Thrash metal is on the agenda from Unborn, a Czech band who have been around since 1995. They come with some pedigree, having been around since 1995 and released three albums, of which this is the third, since 2007.
After an unconnected intro, the action is launched with “Burn Inside”. And action it is, as the race begins with a forward-driving melodic riff. It’s like Dew Scented with an added line in screams. The strong riffage and outright energy continue with the angry “Chemotherapy of the Government”. The vocals are particularly harsh. I think the singer needs a throat lozenge. “Chemotherapy of the Government” is broken up nicely. There’s evidence here that these guys know how to construct a good song. But the default position is hard-hitting energy, and there’s plenty of that. I sensed a hint of hardcore in the dual vocal chorus of “Walls of Madness”. I also thought that the main singer’s voice was going to break up at one point. It sounded like hard work. But this was all forgotten as the galloping riff and rapid-fire drumming led us into “Part of the Machinery”.
I was waiting for the killer track but it never came. In fact “Threat of Death” went the other way by toning things down. It was characterless. “Trapped between Two Worlds” sounds ballady as a title, and was Unborn’s concession to an acoustic song. But with these vocals it was never going to work. I can see the point of mixing up the styles so they could come back with greater impact but … The instrumentals are fine but as a song it’s not very interesting. The song and the cacophonous vocals merely manage to outlive in the memory the instrumental movements and passion. It was a relief, then, when “Faces in the Mirror” started off in technical thrash mode. Again in spite of a strong riff, it’s not a powerful song, and the tortuous vocals didn’t match the intended effect (I presume) of arousing passion. “Till My Last Breath” has the dual growls and screaming vocals. It’s not new, but it’s punchy and vibrant and a good way to end, showcasing what Unborn do well.
I liked the energy of “Awaken to Reality”. I don’t mind it not being original, but it’s a shame that parts of this 35 minute album lacked impact and weren’t of the quality which the first few tracks suggested.
(6/10 Andrew Doherty)
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