Heavy on percussion, some kick ass guitar and supported by a 13 year old bass player, Unsworn is an industrial heavy metal band ready to kick you in the balls while rockin' you out of your mind! The band was started in 1998 by long time rocker and veteran guitarist Allen Pieren. But like a lot of bands, Unsworn went through some growing pains with various member combinations. Today's three man line up consists of Allan Pieren on guitar, Justin Rodemoyer on drums and 13 year old Alex Pieren.
While Unsworn was going through growing pains, Allan decided to teach his young son the bass. Since Alex was already playing a myriad of instruments the bass came easy to him, so it wasn’t long before he was playing full time in the band. With a 5 string bass almost bigger than him, Alex belted out tune after tune without missing a beat last night - At the age of 13. (his birthday was the day of the show, 27 Aug.) This young prodigy has a lifetime of greatness in front of him and if you don’t follow his climb to greatness well, you can only blame yourself!
Justin started playing drums back in ’91 and has since played tons of shows, competitions and benefits. Don’t let his magic with the skins fool you. Justin plays a lot more instruments than you can count on both your hands. Yup, you probably figured it out; Unsworn is a multi-talented machine on steroids waiting to take a piece out of you.
The Aug 27th show at the Impossible Players Theater was opened by long time Pueblo rock and roll mainstay Se7en Days Lost, belting out the hard core ’80’s metal influenced music they are so well known for. With a stage show reminiscent of WASP or Judas Priest, this was the perfect metal maniacs group to open for the debut of Unsworn bassist, Alex Pieren.
By the time the “by invitation only” crowd was stirred into a moshing frenzy, Unsworn took the stage to a rousing applause befitting the only, the UNSWORN. You would think that a band with only three members would leave you wanting something more. That would never be true for these guys; heavy on percussion and a screaming guitar, backed up with a bass that just won’t quit and guttural vocals, you won’t be left wanting anything but another set! I asked Allan what would it meant for his band to “make it” since they already have several cd’s out. His response surprised me; "I already made it just by playing on stage with my son in the band”. Whatta guy!
Being a humble man, Allan likes helping out others when he can. The band is always involved in projects or programs that benefit others. As a matter of fact, that is how he met Justin. “We just want to do what we can to help others while we develop a following.” Allan stated as we chatted about the band.
Bring it on Unsworn, there is definitely room for at the top of the Southern Colorado scene for you. Keep on doing what your doing and the Unsworn Nation will follow you.