REVIEW: SYMPHORCE – Unrestricted

 

SYMPHORCE – Unrestricted

AFM Records

There are some bands like SYMPHORCE that many metal fans speak highly of, yet when I revisited parts of their back catalogue, I couldn’t quite understand what made them stand out in a scene overflowing with thousands of acts. Formed back in 1998 by vocalist Andy B. Franck—well‑known also for his work with Brainstorm—the band built its identity around a down‑tuned power/thrash approach, often compared to what NEVERMORE were doing in the late‑90s/early‑00s era. So when their new release landed on my desk, I can’t say I approached it with much excitement.

Still, persistence often pays off in metal, and Unrestricted feels like the moment SYMPHORCE finally align with the sound that suits them best. Being their seventh studio album, and produced by Dennis Ward (a name tied to some of the most polished European metal releases), the record immediately shows a cleaner, more modern direction. The darker atmosphere of Become Death (2007) is largely set aside in favor of groove‑driven metal with a contemporary edge.

At times, the BLACK LABEL SOCIETY influence is unmistakable, and there are even subtle hard rock touches woven into the riffs. Yet the core remains firmly heavy metal. Much of this shift seems to come from guitarist Cede Dupont, whose melodic and groove‑oriented writing gives the album a more focused and confident character than some of their earlier work.

What stands out is the balance: Unrestricted sounds modern without abandoning traditional metal foundations. As someone who gravitates toward classic metal aesthetics, I found this combination surprisingly appealing. The songwriting feels sincere, the performances controlled and expressive—especially Franck’s vocals—and the overall result is an album that doesn’t rely on trends but on solid, well‑crafted metal.

SYMPHORCE may never have been a mainstream name, but this is arguably one of their most accessible and cohesive works. If you appreciate strong metal tunes regardless of era or subgenre, Unrestricted offers a straightforward and enjoyable listen. Hopefully, this is the direction they continue to explore.

Nick Parastatidis