PRIMAL FEAR — Unbreakable (review)

PRIMAL FEAR — Unbreakable album cover Album · 2012 · Power Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
J-Man
Though they don't have a reputation as the most revolutionary group in metal, Primal Fear has gained a large following of dedicated heavy metal fans over the years, many of whom will claim that they are one of the most consistently kick-ass bands in the biz. Listening to Unbreakable is proof that these German metalheads are one of the most impressive bands keeping the torch of traditional heavy metal alive, and while they mainly look to the past for their sound, the amount of ass-kicking you'll hear on this album is enough to justify a purchase from any melodic heavy metal fan. The number of anthem-like choruses, killer guitar solos, and soaring vocal melodies on Unbreakable is almost unheard of - from beginning to end, this is some of the most instantly memorable heavy metal out there. What Primal Fear may lack in terms of innovation is made up by their expertly crafted compositions, and although they may not appeal to the more forward-thinking metal crowd, this is some of the best melodic heavy metal out there. If you, like me, enjoy some ass-kicking throwback heavy metal from time to time, it doesn't get much better than Unbreakable!

Like all Primal Fear albums, the killer vocals from Ralf Scheepers are at the forefront of these melodic and heavy compositions. His soaring vocal melodies are complimented by mean riffs and a rock-solid rhythm section, as well as plenty of breathtaking guitar solos from Magnus Karlsson and Alex Beyrodt. This is a group of top-notch musicians, and there's not a moment on Unbreakable when I doubt their abilities as players and composers. Though most of the songs are relatively fast-paced, there is enough variation throughout Unbreakable (like the surprisingly awesome ballad "Born Again") to keep things from ever sounding dull. Every song is well-written and memorable, although the lyrics occasionally sound a bit cliched - songs like "Metal Nation" sport lyrics that almost sound like a parody, but for those who are able to look past occasionally silly lyrics, there's plenty of top-notch melodic heavy metal here.

Although the style of melodic heavy metal that Primal Fear offers has been done to death over the years, few bands pull it off with as much success as these German veterans. Unbreakable is filled to the brim with unforgettable songwriting and stunning musicianship, and I'd say it's a perfect way to start 2012 for any melodic heavy metal fan. I do crave a bit more ambition and creativity from Primal Fear's core sound, but doing so may very well jeopardize what makes this band so great - they simply deliver excellent heavy metal as it was originally intended, and it is worth checking out for anyone who thinks that sounds appealing. All in all, Unbreakable is a really great album from Primal Fear that I intend to enjoy through 2012 and beyond. 4 stars are well-deserved.
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