UNCHAINED – Unchained

Unchained: the word may immediately bring to mind the classic song off of Van Halen’s Fair Warning album. But with the release of their first full length album Unchained, the band are out to claim the moniker all to themselves. This Swedish outfit rocks and they rock hard.

With their self-titled release, there is no doubt that this is just the beginning for these Metal Heads. From strong musicianship to even stronger song writing skills, this is bound to be a breakout year for Unchained. Opening the album is the first single, “My Guide,” an all out rocker that showcases the amazing talents of the twin guitar attack of David Blome and Peter Ericsson. Sweep picking, pinch-harmonics, and memorizing riffs, it’s all here; a guitar feast, and that is just the icing on the cake.

Martin Michaelsson reins the band in with his solid drumming and creates a broad sense of depth within the band with his use of dynamics. For an example of this, check out “The Analyst.” Standing front and center on lead vocals is the very talented Per Karlsson. Per is reminiscent of a young Michael Kiske on those early Helloween albums, but with a delivery akin to Bruce Dickinson.

Relying on the rock steady formula of heavy, guitar-oriented songs with a lot of melody and sing-along choruses, Unchained are following down the path forged by bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Choosing their second single is bound to be a difficult task. Will they go with a hook-laden track – “The Analyst” or “Like the Candle” – or will they show their ability to slow the whole thing down while keeping an edge, as in “Dream?” There is just no shortage of good material on Unchained.

If you were fortunate enough to have picked up the 2002 EP release of Like the Candle, then it’s been a long wait for this full-length release. Luckily, your patience is about to be rewarded. If you missed the EP, no worries; all three tracks are represented on the album. One item to note, though, is on the single release of “My Guide” there is a non-album track included. Run out now and buy that single, because you know you’re going to want it. It is going to be the hot song that nobody else knows because it isn’t on the album, but you will be the stud on your block because you were “In The Know” and bought it before they were big.

Make sure Unchained is one of the hottest selling disks on the planet. Buy one for yourself, and then buy one for your friends who aren’t as quick as you in knowing a good thing when you hear it … then the airwaves can finally be released from the chains of mediocrity!