Unearth – III: In the Eyes of Fire / 2006 Metal Blade / 11 Tracks / http://www.unearth.tv / http://www.metalblade.com / Reviewed 01 August 2006

Usually when a sophomore album comes from a prominent band I like, it rarely upholds the splendor of the previous album. Being a fan of Unearth for sometime now, I was expecting an amazing second record, and they produced just that. All their music states that they clearly are ranked among today's leaders in metal. Ranging from their first full album "The Stings of Conscience", which produced the hard hitting track "One Step Away" to their first Metal Blade record "The Oncoming Storm". To all my fellow Unearth fans, this CD will not disappoint.

For those people interested in hearing shredding guitars and intense drum licks, this album is for you. Ken Susi and Buz McGrath are masterminds when making new guitar rifts, which the CD clearly exemplifies. In "Giles", the second track on the album, they show that there is a variety of methods to their madness. They also show their capability of expanding the horizon of making new rifts that never get old. If you are looking for a deviating, face melting tune, I suggest checking out "Bled Dry", which contains two different yet impressive breakdowns. The guitarists again display their talents during the song "So It Goes", with an ear tearing solo three minutes into it.

Mike Justian contributes a plethora of heart throbbing beats, scaling from the normal fast punk beat, to a mix of blast beats sounding similar to those of The Black Dahlia Murder. In the mean time, lead singer Trevor Phipps displays his wide and impressive vocal range. A song that compliments this would be "Imposters Kingdom". The CD ends with the instrumental "Big Bear and the Hour of Chaos", a final way for the band to portray their brilliant and distinct musical talent. Like the past album, "The Oncoming Storm", this contains an anomalous and unique sound that will keep your interest and on your toes for more. Unearth never ceases to amaze me, whether pertaining to the band's recordings or their on-stage performances. You will find yourself head thrashing and feet tapping throughout the whole CD. Check them out for yourself on September 7th at the House of Blues in Cleveland. Supporting acts include Bleeding Through and Animosity.

For Fans of – As I Lay Dying, All That Remains

Top Tracks – This Glorious Nightmare, Sanctity of Brothers, Giles

Rating – 8.3/10

[JMcQ]