THOMSEN – Unbroken
- Posted on 22-01-2015
German guitarist/ songwriter René Thomsen returns for a second go-around on "Unbroken", flanked by a series of exemplary players across the metal spectrum. David Vincent, Vinny Appice, Udo Dirkschneider, Bobby Jarzombek, Andre Hilgers, Helge Engelke, and Robert Soeterboek among others lend their contributions in the vocal, guitar, bass, and drum departments. These 12 tracks are melodic power/ heavy metal numbers with exemplary emphasis on strong hooks musically and vocally – very much in line with Judas Priest, Accept, and others of that ilk.
As a guitarist René comes from the neo-classical school, generating a lot of Malmsteen or Blackmore comparisons when it comes to his fluidity and technical skills- but for the most part he keeps the songwriting lean and mean, allowing the vocalists or rhythm section to shine on driving material such as "Break That Spell" and the title cut for instance. It’s not really surprising that the classical strains within "We Made It" are perfect to wrap around Udo’s biting delivery, an ominous match made in metal heaven for this plodding, slower arrangement.
Power house drummer Bobby Jarzombek appears on four tracks, just as formidable on a straight forward song like "New Horizon" as he is flexing his familiar progressive, double bass kit mastery on "Fools of Fortune" – and this brings Thomsen’s ideas to elevated heights of professionalism on par with the leaders of the genre. The final song "Tears of the Sun" is a live rehearsal recording that features Thomsen’s new live vocalist Denis Brosowski (Iron Fate), who has a lot of the Dio-esque qualities that should make future recordings seamless if René chooses to go the one singer route.
Those who enjoy guitar hero oriented metal records that feature equally important vocal melodies and proper rhythm section supplementation, "Unbroken" is your ideal record.
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