There’s no doubt that Scheepers is one of the ultimate power metal screamers — his vocal range and delivery is highly exceptional. At almost an hour in length and containing 12 tracks, Unbreakable is a fairly exhausting listen. Trying to hold one’s attention in this day and age is a challenge in its own right. A couple of songs toward the end could have been more concise and consolidated, but overall the album as a whole is quite enjoyable and the interest level continues from first song to the last.
After the short orchestral intro, the first proper song “Strike” is a classic PF driving, rhythmic song with a great guitar tone. Scheepers is in fine form as always. You know it’s Primal Fear from the get-go: great dual guitar leads, histrionic wails and a solid rhythm section. An epic snare drum march opens ”Bad Guys Wear Black,” which then segues into a mid-to slow-paced chugging power metal riff.
The chanting “Bang Your Head” chorus is catchy and anthemic. The call-to-arms anthem “Metal Nation” has a great opening electro/acoustic guitar segment and sounds like something off of PF’s debut. Its infectiously layered vocal harmonies on the chorus make it a classic Primal Fear song.
I must mention the skills of guitarists Alex Beyrodt (Voodoo Circle, Sinner, Silent Force) and Magnus Karlsson, whose flashy solos and dominating riffs permeate the record. Co-originator Mat Sinner, who’s been with Scheepers since PF’s 1997 inception, and drummer Randy Black are still a formidable rhythm section.
Unbreakable is an exceptional power metal album through and through with some epic, orchestral arrangements, aggressive, chugging riffs and melodic electro/acoustic guitar interludes. It’s undeniably Primal Fear.
(released January 24, 2012 through Frontiers Records)
