Metalcore mainstays Unearth are back with their fifth full-length album, Darkness in the Light. The album was produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz and features Killswitch drummer Justin Foley on drums for all tracks. I have to be honest, I have never really been a fan of Unearth. They’ve had a few standout songs to me throughout the years, but that’s about it. Pretty hit or miss. Darkness in the Light marks itself as the first Unearth album I have ever completely enjoyed.
One thing that has always turned me away from the Unearth sound is Trevor Phipps’s vocals. They’ve always seemed a little basic and without any real range to me. Well, on Darkness the band really seem to play to his style and strengths. As he yells over a melodic riff in “Ruination of the Lost” it creates an awesome sounding chorus. At times he does just seem to be droning on a bit, but the music always comes in for the save.
Each song on the album sounds great. I really like the melodic elements they bring into their heavier sound. The guitars really shine throughout the eleven tracks. Buz Mcgrath and Ken Susi do a great job of delivering hard in your face riffs and tons of great melodic moments. Songs like “Overcome” and “Eyes of Black” really pack a punch. “The Fallen” roars in on some awesome fretwork and continues riding this tasty riff throughout the song. It’s also nice when Susi does clean vocals on some of the songs helping mix things up a little.
I’m surprised at how much I like Darkness in the Light. It brings together a strong metal edge with melodic elements that I can really get into. This is one of the best metalcore releases I have heard so far this year. Longtime Unearth fans are sure to love it.
Rating: 8/10
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