In the two years since releasing ‘…And Everything in Between,’ Unprocessed‘s stock has risen. Partly through touring in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australasia alongside the likes of In Flames, Spiritbox, and Polyphia, but also through their complex brand of metalcore. That momentum has put them in a favourable position as they release their sixth album, ‘Unprocessed‘.
While their homeland of Germany has built a reputation for developing metalcore bands, Unprocessed strays from what you’d expect from a band of that ilk. For starters, they have the musical dexterity of guitarist and vocalist Manuel Gardner Fernandes at their disposal. He’s completed by a band who are able to support the heavy approach, both musically and lyrically.
From the outset, Leon Pfeifer’s gunshot percussion and David John Levy’s frenzied bass fretplay elevate the rampant ‘111,’ before ‘Sleeping With Ghosts’ bounces with a djent-like drive as plucky bass lines throb. Meanwhile, Fernandes and Christoph Schultz’s duel gutiars slash through on ‘Snow Lover’ and ‘Terrestrial,’ demonstrating their technical proficiency without sacrificing their blaring heftiness.
‘Angel’ is far from being a fretboard w*nkfest as Unprocessed can weave in their complex musicianship into favourable hooks with ease. Take the recent single, ‘Beyond Heaven’s Gate,’ as an example. Mixing emotional lyrics, a towering earworm chorus, with reliable musical density makes it an early standout.
There are also instances of embracing a textured sound and different tones. Bending guitar harmonics welcome ‘Your Dress’ alongside industrious electronic percussion, akin to Nine Inch Nails and Health. Through its use of ambience, it creates tension as the surging chorus comes in, allowing Fernandes’ clean vocals to shine. ‘Sacrifice Me’ and ‘Perfume’ both lean into the band’s more melodic side. Utilising Levy’s cinematic keys, they’re able to create a bold soundscape that soars, especially in the latter’s balladic manner. Later on, ‘Solara’ mixes rapid dance beats with choppy guitars before Zelli from Paleface Swiss brings a brief moment of crushing intensity. Zelli isn’t the only guest spot; Jason Aalon Butler (Fever 333/Letlive.) leaves his mark on ‘Head in the Clouds’. Rapping amid distant progressive guitars, Butler’s inclusion does feel slightly disjointed from the rumbling dynamism of Unprocessed.
They questionably save the best for last with ‘Dark, Silent and Complete’ being a chaotic, scattergun delight. Firmly putting the spotlight on the musical might, guitars rev up among blastbeats for its opening two minutes, before taking a tender detour. With its electronic pulse and mournful strings, it emphasises ‘Angel’s emotional core as a full band assault descends on the album’s final moments.
Despite some throwaway tracks (such as ‘Terrestrial’ and ‘Where I Left My Soul’) treading slightly into routine modern metalcore territory, ‘Angel’ puts Unprocessed in a strong position. Their use of structure and texture often pays off, allowing its heavy moments to leave an impact. It’s complemented by a unit that is intricate in their execution, giving them the space to develop a unique sound.
‘Angel’ by Unprocessed is out now.
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