Review: The Unravelling – 13 Arcane Hymns (2010)
Pink Floyd, Opeth, and Tool have all arguably made their own masterpiece albums. The Unravelling cite these bands and more as inspiration, and I believe, strive to make a masterpiece of their own. This band is often referred to as progressive metal. I take that as ‘this is a band that refuses to focus on a single musical style to make their music’. Though 13 Arcane Hymns is no masterpiece, The Unravelling have created an album that shows a lot of promise, and which kept me interested from beginning to end.
It’s refreshing to be introduced to another good progressive band that has a lot of potential. The band’s website claims their new album is a concept album concerning themes of being buried alive, and surviving the ordeal. At first, 13 Arcane Hymns is heavy on the industrial sound, but the album slowly shifts into a highly-progressive and experimental album. It reminds me of some of the rock/metal operas I’ve listened to by Ayreon and others. There are also some traces of Mike Patton’s handy work. “Last Rights Protest” has an interesting rhythm, and “Where Will It End?” has some pretty cool transitions that work well together.
Overall, this is an album you should check out if you like any of the bands mentioned above, or if you’re into the progressive metal/rock sound in general. But more importantly if you don’t check out this album, keep an out for their future projects.
GOOD
Top Tracks: Last Rights Protest, Where Will It End, Arjuna
Similar Artists: Pink Floyd, Mr. Bungle
Gustavo De Beauville – composer, producer
Steve Moore – lyrics, vocals
Review by NATE
