UNEARTH - III: In the Eyes of Fire
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After the highly successful `Oncoming Storm', comes the third full length by Massachusetts based Unearth. I had high expectations for this album but also proceeded with caution because I was unsure if they could expand on what they had started. Luckily they have pushed the limits of metalcore once again...

The attack is led by the 7-string masters, Ken Susi and Buzz McGrath who are not only competent axe-men but also skillful song writers combining European melodic guitars with some of the most creative breakdowns around. The rhythm section has stepped it up for this release especially the drumming of Mike Justian. For those unaware Mike played on The Red Chords debut `Fused Together in Revolving Doors' and that was some of the most spastic, creative metal drumming I have ever heard. With `Oncoming Storm' he had to dumb-it-down (so to speak) to fit in with the more structured style of Unearth's sound. On this release he has been able to expand and although not to the insanity of The Red Chord, he seems to be utilizing a more creative approach to the drums this time around. The Bass work John `Slo' Maggard, provides a suitable back drop for the other instruments... although I do wish he would have attributed more to the overall sound of the album. Last and certainly not least is front man, Trevor Philips. Back again with introspective lyrics and his subtle blends of screaming, yelling and some spoken word and best of all, there are no opera-esc, killswitch style choruses!!!

The boys have really hit the head on the nail with this release, and it offers everything one could want in a metalcore CD. Like their previous release, `Oncoming Storm', they may not have reinvented the wheel but they certainly made it go faster and reinforced it with a nice coat of metal!

Favorite Songs: Sanctity in Brothers, Imposters Kingdom, So it Goes, and The Glorious Nightmare
-4.75 Stars

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Since the recording of "III: In The Eyes Of Fire" began, Unearth have been promising to deliver a release which would be their "angriest, heaviest and most brutal" to date. And with their newest release, Unearth has delivered in Spades. Granted Metalcore is all but original at the moment, but as one of the longest running bands in the genre (and perhaps one of the best), Unearth has firmly set their sights on one goal and one goal alone : pulverize the listeners ears. And that is exactly what this record does. Whether it's the anthem-like choruses, the ripping solos, or the unrelenting breakdowns, Unearth continues to prove that they know exactly what to do when it comes to making music.

Much like "The Great Dividers" opened "The Oncoming Storm" at breakneck speed, "This Glorious Nightmare" comes out the gate at 100 mph and doesn't relent for one second. Those familiar with the sound that the band has been practicing since their 2001 release "The Stings Of Conscience", are pretty much going to know what the expect: Throaty vocal roars, lightning fast drumming, At The Gates style riffing, and plenty of breakdowns. While this has become the most imitated style of heavy music on the planet as of late, Unearth show there's a reason they've been doing it this long. Every song will more or less satisfy even the casual fans of metalcore. The first single "Giles" and the opener "This Glorious Nightmare" are perhaps the best of the disc, showcasing Unearth's own brand of 7-string metalcore. "Unstoppable" and "So It Goes" are two other highlights, as they contrast the heavy and melodic sides of the band in stellar fashion. There's ten songs, and one closing instrumental (which seems to have become pretty popular on metal records as of late). Overall though there isn't anything terribly different or exciting about this release compared to either of their previous two records. Although as a whole this album is probably stronger than "The Oncoming Storm" (the songs are better written, the riffs are more technical, the lyrics are more thought out) it just simply is not as memorable. This kind of brings it down. At any time you could instantly flip throughout the 11 tracks and find a great tune, but only a few are absolute classics.

"III: In The Eyes Of Fire" won't change your mind about metalcore if you already hate it, but to those who at least have some interest in the slowly deteriorating genre, this is almost as good as it gets. I'm actually glad Unearth decided to write a record that was their heaviest and darkest (according to them), because it really worked well. With so many bands wanting to go the "melodic" route in metal and hardcore, it's nice to see someone stick to their guns and keep it heavy. If you like Unearth, you'll love the record, and if you don't, you won't. It's really that simple. So if you meet the qualifications, don't hesitate to pick this one up.

To keep it short and simple, this is one of, if not THE best metal CD I've ever heard. And I've heard dozens. Break-neck guitar riffing, complex, technical drumming (that alternates between seemingly random, yet fitting snare rolls and rumbles, and rhythm based stomping) powerful, pounding breakdowns that blend seamlessly, and some better than average vocals and lyrics are all carried by thrashing, slashing, often uplifting and exhilarating guitar melodies that are damn near impossible to follow in a way that carries you through the song. With multiple change-ups in each track, a relentless, infusing pace throughout, a handful of truly sick riffs, and a smattering of solid soloing, Unearth has accomplished something I've not seen ANYWHERE else. A total, near-perfect fusion of every sound and style within a genre they are slowly themselves defining, at least in this metal fan's eyes.

**UPDATE** - After further listens, I like the album even more! Tracks 7 & 8 really kick a**! I think the whole album except track 5 and 9 are really good. 5 & 9 aren't bad, just not as good as the rest.

I thought this album was one relentless onslaught from beginning to end. Obviously, Giles and March of the Mutes really stand out while the rest are good to pretty good. These guys were a blast to see in concert, and when they play all their best stuff, it's awesome. I agree with other people, they have yet to reach their potential, but they're not far away, and Giles is a punishing statement that they will hopefully achieve those heights consistently through an entire album in the future. I hope they do!

This is the album what i expected from Unearth, more metal and less metalcore, sure they pleased the old school metal fans like me but their loyal base fans from the metalcore scene will be dissapoint. This album is full of blistering solos, incredible drumming and the vocals sounds really good. In my opinion is better than the "Uncoming Storm". Recommended!!!!