Unearth
III: In The Eyes Of Fire

THE REVIEW

NOTICE TO READ-ER: THIS REVIEW IS VERY SUBJECTIVE, DON'T HOLD IT AGAINST ME

How many of you, upon seeing this album, thought: "Here comes another American metalcore band"???

Hands up… I already see one, two, three, four…

But not me, I'm not in. This album is power, technique, but above all it is metal!! These five guys have managed, in a moment of stagnation in the metal world, where lately there's little that's truly new and revolutionary, to bring out an album with all the trimmings not to mention b***s. Sure, sure, stuff we've heard before: thrash roots, heavy elements, and death metal hints. Nothing new and outrageous, but it's not up to them to make the difference there.

Starting from the first song, you immediately understand how the '80s have etched a predominantly metallic and "true" character in these guys, This Glorious Nightmare does have a nice mosh breakdown that's dear to the new generations, but features the typical structure of a Testament song, the sophisticated riffing that has been somewhat lost lately, and a respectable drumming.

And so it is for the other songs on the album, remarkably noteworthy: Sanctity of Brothers, Unstoppable, Bled Dry and Giles. Melodic hints and heavy, fast outbursts alternate in an intricate blend that's never banal or predictable. The production makes this record something rare if not unique for a "new" band (I write it in quotes because these guys have been around for about 8 years): natural, a bit raw if you will… but live, they will sound just like on the record, and that's important.

This review praises what Unearth has created a lot, maybe too much… but I like them a lot, and I had a great time writing it.