🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Æther
Track 2: The Wretched
Track 3: Undone (Unearthed By William Cody Watson)
🎸 Album Review:
Unearth’s latest offering, ‘The Wretched; The Ruinous’, is a blistering display of metalcore mastery that solidifies their position as one of the genre’s most formidable bands. Packed with relentless aggression, technical prowess, and melodic hooks, this album is a sonic assault that grips you from the opening track and never lets go.
The album kicks off with “Æther”, a cinematic instrumental that sets the tone for what’s to come. Haunting melodies and ominous atmospheres swirl together, building anticipation for the onslaught that follows. As the title track, “The Wretched”, explodes into being, Unearth waste no time in showcasing their trademark blend of crushing riffs, pummeling drums, and dual guitar harmonies. Vocalist Trevor Phipps’ ferocious growls cut through the mix like a knife, delivering lyrics that explore themes of inner turmoil, societal decay, and the darkness that resides within us all.
Standout tracks like “The Wretched” exemplify Unearth’s ability to seamlessly weave together moments of blistering intensity with moments of haunting beauty. The intricate guitar work of Buz McGrath and Ken Susi shines throughout the album, with riffs that are both punishingly heavy and melodically rich. Drummer Nick Pierce’s relentless assault behind the kit drives the songs forward with unrelenting energy, while bassist Chris O’Toole’s thunderous low-end provides a solid foundation for the chaos unfolding above.
One of the album’s most intriguing moments comes in the form of “Undone (Unearthed By William Cody Watson)”, a reimagining of a classic Unearth track by producer and musician William Cody Watson. This reimagined version strips back the aggression of the original, replacing it with a hauntingly beautiful arrangement that showcases the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with their sound.
In comparison to Unearth’s previous albums, ‘The Wretched; The Ruinous’ feels like a natural progression from their earlier work. While staying true to their core sound, the band has managed to push their boundaries and explore new sonic territories. The production on this album is top-notch, allowing each instrument to shine while still maintaining the raw, visceral energy that defines Unearth’s music. Lyrically, the band continues to delve into themes of personal struggle, inner demons, and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of society.
Overall, ‘The Wretched; The Ruinous’ is a tour de force of modern metalcore that showcases Unearth at the top of their game. With this album, the band has crafted a collection of songs that are both devastatingly heavy and melodically rich, demonstrating their ability to balance aggression with melody. Fans of the band’s previous work will find plenty to love here, while newcomers will be drawn in by the sheer intensity and passion that radiates from every note.
In conclusion, ‘The Wretched; The Ruinous’ is a must-listen for any fan of metalcore or heavy music in general. Unearth have once again proven themselves to be masters of their craft, delivering an album that is as punishing as it is beautiful. This is a band that continues to evolve and grow with each release, and ‘The Wretched; The Ruinous’ stands as a testament to their enduring power and creativity.