UNEARTH - Darkness In The Light [Review]

Genre: Metalcore/Groove Metal

Label: Metal Blade Records

Release Date: July 04, 2011

Reviewer: IRoar

Metalcore titans UNEARTH return with their 5th studio offering, titled "Darkness In The Light" a culmination of all UNEARTH's vintage hardcore/extreme metal hybrid.

Over the band's career, UNEARTH released some of the best Metalcore offerings (2004's The Oncoming Storm is still one of my all time favorite records in the genre) and with their latest release "Darkness In The Light" the band takes their signature sound into tighter territory.

For the recording of "Darkness In The Light" the band worked with Killswitch Engage drummer Justin Foley; due to former drummer Derek Kurswell parting ways with the band prior to working on the new album. Darkness In The Light was also produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, who certainly leaves his apparent mark on the record. 'Shadows In The Light' feels like a tighter, heavier Killswitch hit. While 'Ruination of The Lost' sounds like a Trivium/Lamb of God hybrid, injected into an UNEARTH song.

The first single to be released to the public from "Darkness In The Light" was 'Eyes of Black' one of the record's heaviest songs. Opening with a almost At The Gates-like lead, the song breaks all barriers between metal and hardcore, proving that Unearth are worthy of their throne as one of Metalcore's biggest pit starters.

'Last Wish' and 'Arise The War Cry' are full on modern neck breakers. Filled with massive grooves courtesy of the mammoth guitar duo of Buz McGrath and Ken Susi.

'Equinox' feels like a bridge leading into more 'Oncoming Storm' territory. Bringing forth the UNEARTH beast of the early days with 'Coming of The Dark.' I can see fans screaming at the top of their lungs along with song's monstrous chorus, leaving everyone in the venue light headed. While closing track 'Disillusion' is the record's definite final knockout.

All in all; UNEARTH managed to once again put together a solid record. If any band today can write a fresh record in a genre over-saturated with hordes of manipulators. It'll be Massachusetts' Metalcore leaders UNEARTH.









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