As a big fan of one of the greatest voices in German, and also European, melodic aggressive Metal, Andy B. Franck (known mostly as the voice of BRAINSTORM), and also his partner guitarist of FREEDOM CALL, Cede Dupont, it was rather hard for me to listen to the new SYMPHORCE release, "Unrestricted". As opposed to the suggested title of the album, the band seemed to have chosen a restricted way to bound themselves to something that is just isn't working. Let's say that it's good that almost each of the other members of SYMPHORCE have their others bands to consider such as DOWNSPIRIT, MYSTIC PROPHECY and other mentioned.

In comparison to the big guns of German Power Metal as BRAINSTORM, FREEDOM CALL and MYSTIC PROPHECY, the SYMPHORCE band is not even close although being around almost as long as the mentioned bands. The "Unrestricted" album, under the band's new local label, AFM Records, was shaped up to be something different and uncanny in a way. It truly puzzled me how this bunch of such gifted musicians was led up to compose this silhouette of grey. Almost every track is too similar in structure and elements to the other and while trying to show that they still have it, some moments of nice melodic works were infused. Probably the only person that displayed his ultimate skill is Andy B. Franck. Without his everlasting vocal talent and occasional "Bruce, Bruce" like pattern, this release would have succumbed even more.I think that Dupont and MYSTIC PROPHECY's Pohl didn't show their true superiority as great guitarists. Things could have gone better for them if the band could have stayed on its melodic representation.

To sum up the rather pessimistic spirit of the album, SYMPHORCE almost totally left what is called Power Metal and went to explore an altered path under a somewhat modernized image of Metal. However, as those are still quality artists, I wouldn't give up on them. Even on this release they showed that there is still something to work with like "Sorrow In Our Hearts", "The Waking Hour", "The Mindless" (A good memorial twist for 9/11), "Sorrow In Our Hearts", "Whatever Hurts" and "Worlds Seem To Collide". I foresee that the guys in SYMPHORCE will take notice and will get on the right path to be in the rate that they should be.