UNREST – Back To The Roots

Unrest formed in Bremen in 1988, and released their first album, Taste It, four years later. Back To The Roots, a well-produced affair, makes up their sixth studio album, and they also have a live album under their belt.

Things start off well with the fast-paced Rocker “Go To Hell.” The infectious, cool, bass-driven anthem that is “Bang Your Head” follows. It is not hard imagining this one heavily rotated at the infamous Halford club in Berlin. In any case, with it’s fist pumped chorus, it seems made for it, and makes up probably the strongest track on offer, while “A Legend Is Born” keeps up the momentum well enough.

Unrest’s style and sound is similar to that of fellow German Rockers Gun Barrel, only they fail to be as entertaining, add to that a tiny wee bit more of a metallic edge, a la Running Wild. Likewise, Unrest has their style hammered down and set. By the time the fourth, rather forgettable track, ”Far Far Away” starts, it becomes pretty obvious there won’t be much in the way of variation, and unfortunately dullness creeps in at a couple too many places. Unrest’s problem is, while being a good band with some strong songs, the mentioned lack of variation, making the listener’s attention left to wander at times.

“Breaking The Chains” is reminiscent of the old Accept track “Dogs On Leads,” only more up-tempo. “Don’t Stop” is a slower, heavier affair with good guitar harmonics and a powerhouse performance by the gritty vocals of Sönke Lau. “Burning Desire,” another strong vocal performance aside, in this setting at least feels like the obligatory ballad, placed here for the sake of nothing else than bringing something different to the table than the rest.

“We Will Rock” starts off quiet, before taking up the melody and picking up pace. It’s got a great bridge, but the chorus’ effect works sort of mundane at best. “Open The Gates” is pretty much the opposite, though, as it picks up clearly with an effective guitar-driven chorus that utilizes great work. “Lost” takes its strength from a simple and effective riff, which ultimately saves the song from oblivion.

Out of context, individual songs work well and thus make good radio and party material. By that token, beware of picking it up if it’s an dynamic, even affair you’re craving, as already mentioned, the slight dullness factor creeps in after not too long. Therefore, while this being quite good, but just kind of bland at times, it’s probably better off that there’s only ten songs and a total playing time off no more than just over 43 minutes on offer. Even that is stretching it.

Note: Editions with the bonus CD Watch Out are available.