PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Unhold split up in 2012 after being together for 20 years. They released 3 full-length albums but it has been 7 years since the last release, so here they are back in 2015 with a new lineup and a most challenging affair of a new album. Most of the influences are very obvious on this one, Neurosis, Isis etc.. “I Belong” demonstrates this with the use of an understated chugging riff accentuated by a brass section, the track builds through a series of passages before heading into a riff with an underlying melody which is barely audible but you definitely would miss its presence if absent. The album as a whole is varied, going from the Unsane style riffing of “Southern Grave” to the Deftones styled “Voices Within” which features a switch to female vocals and also features a beautiful piano melody. Epic is a well overused word but this is really what Unhold are laying out here, epic tunes with atmosphere and anticipation built in. There is light and shade and at times slips into indie rock territory, it really is that diverse. The title track is a 9 minute instrumental with samples which also encompasses an orchestral undercurrent, but not overriding the main band. Vocally the band ranges from the aggressive shouting associated with post rock/metal to the spacey tones more associated with the likes of Portishead. Production is a bit dry and does a disservice to the weight of the guitars. Vocally the aggressive parts work just about, could be doing with either more aggression or a bit more melodic, either would work, they just tend to grate a bit at times. Overall this is a sterling piece of work; it is varied and will stand up to multiple plays. Definitely one for fans of the likes of Neurosis, Crippled Black Phoenix and Fall Time.
Line-up
Thomas Tschuor – Guitar & Vocals
Miriam Wolf – Piano, Synths & Vocals
Daniel Fischer – Drums
Philipp Thöni – Guitar & Vocals
Leo Matkovic – Bass
Track Listing
01. Containing the Tyrant
02. Emerging
03. I belong
04. Southern Grave
05. Voice Within
06. Rising
07. Towering
08. Hydra
09. Dawn
10. Ascending
11. Death Dying
