Review: Unearth - The Oncoming Storm

artist: unearth album: the oncoming storm label: metal blade records released: 6/2004 by: rob tatum By far one of the most anticipated releases of the year, Unearth’s The Oncoming Storm is the band’s debut on Metal Blade. The band had a tough act to follow, as the band’s previous release, The Stings of Conscience, propelled the band to forefront in the metalcore scene. The transition to Metal Blade did little to compromise the band’s sound or direction as the album crushes any doubts. The Oncoming Storm is leaps and bounds ahead of any metal or hardcore release of the year thus far. From the blistering intro in “The Great Dividers” to the last breakdown in “False Idols,” the album is a roller coaster of metal riffs, breakdowns, and powerful masterpieces. I’m sure that many fans would have liked this album to have been released much sooner, but after one listen, it’s easy to see the time spent on this album was well worth it. The tight knit songs contain everything you’ve come to expect from Unearth, but with much more purpose. The album flows much better than The Stings of Conscience and the songs sound much more complete. Trevor’s powerful voice bellows angry lyrics and enhances the songs with authority. The lyrics are very refined and remind the listener that Unearth isn’t about love songs. Of course the lyrics are not the first indication of Unearth’s power, as the music explodes in chaotic barrages. Breakdowns are plentiful, as are the metal riffs Although this album is not really anything new for Unearth, it is so far ahead of the other bands in the genre, you can’t help but want more. There’s some melody here and there, but it really goes unnoticed in the swing of things. The only parts of the album that I didn’t like are the mellow “Aries” that seems out of place and the fact you can't hear the cymbals very well in any song. Otherwise as an Unearth fan, I couldn’t be happier. The re-recorded version of Endless is excellent. Even the cheesy call out of breakdown in "This Lying World” couldn’t sway this listener. The best band in metalcore had only gotten better. favorite song: "this lying world" rating: 95%/100% listen to unearth