UNBEHELD – Dust

UNBEHELD - Dust
  • 7/10
    UNBEHELD - Dust - 7/10
7/10

Summary

Independent
Release date: August 4, 2017

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5/10 (1 vote)

With the current Metal scene being so over-saturated with acts, both young and old, it has become increasingly difficult for bands to establish themselves and cut through the background noise of new releases. While by no means a perfect release, Dust, from new Progressive Death Metal act Unbeheld, has started off well in the right direction thanks to a crisp production, inspiring riffage, and all around high quality performances.

Reminiscent of Death Metal mainstays like Gojira, Deicide, Cannibal Corpse, and Suffocation, Unbeheld have pushed the envelop lyrically with a much more intellectual approach than the debut releases of the aforementioned acts. Themes of nihilism, existential hopelessness, and isolation from society offer up plenty of appropriately dark and foreboding metal lyric material while also pleasing fans of more thoughtful sonic poetry.

Tracks like “Dust” and “Destroyer” provide a glimpse into what Unbeheld is capable of on a technical level. “Destroyer” in particular features a number of Prog elements ranging from odd time signature experimentation to the use of melodically parallel guitar, vocal, and bass parts. “Vultures” contains a more straight forward, traditional attitude, complete with a satisfyingly shreddy guitar solo and chord progressions that border on Power Metal territory. The track also features some of the album’s standout drumming.

Dust does at times lack depth, both in the general tone and feel of the album, and the level of originality, but this is to be somewhat expected on a debut release. With another album or two, and further tempering of the chemistry between the members, Unbeheld could quickly rise to do battle against the mainstays and stalwarts of the Death Metal genre.

Author

  • Maxxxwell Carlisle

    Maxxxwell was a reviewer and the host of The Maxed Out Metal Hour here on Metal Express Radio. He is the current lead guitarist for LA based metal veterans Hellion. In addition to his ongoing role in Hellion, he has also released 5 albums as a solo artist and appeared as a guest writer and soloist on Michael Angelo Batio's Intermezzo album, named one of the Top 5 shred albums of 2014 by Guitar World Magazine. He continues to collaborate with various Metal musicians and teaches guitar technique and Metal composition via Skype. Additionally, he is a former competitive bodybuilder and enjoys a lifestyle based around health, fitness and Metal.

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