THROWBACK THURSDAY - UNEARTH

This week's segment is going to be a tad unconventional.  Since I haven't been in the mood for any classic thrash or black metal bands this week this review is going to be more of a tossback. Let's go back into the early years of the millennium and talk about Unearth.  In the early 2000's the once underground metal scene in Massachusetts was beginning to break into the mainstream with local bands such as Shadows Fall and Killswitch Engage starting to rise in popularity.  Along with these two bands was another group of Massholes, Unearth; and right from the beginning this five piece were shredding their instruments to pieces and reminding the people what heavy metal was all about, supreme musicianship delivered in an aggressive way.

Regardless of how people feel about metalcore, the term in its truest sense accurately describes the overall sound of Unearth.  Similar to what Suicidal Tendencies and Cro-mags were doing in the 1980's, Unearth took the ingredients from 90's hardcore and metal and used this to create their own unique sound, one that would help to establish metalcore as a juggernaut in the following decade.

Unearth has a rich discography in which any fan of metal is bound to find an album that appeals to them.  "The Stings of Conscience" (2001) is a full out hardcore album with traces of death metal.  "The Oncoming Storm" (2004) has a strong melodeath influence and is a classic album in the metalcore subgenre.  "III: In the Eyes of Fire" (2006) is probably their thrashiest album thus far and contains some of the heaviest and most technical breakdowns in metal.  Ken Susi and Buz McGrath really demonstrate their skills at soloing in "The March" (2008).  Even their latest offering, "Darkness in the Light" (2011), has been praised for its emphasis on layered melodies.

With all of that, Unearth seems like a very diverse band.  Well they definitely are, yet if I could sum up their music in three simple phrases it would go something like this.  Top-notch drumming, great use of 7 string guitars, and bone crushing breakdowns.  All in all, Unearth is a great band and if you're new to metal check them out!

 
Links: Facebook // Twitter // iTunes 

BORN OF OSIRIS / UNEARTH TOUR KICKS OFF!

There's a HUGE Metalfest currently on the move. Born of Osiris and Unearth will be terrorizing American crowds all month with The Contortionist, Obey The Brave, and Wolves At The Gate. The tour just kicked off and it will be going strong until the end of the month. Check the flyer for dates and blast the music below!

Links: Born Of Osiris Facebook // Twitter // iTunes // Unearth Facebook // Twitter // iTunes

CALIFORNIA METALFEST VI

Everyone living out on the west coast should definitely check out this festival. California Metalfest VI has a huge line up of great, and not so great bands. The bands worth seeing include Killswitch Engage (who will be playing the classic KSE album "Alive or just Breathing" in it's entirety), As I Lay Dying, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Unearth, Born of Osiris, The Faceless, Shadows Fall, Veil of Maya, For Today, Suicide Silence, Memphis May Fire, Upon a Burning Body, and Volumes among others. The festival will be taking place on November 24th in San Bernardino, Californ-i-a. Check out the festival poster and the music we have for you under that.

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Official Website