This is definitely not some sissy Michael W. Smith Christian
The NewReview | USA | 02/24/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
New Zealand quartet Saving Grace and their sophomore release, Unbreakable, have arrived to root out evil in the world with their heavy brutality. These guys are like aural Christian vigilantes who bring with them their weapons of metal music. Upon listening to this album, I was blown away by the aggression and brutality that was blasting out of my speakers. This is definitely not some sissy Michael W. Smith Christian album.
Unbreakable starts off with a brief intro track titled "End of Days," which blends perfectly into the title track. This album actually has some of the best segues and transitions from one song to the next. Another notably smooth transition is from "The Eye of the Storm Part II" into "Oaxaca." But while they are well thought out and pulled off expertly, you aren't reading this to hear about transitions. So, let's get into what you want to hear -- brutal, hardcore metal with heavy, damaging guitar riffs and some of the strongest breakdowns I've ever heard. This album will work its way right into your very being, and fill you with a ton of aggression -- all while carrying a good message throughout.
The third track, "Bury Me In Jimenez," brings a ton of energy. This track really shows off the vocal ability of Nicholas Tautuhi. He has one of the best screaming voices in the business right now, in my opinion. The screams, unlike a lot of bands in the hardcore genre, are actually understandable, thus giving the listener a chance to hear and understand the lyrics. Saving Grace really combine some amazing musicianship to create a nearly perfect album.
A few of my favorite tracks are "Unbreakable," "Bury Me in Jimenez," "Pukelips"...well, actually there isn't a bad song on the album. Every track is well thought out. I've actually been able to listen to the album all the way through in its entirety, all without skipping a single track, and with several full play throughs. I never really found a need to skip any songs.
There is a ton of energy throughout Unbreakable. It's heavy, brutal, aggressive, and will leave your eardrums broken and beaten; but it's an experience that any fan of metal should be able to appreciate and will likely enjoy! Absolutely heavy, grinding, over-driven guitars riffs, backed up with thundering, blasting beats, and rounded out with perfect fitting vocals, really jumped this album to the top of my listening choices. It is a must-own for metal fans across the entire globe. Being only their second full length album, I can definitely see these guys being around for many years to come.
OUR RATING
(5/5)"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
