Unearth - Extinction(s) (2018)^{Release ID: 4177}

After all those Unearth reviews I've done, we've come to their latest offering Extinction(s)! With this album, the band addresses prevalent issues of the world today and inspire listeners to see the errors in their environmental ways and fix them, all while delivering great headbanging metal.

Most people listen to Unearth for their music more than their social commentary, and I'm certainly in that category since I care about music a little more than lyrics. I usually just like the heavy riffs and fast guitars. However, the lyrical themes in the album sound important enough to pay attention. And with that album name, it sounds like they're participating in a great debate about the current state of humanity and the world, especially as of this review, in the midst of a certain catastrophic virus.

The album starts with "Incinerate" with a hardcore riff that, along with an awesome guitar interlude, can incinerate listeners face down. Next track "Dust" is another strong one with great ax-slinging guitar work of metalcore intricacy that can grind listeners to dust. "Survivalist" continues the 7-string fury with screams that can boil the blood of listeners who survived the first two tracks of the album. Then there's a brutal bone-crushing breakdown more intense than in other bands like Thy Art is Murder. Drummer Nick Pierce‘s work with Adam D. (Killswitch Engage) really paid off for more relentless chaos. The master trained his apprentice well!

Next track "Cultivation of Infection" comments on society in the state and apathy and group division. Good familiar metal lyrical topic! After an ominous intro, frantic drums and riff grooves burst in. The band can maintain invigorating subtle melodies without having to pack huge punches until the brutal breakdown. "The Hunt Begins" barges in with riffs of jarring velocity. As the track goes on, melodic leads make the arrangement more vibrant. "Hard Lined Downfall" is filled with Slipknot-like intense carnage. Trevor Phipps' vicious growls help start an armageddon of blazing instrumentation. "King of the Arctic" continues the dramatic impact in the riffs and drums, continuing the lyrical theme of degrading environment and humanity in extinction.

Nothing in this album can get heavier than the next track. "Sidewinder". It's shorter while delivering furious Pit-like brutal thrash. The screams would sear off your hair while you headbang to the devastating rampage. "No Reprisal" tones down the mayhem in favor of shining melodic riff power. The heavy momentum is elevated through blast beats and a groove pace. Closing track "One with the Sun" is a great album standout, featuring some of the most catchy guitar leads in the album while the lyrics warn you about the final extinction. After all that intense energy, it lightens up to an uplifting mood as the song closes in calm symphonic melody.

Overall, Extinction(s) is another solid Unearth album and a great addition to their over two-decade discography, despite not being so innovative. Each of the 10 songs in this album features more competent impressive musicianship while having the band's usual formula. I really enjoy the symphonic experimentation in that last track and would love to see Unearth experiment more like that in the future. But until next time, good luck with the metalcore scene, guys....

Favorites: Incinerate, Survivalist, King of the Arctic, No Reprisal, One with the Sun