(Metalcore, Hardcore, Heavy Metal, Screamo etc.) Unearth - The Oncoming Storm

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

Unearth - The Oncoming Storm

Vocals - Trevor Phipps
Guitar - Buz McGrath
Guitar - Ken Susi
Bass - John Maggard
Drums - Mike Justian


Unearth formed pre 1998, and released there first album, The Stings of Conscience, this blew people away, very good album. They then releaseds some demo's, now they bring you another full lenght album The Oncoming Storm.

Track Listing-
1. The Great Dividers
2. Failure
3. This Lying World
4. Black Hearts Now Reign
5. Zombie Autopilot
7. Life to Purify
8. Endless
9. Aries
10. Predetermined Sky
11. False Idols


The Great Dividers- Starts out with a fast, aggressive guitar part, gets your goin, It then gets followed up by a fairly slow part as the drummer runs on the double. Then the build-up begins, the breakdown follows, very good and sets the stage for the song. Good headbaning song right here. It then leads into a nice guitar part that is played well. It goes into another breakdown with pauses and such. The song continues and ends beautiful
4/5

Failure - Right at the start, a very catchy guitar riff, kind of like a mini solo. This sets the tempo for the rest of the song. Continues like this, the guitarist really shows his stuff here. Then the breakdown comes with an aggressive fast part. The guitarist manages to spew a few pinchharmonics in there.
3/5

This Lying World - Starts out soft, the drums get a build up in the beginning, about 15 seconds into the song, another catchy guitar riff, I haven't heard this guitar playing before. Very original. Half way through the song, it goes into the usual Unearth breakdown, very good drumming on his double bass pedal.
3/5

Black Hearts Now Reign - One of the best songs on the c.d. in my opinion. Starts with a basic Unearth guitar part. The drummer does a solo where he does a few fills. Continues like this. More into the song, everything pauses, no music, then they break into a very heavy breakdown that blows me away. He finishes with some shredding on the guitar. Very good
5/5

Zombie Autopilot - Another one of my favorites on the c.d. Very original song, I won't go in depth, they have a few breakdowns, but the best part of the song is, when the guitarist does a solo. Very good solo and I had no idea he had this talent. I can't explain it, the solo is awesome.

Bloodlust of Human Condition - Starts out funky like, then blows into a drum part, then out of now were a heavy breakdown. This song really gets your head going. Once again the guitarist goes into another solo, not as astonishing as Zombie Autopilot, but very original. The song follows the format as the others which I don't really like. Near the end it gets saved with a breakdown followed by the same solo in the beginning.
2/5

Lie to Purify - Starts like any song would, guitars, drums, bass, everything goin at once. The drummer is amazing with flowing in the song. The guitarist can go do is own thing, which he does. Doesn't flow really well. Once again they have a breakdown which sounds pretty familiar, it is still good, just sounds the same as the others. Not a bad song, but it could use a little more work.
3/5

Endless - If you know anything about Unearth, this is a re mix, they already did this song, but re made it. It goes slower than the original song. Still has the breakdown in it which is on of Unearth's best breakdown. The rest of the song is catchy and it flows really well together, but I prefer the other "Endless" on there other c.d.
4/5

Aries - This is there soft song, no breakdowns, nothing heavy, just plain and simple. There is little screaming, it uses a piano in it. Kind of makes you tired.
2/5

Predetermined Sky - Starts out heavy, catchy guitar, the breakdown is unusal with a high guitar part, usually it's "JUN JUN JUN", but this is different. The rest is a usual Unearth song, still good in my opinion. You will just have to listen to it
3/5

False Idols - Starts out unique, unlike the other songs, aggressive mostly, the breakdown is different, and it has more depth than the other song. IT is more melodic and kind of bogs down at the end, but the breakdown wins me over.
4/5


Overall the c.d. is excellent if you liked there last c.d. The sound like Killswitch Engage a little bit. Sorry my descriptions kind of died down, my mum needed the computer and was getting impacient

Overall 3/5 - 4/5

[BuddyBigsby]

This band has really worn off on me. I thought about picking up this CD today but decided against it.

Sorry, but since none of my posts are complete without some genre nazism - I'd change the genre to just say "Metal" or "Metalcore" :)

EDIT: I would just like to mention how incredibly funny it is to me that right before the second breakdown in "This Lying World" he screams "BREAKDOWN!". Also, I don't really like the new version of "Endless".

[young, loud and andrew]

i have a few of their songs that i dl'ed several months ago from the website--decent band, a bit generic in terms of metalcore these days. the riffs are good though--endless is a badass song too.


EDIT: they tune down to B as well. i've never seen a metalcore band tune that low, they usually stay in the drop-C range.

[BuddyBigsby]

I believe Bleeding Through tune down to B now, too.

[young, loud and andrew]

as of the new album? that's interesting. i've really only heard one bleeding through song (feel like i've heard 'em all, but that's not necessarily a bad thing). it didn't sound B though--maybe cuz it was from the old album.

[BuddyBigsby]

Yeah, I don't think they tuned down to B until the new album. That's one of the reasons I don't really like it.

[satanic-panic]

just to let ya know i have read where unearth has been around since 1998. and i think they had to ep's before The Stings of Conscience.

[ISHOTTHEDEVIL]

yeah me too..

[satanic-panic]

o and by the way, **** good review. i'm picking up this album today. because i love unearth. my local record store knows me really well, and anything unearth that they get, that is a promo, i get free hehehehe.

[BuddyBigsby]

They had one EP before The Stings of Conscience. Their second EP Endless was released after Stings...

[Dragonss]

They don't tune down to B, they use 7 string guitars and have since SoC. Buz plays an Ibanez S series 7 string that looks like this: http://i18.ebayimg.com/01/i/02/0c/19/1f_12_s.JPG
Not sure what Ken uses. although it is an Ibanez. Looks like an RG 7 string in their Promo DVD. They play both 6 and 7 strings, but most of the songs use a 7.
The use of the B string can be heard in Endless, My Heart Bleeds No Longer... pretty much any song that they go really low with. So I don't quite understand why you wouldn't like the CD because of the low B when they've been using it since their first major release (Maybe even on the first EP, dunno, never liked that cd much), and they focus mostly on the EAD strings, but hey to each their own :)

I don't get why people like the old version of Endless over the new one. I've seen reviews where people are slamming the CD because the production isn't as choppy as SoC. I understand that some people like a "raw" sound, but I think the production on this CD is beautiful (esp. after the terrible production on the Endless EP, the drums are clipping on The Charm and it ruins a pretty awesome song), and it just makes the entire cd for me, especially in a car or a nice stereo. I like this CD because it's a clear progression in terms of musical skill from SoC. Those songs were somewhat complex, and they stepped it up on the Endless EP, and then they come to this, which makes me wonder what their next CD will be like.

Anyway, good review! Although I question how you could have doubted their guitar playing skills after that killer sweep section in the second song, hehe. My only gripes with the CD are, of course Trev's screaming which gets old after a while (Although it sounds entirely different in a car speaker cranked, sounds a lot better), and the CD order. The last song isn't a good way to end it, in my opinion. I would of put Endless as the last track. My faves are Black Hearts and Zombie. Bloodlust is probably the weakest song on the CD (Except for another awesome sweeping section in that song).

[chopsueyforall]

yeah this is an incredible cd. i do agree also that Endless sounds better on the EP. i went to their show at the Downtown in Farmingdale, LI when they taped their dvd (for those of u who have it, im really good friends with the kid who tried to eat the fruitcake, lol i drove him to and from the show). But yeah sry back to the cd since i owned the dvd and heard the 2 new songs, i fell in love with them. yeah my fav songs on this cd r "Black Hearts" (just an incredible breakdown...soo brutal), "This Lying World", and "Lie to Purify"

[br3ad_man]

I've heard a few songs off the first album and they were pretty cool.

[vinniesonfire]

this band can play espically live
go get the CD

[safetyinnumbers]

i have quite a few of their songs and they have some pretty good breakdowns. i have endless (it is really good) im not sure which version though. im thinking about getting the album... although i already have most of the songs you rated highest

[40 oz 2 freedom]

I never really listened to them before, but I think this CD is pretty good.

[SimpleMTS]

Seeing them in concert this friday with Atreyu, Lamb of God, and Everytime I Die

Can't wait!

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

THey have REAL good stage presence, I love their shows

[cbmartinez]

Seeing them in concert this friday with Atreyu, Lamb of God, and Everytime I Die

Can't wait!

That's gonna be a sick show.

[40 oz 2 freedom]

Is that Ozzfest?

[BuddyBigsby]

Off-fest. Shows they do on their days off from Ozzfest.

[SiKPsyko]

yeah they use 7-String guitars (check "Black Hearts Now Reign" video) so that would explain the use of tuning down to B. Also, to the person who reviewed this album...THEY ARE NOT SCREAMO!! Don't insult such a great band.

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

^^But they scream, so obviously it has some screamo

and I love this band, so stfu

[BuddyBigsby]

iliketoplaydrums, that's just about the stupidest reasoning for a band being 'screamo' that I have ever heard. As long as we're on the subject, they're not even remotely screamo in any way, shape, or form whatsoever. Not real screamo, not the stuff the gets called screamo but really isn't. No dice. Ever.

[Ramsey]

I just bought this cd two days ago.


I'm in love with it. Metal album of the year, imo.

[NewKindofArmy03]

this is a pretty good cd, I can't wait to see them with terror in september. and i agree with buddybigsby, it's pretty funny in "this lying world" when right before the breakdown he actually screams "Breakdown!"

[guitarist105]

I bought this album after reading about them in a guitar magazine, so i picked up their album and here's what i think?

Line Up:

Trevor Phipps - Vocals
Buz Mcgrath - Guitar
Ken Susi - Guitar
John Maggard - Bass
Mike justain - Drums

1. The Great Dividers

This is a complex and brutal song full of headbanging riffs and catchy harmonised guitar melodies. The first riff sounds quite strage but then you are lead into a Stop/start riff that will make you want to destroy everything inside. The breakdown to this song is the best part, where the guitars build up to a climax with the singer repeating the line 'Does hate mean freedom?'. An awesome track. 10/10

2. Failure

This track's intro is a lead intro with one guitar bashing out power chords and the other playing some complex guitar lines. This then goes into a hardcore-Type riff, lighter than the other riff's we previously had, but nonetheless catchy and melodic whilst still maintaining it's headbangingness ( i kno that's not a word.) But again this song's breakdown is phenomenal. It has the guitar pounding and ripping out pinched harmonics. Yet this song has much more melodic parts to it, which is still a good thing. A masterpeice. 10/10

3. This Lying World

This song starts off with one guitar playing a creepy two-note riff, which builds up into yet another headbanging riff. The death metal type verse is enough to make you squeal! On this song the breakdown is an epic, full of a variety of complex rifing and into a melodic interval. And the best part is where the guitars build up and at the climax the singer scream 'Breakdown!' And into a riff that is enough to make an heavy metal lover cry. Great stuff. 9/10

4. Black Hearts Now Reign

After a heavy minor chord verse, it leads into another riff, wich is nothing special but still get's you jumping up and down. The Stop/Start riffin the breakdown is headbangtastic, leading into a complex shredding outro, wich may i say is, quite impressive stuff. 8/10

5. Zombie Autopilot

Unlike the other songs on this album, this one has an acoustic intro, wich get's you into a relaxed state...but don't sink too deep, as you are then led into a heavy yet melodic section, with a catchy harmonised guitar lead line. The evil sounding verse is brilliant, with the singer screaming his lungs out. Not long after you are led into an impressive solo. Fast yet melodic, and quite impressive stuff, with an impressive shred build up start. The rest of the song is based on the intro except with distorted. 9/10

6. Bloodlust Of The Human Condition

This song starts of with a droning snare intro, leading into a headbanging, palm muted section where the singer belches out 'Bloodlust!!'. Then it goes into a pre-verse section with some fast lead guitar. Then into a speedy verse with the drums sounding impressive (As they have done throughout the whole album). Then it repeats what's already bin done, but then goes into a fast picked outro with the guitars still managing to impress. Great stuff. 10/10

7. Lie To Purify

Full of heavy guitars and fast drums. It's all heavy until the breakdown where one of the guitars plays a suprisingly happy-sounding lead riff, and into an atmospheric section where the singer actually sings, and he's pretty good actually. 9/10

8. Endless

This song is yet another epic. Starting off with a fast tremolo picked intro. My favourite part of the song has to be the heavy verse with the singer screaming 'Endless Fight!' But again the singer actually sings! 8/10

9. Aries

This song is piano based mainly, with a little guitar. But this song is a much lighter song, different to all the others. The drummer also shows he can play slow and not just fast! With an atmospheric mood and moving and meaningful lyrics this song is actually excellent. You may be mislead the first time but you will lean to love it. 10/10

10. Predetermined Sky

This song kicks of with an evil slayer-esq guitar riff, and into a pounding verse. The best thing about this song is the understandable and moving lyrics and also the tapping guitar section. Some good stuff. 9/10

11. False Idols

This is my least favourite song on this album simply because it is not as good as the rest, but hey you may have a different opinion. 7/10

Overall this album is an epic. It's amazing in all aspects, the guitars are listering and extremely impressive, the screaming vocals are the best vocals i've heard from a metal band in a while. The drums (Even thought im not a drummer) kick ***...and oh yer the bass kicks *** to yeah! But this album is the best metal/Metalcore i've heard in a long time simply because of it's heaviness, the complexity, and the clever way they make melodic and heavy collide.

10/10

[BuddyBigsby]

1. This CD has been reviewed

2. Terrible review

Lock and ban.

[guitarist105]

1.I just found out
2. ur a dick
3. ill delete it now

[guitarist105]

hwo the hell do u delete a the thread?

[Bartender]

You can't. I can. Threads merged.

[UnDeRoAtHfAn777]

I loved this album. The lead guitarist is really talented. However I do think the screaming needs some work.

[Itwasthatwas]

This was an awesome CD, one of the best of 2004.

BUT
The new version of Endless was destroyed... there was so much more emotion in the original recording, and I liked the higher tempo.

Then Endless EP was their greatest work to date IMO, the Oncoming Storm doesn't quite match it for... interest I guess is all I can say.

[badhabit6]

awesome cd, nice review (the first one). is it just me or do the songs sound like they haaaaave to be played on a 7 string cuz i tuned to B to play great dividers and it doesnt flow the right way. check out the one step away video on the metal blade website Ken does the sickest guitar swing ever. i now have a mosh sticker under my guitar......and it works.

[turkeyjerky]

It's a great cd really grows on you the guitar really makes the cd amazing I loved black hearts now reign if you don't have it and it's your type of music buy it

[BuddyBigsby]

check out the one step away video on the metal blade website Ken does the sickest guitar swing ever. i now have a mosh sticker under my guitar......and it works.

Smileys can do so much.

:lol:

:rolleyes:

[IsItLuck?]

Smileys can do so much.

:lol:

:rolleyes:

Simple, but effective :p

Definitely the older endless was better. I cannot wait to see them this month with poison the well, from autumn to ashes, folly, andrew w.k., and the blood brothers.

[BuddyBigsby]

Ah man, I love me some live Folly. That's going to be an outstanding show all in all, have fun.

[Kid7stringsolo]

i have a few of their songs that i dl'ed several months ago from the website--decent band, a bit generic in terms of metalcore these days. the riffs are good though--endless is a badass song too.


EDIT: they tune down to B as well. i've never seen a metalcore band tune that low, they usually stay in the drop-C range.

I was present at the WSOU not so silent night show in NJ and i was able to talk to UNEARTH them selves after they were done. From the guitarists own mouth they infact use 7 strings in standard 7 string tuning(BEADGBE) im lucky enough to own a 7 string so i can play theyre songs in full effect :thumb:

[TheOneThatBleeds]

at the gates tunes down to b, but i guess that has nothing to do with anything u guys r talkin about.......

[BuddyBigsby]

I was present at the WSOU not so silent night show in NJ and i was able to talk to UNEARTH them selves after they were done. From the guitarists own mouth they infact use 7 strings in standard 7 string tuning(BEADGBE) im lucky enough to own a 7 string so i can play theyre songs in full effect :thumb:

I'm sorry to hear that you're blind and couldn't realize they were playing 7-strings at any point during their 30-45 minute set.