Review: Unearth – The March (2008)
Unearth has been a stand out for me in both the live and recorded environments. It takes a special band to really replicate their album into an amazing live act, and Unearth on every single one of their albums, has done just that. Recently, the metalcore juggernauts from Mass, have released their 2008 album The March, which I have some incredible hopes for based on my past experiences with the band, as well as anticipation for their next tour to a nearby city!
The March, first and foremost, is still a metalcore record. It relies on breakdowns, thrashy hardcore riffs, and amazing solos that Unearth has very much developed over the years into their own sound. There is no death metal, no unneeded melodies, nor any clean vocal passages. The March is a crisp, energetic, attitude ridden album that only Unearth can produce. For me, the fact that you can pick up an Unearth record and expect good to great work is very re-assuring in a world where metal bands are constantly changing their identities in order to become more hip.
Despite The March being metalcore, it is still more metal than core in every respect. In fact, it might be easier to call this a modern metal album with hardcore overtones given the level of awesome solos that pop everywhere in just about every song. Very few modern metal American bands seem to pull off solos like Unearth does, and its a very telling virtue that they possess. In addition to the solos, Derek Kerswill is an excellent drummer in the same style as Killswitch Engage’s Justin Foley, meaning awesome fills while the guitarists interweave some great riffs. Also, very few drummers can lead into a breakdown like Derek can, very nice stuff.
Perhaps the only drawback for this album is that the band tends to rehash some old riffs from previous albums. While this isn’t especially awful considering the riffs still have mileage in them, it makes the album a bit stale in comparison to being the great album it could have been. “Crow Killer” I think relies a bit too much on the breakdowns throughout, but does have a killer solo (like always) in its midst. Overall, this isn’t a huge deal because Unearth does manage to spice things up with a few new riffs here and there that make us wanting more, oh, and did I mention the solos? Basically, don’t expect anything new on this album. In fact, if I am being honest, I’d have to say this is their weakest album to date, though this doesn’t mean much because all of their previous albums are quite good. Essentially, if it weren’t for the tight musicianship and amazing solos, this might be much less palatable.
GOOD
Top Tracks: We Are Not Anonymous, Cutman, Truth Or Consequences
Similar Artists: Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, Bullet For My Valentine, Blood Has Been Shed, Hatebreed
1. My Will Be Done 03:37
2. Hail the Shrine 03:57
3. Crow Killer 03:17
4. Grave of Opportunity 03:53
5. We Are Not Anonymous 03:03
6. The March 03:29
7. Cutman 03:12
8. The Chosen 03:53
9. Letting Go 04:43
10. Truth or Consequence 04:10
Trevor Phipps – Vocals
Buzz McGrath – Guitar
Ken Susi – Guitar
John “Slo” Maggard – Bass
Derek Kerswill – Drums
Review by CODY
Unearth falls into that weird category for me of bands that are definitely good, that everyone else likes except me. I just don’t know why, but I can’t seem to get into Unearth.