SYMPHORCE - review added 14th October 2010
Album Review: Unrestricted (2010)
For fans of: Power Metal... and that bloke from Brainstorm
Symphorce - Andy B. Franck on vocals, Cedric “Cede” Dupont and Markus Pohl on guitar, Dennis Wohlbold on bass, and Steffen Theurer on drums - was formed in the late 1990s and already has 6 albums out. "Unrestricted" follows the 2007 release "Become Death".
The dominating part of the Symphorce sound is undoubtedly Andy B. Franck and his colossal voice. He sings with a near identical style here to his other group, power metal act Brainstorm. That means big soaring multi-layered vocals that barely let anyone else get a look in. Don't get me wrong. That's a good thing. His voice is sensational.
The remainder of the sound is a boisterous heavy/power metal with a few progressive elements and a carefully applied sheen of symphony. Compared to Brainstorm, Symphorce is a more grandiose affair with a smoother, less bombastic aura. In some ways it's near identical, in others it couldn't be any more different..
The songs on "Unrestricted" are nearly always majestically loud and eye-openingly impressive, and the majority are memorable - although more for their sheer power than any clever choruses or lyrical progressions. The album definitely works best as a big hit of macho noise. As a refined collection of sing along anthems it's less successful. 'Until It's Over' is the best track to my ears, but I can imagine everyone finding something different to like.
"Unrestricted" sees Symphorce doing what they do best: making big noise, I'm not sure this is their finest work, but it's up there in the 'essential purchase' area for fans of the band, and indeed for fans of the power metal genre in general.
Check out... Track 2
Track List:
01. The Eternal
02. Until It´s Over
03. Sorrow In Our Hearts
04. Whatever Hurts
05. The Waking Hour
06. Visions
07. The Last Decision
08. The Mindless
09. Worlds Seem To Collide
10. Do You Ever Wonder
11. Am I Am (Bonus)
Label: AFM Records
Artist's website(s): MySpace | Facebook
