Unearth

East Massachusetts-based Unearth consciously has fused the stylings of European metal with American hardcore. Vocalist Trevor Phipps’ multiple vocal styles, the able rhythm section of drummer Mike Rudberg and bassist John Slo Maggard, and the dual guitar quandary of Ken Susi and Buz McGrath make some extremely effective and memorable songs on this short, four-song affair. This EP, a collection of three new songs and a rare demo of “My Desire,” makes a good introduction for those looking for hardcore that doesn’t sound retro or, like most new hardcore acts, haphazard and aimless. Comparisons to Swedish metal bands such as Soilwork, Hypocrisy and In Flames are inevitable. But, on further inspection, Unearth gives bands like Will Haven and Maharahj a run for the hardcore crown. It only took four years for Unearth to sound this good on record. Just wait till 2010.