Unisonic - Unisonic [2012]

The Ignition EP released two months before Unisonic's debut blew me away, evoking melodic perfection while maintaining a decidedly non-heavy sound. The product was sweet and succinct, almost sounding like 80s Helloween boiled down to its most simplistic roots, and it was nearly as enjoyable. I'm satisfied to say that while the personally breathtaking EP might have raised my expectations to a point never reached here, Unisonic mostly delivers with dazzling finesse. This is carefree, hard rock music in its purest form, no shame or embarrassment about it. Sometimes it lingers close to the edge of airhead pop rock, but never does it plummet to the depths of abyssal songwriting stupidity.


My review of Ignition basically summed up the musical direction here, but I'll reiterate and expound upon Unisonic's style with further development. The most important thing to tell yourself before listening to this album is that this isn't Helloween. Yes, it reunites Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske, but Unisonic isn't exactly another Keeper of the Seven Keys. Only trace remains can be found from the glory days of the legendary German power kings, and their connections persist mainly in abstract elements like the sheer energy and jubilant nature of the performances. For the most part, this record is made up of light and generally radio-friendly material, forging its roots firmly in rock rather than engraving itself fully as a power metal entity.


That isn't to say, however, that the songs often suffer for it. The majority of the tunes featured here succeed thanks to capable songwriting and a penchant for having fun; hell, a lot of fun. There are numbers that will be stuck in your head for days (even if we already heard them two months ago). "Never Change Me" features a chorus that would sound appropriate in a Katy Perry song, but I just can't care when it's this catchy. "Never Too Late" and "I've Tried" are a similar pair of stadium stompers, the latter of which bouncing around like a track in a Persona game's soundtrack (which is a very good thing). "Renegade" summons some of power metal glory missing in the rest of the proceedings.

The true showstoppers disappointingly remain those that we already heard on the EP, making that release a little misleading and this one slightly disappointing as a result. Perfect opener "Unisonic," the instant classic "My Sanctuary," and the brilliant "Souls Alive" all dominate the meat of the album, offering more power and memorable hooks than the rest of the songs. This separation in quality is more noticeable as the record goes on, as the second half is a bit lacking in impact compared to the first. Closing ballad "No One Ever Sees Me" isn't the most despicable ballad I've heard this year, but it doesn't leave much of an impression, either. The only track I find myself actively skipping with each playthrough is "Star Rider," which is just about as close as this band comes to recording totally banal, commercial tripe.

Although Unisonic doesn't quite live up to the promise of its debut EP here, and this isn't the ideal comeback one would hope for from the talent involved, I still couldn't help but be entertained for the time allotted. Most of the songs are on and there's fun to be had, so what could be the harm, right? Michael Kiske, while not in prime dog-killing form, delivers the goods like a man of fewer years. As does Kai Hansen on guitar, even if you won't hear any fret-burning solos within the confines of this recording. Due to these reasons, Unisonic is kind of about settling, but luckily for us, it's worth settling for. Just don't expect the unattainable and you'll be good to go.

   Overall: 7.5/10 (Good - living on the edge)

Unisonic - Ignition [2012 EP]

My attachment to golden era Helloween was perhaps one of the single most important developments in my youth as a growing metalhead. From the intro of "Ride the Sky" to the closing notes of "Keeper of the Seven Keys", rarely has a band given me so much joyous mileage as Helloween, and I think it's all right to say that no small amount of sentimental value has come along for the ride. I may not have lived through the tragedy myself, but you could probably predict my horror at the nightmarish descent into the musical abyss Kiske and company decided to take after such a flawless run of albums with travesties like Pink Bubbles Go Ape (sorry, I'll always hate it) and Chameleon. Michael Kiske had a lot of explaining to do, and it appears now that he's trying to make amends--and with Kai Hansen, no less. You can imagine my girlish squeal of joy at the though of such a reunion.

However, from the sound of their debut EP Ignition, Unisonic isn't about to unleash the followup to Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt. 2; and you know what? I'm perfectly okay with that. I came to terms with that the minute I pressed play and heard "Unisonic" for the first time. Suddenly, auditory power erupted, along with the highly hard rock influenced riff, and last but not least, Kiske let it loose over that groovin' verse. And so the chills began to descend my spine. This is what the metal world has been missing for the past two decades. It's an entirely simple track, arguably absentminded even, yet its absorbing power cannot be mistaken. Fuck, it destroys. Even as it treads dangerously close to Pink Cream 69 levels of glam-influenced cheese, "Unisonic" comes off as closer to early era Riot goodness: fun, not afraid to let loose and be casual, but completely serious about what it's doing at the same time. Perfect and infinitely enjoyable rock/metal music.

Carrying along in a similar manner, "My Sanctuary" changes things up a little bit. Slower and slightly more atmospheric than the opening barn-burner, the song mesmerizes with an emotive and unforgettable chorus while never truly approaching ballad status. Kiske is in great form, not really hitting his old high notes but finding a comfortable and ultimately satisfying middle ground. It's really just euphoric hearing his voice attached to a full-time metal (or rock, whatever) project again, giving the already spotless songwriting another touch of reinforcement. Really, this material is all about the great songwriting, reminding me of TNT's late 80s material. Straightforward, but stunningly elegant and catchy to boot. "Souls Alive" carries on in the same manner as its predecessor, and I don't think I'm crazy to believe I hear some Kamelot influence in that balladic section near the end.

The EP is capped off with a filler live version of "I Want Out," an obvious attempt to attach Unisonic to the Helloween name and show that Kiske can still come out and do what he was born to do. His performance here isn't quite perfect, but I'm still rather impressed. To be honest, I am trying to restrain my excitement and joy for this new outfit, but Ignition is making the task hard. I looked and looked, but I can't find one damn flaw (musically) here. The only problem with this release is that it'll be completely useless once the full-length is bestowed upon us, since all these tracks (save for the already useless live song) will be featured on that self-titled album. Therefore, its purchase is impractical and unnecessary (literally the only reason for my somewhat modest score). However, it has made me aware of an album I probably wouldn't have had the slightest expectations for previously. Thanks for ruining the surprise.

If you're expecting Keepers era Helloween, you're going to be sadly disappointed. However, if you're seeking a fun and exuberant time, it almost never gets better than this. We could have an Immortal Soul caliber comeback pretty soon, but I'm going to do myself a favor and try not to think about it too much. Oh, who am I kidding, I'll be counting the days.

   Overall: 7/10 (Cool - must...stifle...excitement...)