__________________________________________________________________

The Unbroken has made its debut on the big stage - CBS NFL Today.

--
Chester, Tamas, Mark and Jeff
www.TheUnbroken.band

They’re breaking boundaries!

A Brooklyn band is breathing fresh air into the heavy metal genre, combining a Metallica-inspired sound with high-tech post-production. The Unbroken uses down-tuned instruments and slick technology to create “punchier” songs, said the band’s drummer. 

“Modern sound has a different tuning, newer sounds on the instruments as well as using today’s technology to create a fresher, cleaner ‘modern’ feel to the overall sound,” said Tamas Vajda.

The band — whose hit song “Suffering in Silence” has racked up more than 170,000 views on Youtube — got its start in 2017, when Vajda and lead singer Chester Oszustowicz decided  to combine forces.

“We’re old friends,” said Vajda. “We met through the metal circuit 15 years ago or so.” 

The pair recruited two more members of the scene and called the group, “The Broken Co.” — until a new band name came to Vajda in a vision, he said. 

“I had a dream which gave me a very positive sign,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong, it’s not broken therefore it’s Unbroken.”

The Unbroken plays “groove metal,” a subgenre that features raspy shouting, guitar riffs, and syncopated beats, Vajda said. The group has quickly gained a loyal following, but expanding its audience has been difficult in Brooklyn’s small heavy metal community.

“It’s pretty underground,” Vajda said. “I can’t say New York has as much of a metal scene as it used to.”

To expand its reach, the band created an online experience to accompany its debut album, “Human Crown.” Rather than buying the collection, fans can sign up to receive one song from the album each day, along with its music video and behind-the-scenes footage. According to Vajda, the band began the multimedia project to amp up its online presence and give listeners an original experience. 

“You’ve got to give them something new, something special,” he said. “That’s our specialty.” 

Photo by Caroline Ourso

Interview by 

Rose Adams

Brooklyn's own Rose Adams covers southern Brooklyn. Her writing has also appeared in the Villager and Chelsea Now.

Grinding guitars assault us at the start of “Stuck in Your Way” and don’t stop thrashing us through the deluge of distortion that forms “Suffering in Silence,” “I Never Forget,” “Nothing Left to Sell” and the title cut in The Unbroken’s Human Crown, a fresh slab of metallic thunder currently out everywhere independent heavy music is sold and streamed. In a perfect mashup of 80’s style riffing and guttural, post-Pantera grooves designed to pulverize extreme metal fans of all stripes, Human Crown is a violent, often startlingly accessible record that formally introduces us to The Unbroken at their most unrestrained and relentlessly carnal. Diehard metalheads and casual listeners alike aren’t often interested in the same disc nowadays, but this is a rare case where both groups should be more than satisfied with what they hear.

Even had the fretwork been less virtuosic than it ultimately is in the progressive, Mastodon-esque “Human Crown” and punishing thrash throwback “I Never Forget,” I still think that both of these tracks would qualify as two of the heaviest to come out of the underground this season. The Unbroken have an exceptionally diverse sonic profile that contains shades of doom legends Trouble, an early, punkish Machine Head and the chest-pounding machismo of a vintage Anthrax, but what’s even more interesting than their tree of influences is perhaps the way that they channel them into their music.

“Nothing Left to Sell” and “Suffering in Silence” churn us in unique vortexes of percussion and riffing only to maximize the gloomy tension where we would normally expect catharsis, and instead of fading into a storm of soloing as most bands would, this crew often refrains and leaves us feeling pummeled and sorted at the end of a track instead of relieved. Difficult to categorize? Definitely, but the best metal bands in history, from Sabbath to Slayer, always have been.

If you’re looking for 21 minutes of sheer, unfiltered brutality this Halloween, you’re not likely to find another EP quite as pleasing to the ears as The Unbroken’s vicious Human Crown is. This is a group that still has a lot of ground to cover (and plenty of critics to please), but if this is a taste of their future, they’re in for quite the wild ride as 2019 shifts into 2020.

Sebastian Cole by Gashouse Radio

Link to article:
http://gashouseradio.com/2019/10/the-unbrokens-human-crown-ep/

I have a soft spot for bands whose lead singer sounds like they gargle with razor blades. And whose drummers feel like they have a drum superglued to every appendage they own. And who flail at their instruments with such seeming abandon, and yet such actual skill!

Boasting a properly tuneful chorus amongst all the riffing, blistering drums and extraordinarily accomplished aggression, Stuck In Your Way is a spitting, vicious powerhouse of a track, and a true mission statement at the top of their latest EP (Human Crown) on Bandcamp.

The sheer speed and energy on display leaves the casual listener sonically trampled under the BPM, but that’s not to imply that this is animalistic thrashing: the skill to syncopate, and the skill implied by the chosen guitar sounds are coupled with a vocalist who (at times) sounds like The Offspring’s Dexter Holland has put on some big boy pants and learned how to growl properly.

There’s also some amazing colour and wit to both the vocal performance and the guitar solo moments that elevate The Unbroken’s message beyond what you might expect.

The dynamics of Stuck In Your Way move between tribal boisterousness to unexpected percussion effects to wah-wah guitar phrasing to tightly syncopated vocals and siren pedal guitar notes… it’s a rich portrait that The Unbroken are painting and it’s safe to say that there’s never a dull moment.

A quick shout out to the mix engineer, too – can’t imagine how hard it is to carve out space for such huge slabs of sound and make it all sit this well! 

The Unbroken - Human Crown
Limited Edition - $5.99

by Chris Porter - Stereo Stickman
Link to the article:
https://stereostickman.com/music/the-unbroken-stuck-in-the-way/

Can you talk to us more about your EP “Human Crown”? Is this representative of what you call ‘modern metal sound”?

Modern Metal has become so diverse with many sub genres. We as a group just exist in what we want to play from our hearts, to Answer your question I would say yes this is; the Human Crown is a mix of many styles of metal, Old school, Thrash, Modern American Metal, Hardcore, Punk etc….So there is a bit of everything. While we greatly respect the good ol’ days of the traditions of the genre we’re aiming to “modernize” the sound and approach with today’s techniques and technology both in studio and live performance.

Did any event in particular inspire you to write the song HUMAN CROWN? 

Yes, I happened to be away on a business trip over a few days and I had meetings in a convention center across from another large hall. Over those few days I saw Two of the main Political Parties have “fundraisers or meetings”, and as they left there was homeless around and the majority of these people who just spent few hours talking about “how great they are drinking the finest booze, eating expensive food” – left and walked by and stepped over homeless outside. That was the catalyst vocally. When I got back and we were writing the songs it evolved, our internet culture was changing right in front of our eyes. Media, Politicians, Social Media, it became more about the smoke, selling the headline of the day and none of the fire getting involved and fixing things. We have become a culture of the “keyboard cowboys” and the “I’m sorry” for everything generations, politicians. The media desensitize people to the real issues, we complain and get nothing done.  So the title the Human Crown is a satire or a sarcastic thing. We as humans think we are so great, high and mighty, we will scream a message that looks good for our “Ratings” “Party” “Agenda”. But when it comes down to it we cannot live up to our potential and what do we think our makers would say? God, Science? The Universe if it could speak? That’s the just of the song, a happy tune.

Any plans to release a video for the track? 

Yes, we are currently discussing working on something visually meaningful, perhaps a picture video of the song. 

Why naming the album after this song in particular?

It seemed fitting in today’s climate. It’s a microcosm of the album and society. The title works outward but also inward.   

How was the recording and writing process?

Started with Tamas and I jamming in a room. From there after the skeletons of the songs are done we do a rough recording and bring in Mark and Jeff. We listen to the tunes, What’s working what’s not? We go through another round of refinement; drum changes, vocal melodies, guitar parts. Then after that we brought in producer, John Bender, for a round of pre-production. That helps because sometimes you’re in the forest for so long you don’t see the trees anymore. Once we have the structure we start tracking drums first, then guitars, bass, leads and vocals in that order. 

What role does NYC play in your music?

NYC Plays a big role lol, NYC is a living breathing organism that whether you live here your whole life or only for a few years it bonds to your DNA on who you are. Mannerisms, the way you drive, the fight online, to get your order in at Starbucks lol. It changes you, NYC sticks to you like glue. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How has Pantera and Slipknot influenced your writing?

Just being Fans of those guys, they bring so much to the table. Pantera saved metal in the 90s. For guys like us it gives you a target. It’s something you need to strive for and live up to. The quality of their work speaks for itself. They are Legends. By listening to them and understanding what’s going on makes you better musicians. 

What aspect of relationships did you get to explore on this record?

Lyrically not only exploring the relationship with our acceptance of what’s going on in the outside world, but with what’s going on inside. Stuck In Your Way is a perfect example. It talks about Us being our own worst enemy. About me stopping personal growth and dealing with things. It was very cathartic experience.  

Suffering In Silence the topic of suicide, and not knowing what people are dealing with when they go home at night and the lights go off and the demons come out. 

Where else did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?

Lyrically inspiration finds itself all over, movies, old TV shows, books, my personal favorite is real life people watching. If you go to a bar and keep your mouth shut, we have two ears and one mouth if we listen twice as much as we speak you’ll find all the inspiration you need. 

Any plans to hit the road?

1000 million percent. Expect us to be doing an East Coast run of dates in the first or second Quarter of 2020 then a west coast run in the fall in Nov of 2020. In between that there will be shows all over the east. 

What else is happening next in The Unbroken’s world?

After a run of 30 shows we took a few weeks break to work on some material and we are coming together this coming week to work on new tunes. So we will be writing a new EP, new singles. Stayed tuned.

Working on ways to expand the fan experience. 

Some kind of Visual Representation of the Human Crown 

The singer trying to lose a few pounds so he looks good in a Bikini ;)

The Unbroken most definitely have it going on, pushing out strapping textures riding burly rhythms, all crowned by scrumptious gruff vocals.

The Unbroken - Human Crown

The EP starts with the track “Stuck in the Way.” It is a fantastic way to start the EP off, as the dark and sinister riffs cascade along with the precise slams of percussion. The in-your-face lyrics are given a great punch by the powerful screams of the vocals. The screams are almost haunting on the chorus as “you’re stuck in your ways again!” cries over the instrumentals. The sinister riffs are robust and make way for great transitions or make a great backdrop for the amazing solo. After making a fantastic first impression, the next stand out track is “I Never Forget.”

The track is high octane and thrashing, but the aesthetic is slicker than grease. The drums in the intro ignite the guitars that shoot off like fire in this thrashing track. The style and change-ups in the instrumentals here solidifies its slick aesthetic and when the guitar climbs it always reaches a satisfying climax. These dark yet stylish instrumentals sound great against the screams of the vocalist, with the backups giving them a quality that’s darker than black when you hear them yell “FOR-GET! FOR-GET! FOR-GET!” behind the lead’s sinister screams. Finally, the closing track “Nothing Left to Sell” is a stellar one.

 The track makes a great first impression and is full of personality. The harmonic style of metal that kicks into high gear when the lead cries “Look in my eyes… What do you see?” With a haunting quality. What the track does well however is combine these two distinct styles in a way that’s all their own. As the track progresses, the harmonic elements twist into the heavier ones, giving the track an equally twisted aesthetic. This quality also makes for a fantastic feeling to set up the guitar solo that sends the EP off.

Human Crown is sure to make a splash with any metal fan. The debut EP’s tracks are solid, full of heart and brimming with personality. Each track here is inspired by metal subgenres of the past, with The Unbroken giving their unique spin on each. Whether it is dark and sinister, or thrashing and high-octane, the musical buildups on Human Crown always give satisfying payoffs. With their eclectic style and love of the genre, The Unbroken are making themselves a band to look out for. Make room on your playlist, a few of these tracks might just sneak on it.

The Unbroken - Human Crown

By Thorne Stone of Review Fix
Link to the article:
https://reviewfix.com/2019/10/the-unbroken-human-crown-ep-review-eclectic-brutality/

Brooklyn metal outfit The Unbroken recently released their debut EP, entitled Human Crown, a collection of songs fueled by punk rock energy and ferocious metal punch. Co-produced by John Bender, the EP was mixed by Johan Meyer and mastered by Alan Douches.

Formed in 2017, the band is made up of Chester Oszustowicz (vocals, guitar), Mark Johnson (lead guitar), Jeff Hinz (backing vocals, bass), and Tamas Vajda (drums). Citing influences from Metallica, Pantera, and Slipknot, the band ignores precedent and takes their music beyond preconceived sonic boundaries.

Encompassing five-tracks, Human Crown begins with “Stuck In The Way,” opening on snarling guitars and Jovian rumbling drums flowing into a searing Nu metal tune. Seamless harmonic shifts imbue the tune with hefty dynamics and thrumming sonic alterations. A cavernous growling groove paves the way for a stellar guitar solo, followed by Chester’s rasping barking voice.

The intro to “Suffering In Silence” rolls out like a thunderstorm, grumbling with muscular energy. Stuttering guitars flow into grinding dark colors, as Tamas’ powerful drums set the foundation with machine-gun fills and pounding double-bass. I love the gulping guitars, as they chug out potent pressure and chaffing textures.

The title track features trembling delicate hues topped by Chester’s remote voice. When the melody takes hold, the tune surges with hypertrophic momentum, deep and dangerous. 

“I Never Forget” opens on syncopated riffs, followed by a running guitar segueing into a rampaging Nu metal tune full of vicious abrading guitars. Johnson’s guitar solo cuts like a knife, ascending on flaming notes.

The final track, “Nothing Left To Sell,” travels on spectral tones supported by finessed booming-lite percussion. Then the muscle kicks in, as blistering guitars fill the soundscape with stabbing flavors, prior to descending once again. The combination of sizzling sonic immensity with graceful streaming colors gives the tune tasty contrasting duality.

The Unbroken most definitely have it going on, pushing out strapping textures riding burly rhythms, all crowned by scrumptious gruff vocals.

The Unbroken - Human Crown

Review by Randall Radic
Link to the article:
https://www.tattoo.com/blog/the-unbroken-release-debut-ep-human-crown/

Being apprehensive over not just how leaders are manipulating the general population, but also the mindless way the public is undoubtedly following those rulers, is a powerful emotion is modern society. The musicians of the up-and-coming Brooklyn-based quartet, The Unbroken, is sharing their qualms over the way current culture is relegating to past times in certain respects on their recently released heavy metal debut EP, ‘Human Crown.’ The new five-track album from the band, which is led by lead vocalist, Chester Oszustowicz, is proving what a progressive stance they have on liberating the masses from unquestionably following officials.

The Unbroken is also unique in the fact that it’s a daring group that’s dedicated to punk rock ethics through its dominating, modern metal sound. The musicians’ potent vocals and instrumentation, as well as their compelling lyrics, have been guided in part by their influences, including Metallica, Pantera and Slipknot. But the rising quartet also adds their compelling own blend of pulsating metal-punk rock sounds with surprising moments of soulful emotions, which will surely leave many fans of the genre captivated.

‘Human Crown’ begins with its distinguished first entry, ‘Stuck In The Way.’ The song features a masterful command of the guitars and drums, which effortlessly support Oszustowicz’s heavy metal vocals. The singer emotes his objection over how the person he’s been involved with has failed to live up to their potential and the promises they made. He also proclaims that their dreams have never been fulfilled because the person he’s been with has been self-deceiving. The other person has also chased everybody who cares away, so now there’s nothing to left save. Oszustowicz also emotionally proclaims that he wants more out of life than what he was given, and they won’t be able to grow until they overcome their limiting ways.

‘Stuck In The Way’ then leads into the hard-rock-driven tune, ‘Suffering In Silence.’ The sophomore track, which is one of the best entries on The Unbroken’s debut EP, features classic ’80s instrumentation that support Oszustowicz’s clearer vocals, which help raise the band feel more commercial. The vocalist emotes that he isn’t afraid to accept the sentence he receives, as he won’t pass the blame for his actions. He further shares his true nature when he proclaims that he’ll shine in the darkness.

‘Human Crown’ then transitions into its middle-and title-track, which opens with a surprising, soulful rock guitar introduction. The unique song chronicles how people shouldn’t be proud when they turn their back on everybody, especially when they easily believe, and follow, all the headlines without question. Oszustowicz warns his listeners that people will continue dying unjustly if the human condition doesn’t improve.

The Unbroken’s record begins to wind down with the penultimate tune, ‘I Never Forget,’ on which Oszustowicz proclaims that he can’t easily take what everyone has been telling him. He further proclaims that he refuses to continue supporting political messages that only end up harming the masses, and he’s consumed by the hatred he feels for the wrongs committed against society by those who are in charge.

‘I Never Forget’ then transitions into ‘Nothing Left To Sell,’ the last entry on ‘Human Crown.’ Much like the EP’s title track, the last song is driven by soulful guitar riffs and drum strumming, as he declares that there’s no part of his soul left to sell, and he wants to forge own path in life, as he refuses to be repressed anymore.

Being concerned over not just how leaders are negatively influencing the general population, but also the automatic way the public is undeniably following those rulers, is a strong emotion is modern society. The musicians of The Unbroken are sharing their objections over the way current culture is relegating to past times in certain respects on ‘Human Crown.’ The new EP from the band is proving what a progressive stance Oszustowicz and his bandmates have on liberating the masses from unquestionably following officials.

The Unbroken - Human Crown

ShockYa - Human Crown EP Review By Karen Benardello 
Link to article:
https://www.shockya.com/news/2019/10/25/the-unbrokens-human-crown-ep-review/?fbclid=IwAR0Blb0vVp22Q7bB-TycXryXxnB-xHCOTJAby6U8QNKHBx6sTW0lv7wEomo