Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
What remains unbroken can only lead us to a place of greater appreciation, for in the perpetual reason of consistency lays a conversation uninterrupted and steady, one of stable and secure dependability; and into this realm of even-handed commentary resurfaces the enigmatic shrouded pulse of New Model Army and their brand-new album, Unbroken.
In the 40 years since the band released their debut album, Vengeance, the consistency of the group, led by the ever-present Justin Sullivan, has never been in question, the immediacy of the lyrics has been water-tight, and the response from the faithful crowd as forceful as ever; it is to this merging and coalescing of emotions and scenes that no matter the personnel what is never in doubt is the character and fierce nature of the truth they espouse.
Unbroken is no exception, it is an understanding that relies on a faith and a conviction to damn the kind of human being that uses humanity, people, for their own twisted ends, and in glorious style New Model Army deliver with dashing conviction and an observation so deep that it cuts through the hypocrisy and duplicity on offer by the rank and false faced so well that the guts of the offender are thrown on the fire of impunity with a delicate precision.
Throughout the album the rage is evident, the voice almost pulsating with wrath, and as the epic nature of the songs take shape, the listener is excused all other duty, their only priority is to urge others to take up the fight once and for all.
As songs such as Language, I Did Nothing Wrong, If I Am Still Me, Do You Really Want To Go There, and the finale of Deserters play out, so that anger grows, it pulsates with a ferocity that punches out at the frightened mob in charge, those who will put a bullet in the mind of an objector with a conscious, who will cause wars where peace is required, and by doing so remain convicted, remain Unbroken and legendary for their straight talking passion.
Remain seated, let the actions of the determined and valiant of heard encourage you to refuse to play the game of those with dangerous hearts.
Ian D. Hall