UNBREAKABLE — Knockout

August 5, 2014, 9 years ago

(Dark Star Records)

By Kelley Simms

Rating: 8.0

review scorpions unbreakable herman rarebell

UNBREAKABLE — Knockout

Newbie German rockers Unbreakable are highly touted as the next Scorpions on its debut full-length release, Knockout. They are a spunkier, younger version no doubt, but the band manages to capture the spirit of not only the mid-period Scorpions but the classic ’80s hard rock sound as a whole. Knockout was produced by former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell, who also lends a “That’s so Herman” spoken word vocal spot on the band’s leadoff single, “Rock The Nightlife,” and also appears in the video. The lyrics on its 11 arena-ready anthems, mostly written by Rarebell, are real life stories told in a way only Rarebell knows how. As the main songwriter during his time with the Scorpions, his lyrics leaned toward the humorously-cheesy and cliche side of things. One listen to Unbreakable’s “Crazy Cat Lady” and you’ll recall such shticky Rarebell-penned tracks such as He’s A Woman, She’s A Man,” “Another Piece Of Meat” and “Don’t Make No Promises.” Every track on Knockout contains catchy choruses, melodic hooks and infectious melodies. The band’s homage to classic ’80s rock, “Back To The Roots,” has an especially German flavor, recalling mid-period Scorpions, Bonfire and Mad Max. The band’s watershed track, “Obsession,” sums up Unbreakable’s overall sound the best. Even with their heavy Scorpions-influenced sound, Unbreakable has it own youthful flair. Other than a couple of throwaways and one too many ballads, Knockout is a splendid debut effort.



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