress Hill) along side producers Richie Londres & AJ Cookson have released an EP under the name, Sol Invicto. Initium is a drum and bass techno styled album with some guitar via Stephen Carpenter. Stephen is known for his phenomenal riffs with Deftones and so I had high expectations that I would hear some quality riffs from Mr. Carpenter. While the guitar work does make the tracks heavier, the riffs are truly forgettable. It’s basically just chugging in the background. The best part of the album is the techno music, and while the drumming is impressive at times, by the last song I felt like I was hearing the same song over and over.

Initium is ambient at times, it’s chaotic at times. While it’s not terrible, it is rather forgettable. I want more from Stephen Carpenter. Some thought put into the guitar playing, especially if Sol Invicto is going to use his name. I’ll just go back to my Deftones records for quality Carpenter riffs.

Pros: Impressive drum and bass music

Cons: Guitar work is forgettable

2.5 out of 5