Just look at that artwork! A stylish industrial landscape in yellow-brown tones. As they say, first impressions count -- in this case, the cover does the talking. OK, but what about substance? The music, that is. How will we part ways?
We won't have to part ways, because we simply don't want to! There's absolutely no desire to eject this disc from the player! The fourth album from this magnificent Massachusetts quintet unequivocally deserves nothing but the highest praise. So what exactly did these Americans cook up? UNEARTH have masterfully combined the traditions of the North American extreme scene with lessons from the European -- specifically Gothenburg -- school. This is what people call metalcore, but let me break it down for you. In their songs, the Americans blend hard, rhythmic death metal riffs and groovy hardcore-style guitars with Swedish melodic death metal. The vocalist also combines a core delivery with a growl reminiscent of early '90s Stanne. He sounds wonderful on the standout melancholic track Aries. Keys and a gentle guitar create a backdrop for the voice of Trevor Phipps, cracking with hopelessness and lost dreams. Beyond him, the rhythm section performs admirably: drummer Mike Justian and bassist John Maggard. And the guitarists? Nothing but top marks for Buz McGrath and Ken Susi!
Eleven excellent, consistent tracks that unite melody and aggression, American and European traditions of extreme music.
So what about our proverb? You're judged by your substance? Well, parting with something this magnificent -- that would definitely not be wise!