Photo by Ben Alexis:
Cover Art by Alex Goulet of @goulexdesign
Unearth, the Massachusetts metalcore crew, released “The Wretched, The Ruinous” in early May on Century Media Records. This is their eighth studio album, a follow-up to 2018’s Extinctions. Going into the studio, they went with producer Will Putney, known for his work with Knocked Loose, Every Time I Die, The Ghost Inside, and Vein. This is a follow-up to 2018’s album Extinctions.
There are no major experiments, which for any Unearth fan is exactly what they’re looking for. I would say the only shocker on the album is the song ‘Broken Arrow.’ The song definitely has a guitar-rock feel but with that classic metalcore sound. From front to back, Unearth kept their sound close to home from earlier albums, but one thing you notice is the growth in the music. Unearth delivers powerful breakdowns with that thrash metal foundation and the blistering vocals of Trevor Phipps.
Trevor Phipps explains, ‘Dawn of the Militant’ is a song drenched in thrash metal and heavy hardcore that is unrelenting from start to finish. The thrash meets hardcore bulk of the song hits a crescendo in the last 39 seconds with possibly the heaviest piece of music we’ve ever laid down on record. Lyrically this song speaks of the threat nuclear war has on humanity. “As our climate crisis worsens nations will become desperate to provide for their people. Tensions will rise and wars will be fought. When two nations with nuclear capabilities become at odds over our dwindling resources the likelihood of nuclear war will increase drastically. Humans by nature are tribal and protective of their own to a fault. Nuclear Holocaust is a likely end to civilization as we know it before the climate crisis completely eradicates us”.
There are a couple of songs that are absolutely killer and stick out to me the most. While the entire album is good, these songs really hit home. Unearth doesn’t waste any time on this album and jumps right in with ‘The Wretched; The Ruinous. The opening to this song is a sure pit stop. Around the 2:31 mark, the solo from Buz McGrath reminds me of the older In Flames off the album Subterranean. If you’re looking for a song with heavy breakdowns, look no further than the track ‘Eradicator’. Around the 2-minute mark, that breakdown would make me want to punch a hole through a brick wall, with the vocals going from that lower Jamie Jasta scream to that powerful mid-scream Trevor is known for.
One song that sticks out to me on this album is ‘Dawn of the Militant.’ You can check out the official video here.
If you want old-school thrash, this song is it. It’s a guaranteed circle pit anytime they play it live. The ending of the song is what ultimately drives it home, with one of the filthiest breakdowns I’ve heard in a while.
The ending track, ‘Theaters of War,” is the perfect send-off. The opening riff is heavy on the chugging and progresses into melodic metalcore. Trevor is one of the rare vocalists for whom I don’t mind screaming over the melodies instead of melodic singing. I actually prefer it. When Trevor screams, “Final hour/Death wields/ Mutilation of a culture is sealed,” going from that mid-to-high scream made me bang my head so hard I probably looked like a crazy person to everyone in this coffee shop.
All in all, what keeps us coming back to Unearth is their unapologetic sound. They have a formula and stick to it. There’s no crazy experimentation going on; there’s no following of the trends. This band knows exactly what they’re going for and nails it every time!
I give this record a 7 out of 10 dooms.
UNEARTH’s storm isn’t about to let up any time soon. Catch UNEARTH on tour now.
The Wretched; The Ruinous Album Release Tour With Special Guests Upon A Burning Body and 156/Silence
5/4 – Lubbock, TX – Jake’s
5/5 – El Paso, TX – Rock House
5/6 – Tucson, AZ – The Rock
5/7 – Anaheim, CA – Parish Room @ House of Blues
5/8 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater
5/9 – Roseville, CA – Goldfields
5/11 – Portland, OR – Star Theater
5/12 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon5/13 – Boise, ID – Shrine Basement *
5/14 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell
5/15 – Denver, CO – HQ5/16 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck5/18 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
5/19 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall*(no UABB/no 156 Silence) UNEARTH Supporting Halo Effect With Special Guests High Command
5/20 – Hartford, CT – The Webster
5/21 – Brooklyn, NY – Monarch
5/22 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl
5/23 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium Upstairs
5/24 – Quebec City, QC – Imperial Bell
5/25 – Montreal, QC – Fairmount Theatre
5/26 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
5/27 – Detroit, MI – Crofoot Ballroom UNEARTH Festival Dates
5/28 – Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Metal Fest
6/15 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting
6/16 – Clisson, France – Hellfest 2023
6/23 – Ferropolis, Germany – Full Force
6/30 – Emmen, Netherlands – Pitfest
7/2 Saarbrucken, Germany – Reality Bites Fest
Unearth:
Trevor Phipps- vocals
Buz McGrath- lead guitar
Peter Layman- guitar
Chris O’Toole- bass
Mike Justian- drums
The Wretched; The Ruinous track listing (00:36:55):
