Review | Ellefson/Soto – Unbreakable

Rat Pak Records

Some three years ago former Megadeth bass player Dave Ellefson and top vocalist Jeff Scott Soto joined forces and released the rampant metal album ‘Vacation In The Underworld’. Now there is a successor in the form of ‘Unbreakable’ that features eleven songs. Dave and Jeff have kept the line-up of their project/band the same as last time which means that Paolo Caridi is the man behind the drums and we enjoy the acrobatics of guitar shredder Andy Martongelli once again. Although Jeff and Dave are the main men here, do not underestimate the roles of Paolo and (especially) Andy.

A FAST AND HEAVY RIDE INTO METAL OBLIVION

If you are familiar with ‘Vacation In The Underworld’ you might already have an expectation of what ‘Unbreakable’ is all about. Yes, it is a fast and heavy ride into metal oblivion, with no holds barred. This must be the heaviest outfit that Jeff Scott Soto has been singing with during his stellar career. We know how versatile Jeff is but this is even heavier and faster than his own band Soto! This album has all the ingredients a modern heavy metal record should have: fast, relentless, hard, and sometimes even lightning fast (,,Snakes And Bastards’’, ,,SOAB’’).

ELLEFSON/SOTO – THE CONCLUSION

This review does not have to be that long. In a few words you can describe what is happening here. These are four musicians at the top of their game producing an album that has scorching moments galore. Take for instance the shredding solo on the instrumental ,,Ghost’’, the determination and energy that are put into the sound and songs. It is all there for you to grab and digest. The only song that brings a bit of a quiet moment is a blistering version of Queen’s ,,Death On Two Legs’’ where again Andy Martongelli steals the show with his incredible guitar acrobatics. Into heavy metal with melody and ‘grinta’? ‘Unbreakable’ is the album you must hear at least once in your life!

Release date: 15 August 2025