Unearth represent a new breed of metal-influenced hardcore � combining jaw-dropping power and speed with a vast catalogue of influences. While the band doesn�t precisely fit into the genre-label of �New American Metal�, it obviously draws from similar roots � relentless power, mid-tempo thrash riffs with pounding bass and brutal breakdowns. In effect, Unearth represents the unison of Gothenburg, New American Metal and hardcore.

The Oncoming Storm is Unearths� Metal Blade debut and third full-length album since their acclaimed debut Stings Of Conscience back in 2001. After Stings Of Conscience, Unearth�s popularity boomed � only to be further boosted by their 2002 sophomore release Endless. After a year touring with the likes of In Flames, Hatebreed, Lamb Of God, Killswitch Engage, Soilwork and Chimera � as well as taking part in the 2003 Headbangers Ball Tour � Unearth seem to be poised to revolutionize popular metal.
        
While Unearth are by no means unknown in the international metal scene, their Ozzfest tour dates � carefully timed to support the release of The Oncoming Storm � promise to take the band to the next level in much the same way the tour did for Hatebreed years earlier.  

What separates Unearth from the likes of Killswitch Engage, Lamb Of God and Shadows Fall is their flexibility. Guitarists Ken Susi and Buz McGrath both utilize seven string guitars, which allows them to incorporate passages of blistering European thrash alongside pummeling breakdowns and arse-kicking double bass accents on a signature seven string crunch. The result is a dynamic, aggressive and punishing style which is able to overcome the monotony of most �New American Metal.�

Vocalist Trevor Phipps provides a standout performance on The Oncoming Storm � his thick hardcore rasp given the added dynamics of clean vocals alongside blistering screams courtesy of the production of Adam D (renown for his work with Killswitch Engage). Phipps� lyrics are also a cut above most � choosing to aggressively voice his political views (as opposed to resorting to the lovesick crooning of Killswitch), and judging from the content of "Black Hearts Now Reign" (an open reference to none other than G.W.) Phipps is none too happy with the current state of America.

Take the double-pronged guitar attack on thrash riffing and Gothenburg dual harmony leads, the inclusion of the talented and capable Mike Justian on drums, Phipps� admirable qualities as a metal visionary and powerful, passionate frontman and the impeccable production of Adam D, and what do you get? The most groundbreaking Unearth offering to date.

Unearth joins the long list of bands determined to prove to the world that metal is not dead � and certainly not stagnant. While many mourn over metals �evolution� (or commercial progression) into the realm of nu-metal, bands like Lamb Of God, Unearth, Killswitch Engage and Beyond The Embrace demonstrate there is still the possibility of metals evolution into a new form � the new wave of American heavy metal.
 

Unearth � The Oncoming Storm
Label: Metal Blade
Genre: Metal-influenced Hardcore
For Fans Of: Lamb Of God, Chimera 
Best Tracks: The Great Dividers / Black Hearts Now Reign / Endless

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