Unbreakable

Unbreakable is a fulfilling power-metal work, true to its title, on which Primal Fear foregrounds hard riffs, speed-filled powerful rhythm and powerful high vocals. This studio work, after about three years, again powerfully shows the band’s unshakable toughness. The songs proceed forward without hesitation, yet their choruses always have clear, memorable melody, by no means ending as merely simple power. A record where mature steadiness shines. From the development from the opening intro to “Strike” and the serious “Bad Guys Wear Black” to “Metal Nation,” singing of pride in metal, every song is engaging, while cuts like “Unbreakable” and “Give ’Em Hell” convey the work’s fullness. From heavy mid-tempo songs to speeding fast songs, the playing is always surely tight, powerfully evoking the band’s toughness. A record most suited to listeners seeking the fighting spirit and sure lift particular to traditional metal. Even after a long career, its playing and songwriting have not dimmed in the least. Ralf Scheepers’s overwhelming singing is also in full bloom. A powerful, engaging, fulfilling work showing Primal Fear’s unshakable strength and its maturity — a record where the band’s consistent appeal shines.