Photo by: Angel Mejia
Official press release:
Metal Blade Records is pleased to announce their re-signing of Unearth!
Nothing short of standard-bearers and keepers of the faith for American metalcore, Unearth was the band born in the breakdown who never wavered from their love of European death metal melodicism, supercharged by American thrash and hardcore. Now, nearly three decades into a career that’s seen the Massachusetts mob play innumerable gigs and massive festivals on six continents, sell hundreds of thousands of records, and inspire some of the most important bands in extreme metal today, they remain a force with which to contend. And their reunion with Metal Blade Records – their label from their halcyon days of the 2000s first decade – only increases the ferocity of that force.
Unearth’s change back then from hardcore-focused Eulogy Recordings to one with “Metal” literally in the name aligned with their sound’s sharpening into a more brutal “Blade.” This time it’s more about going home to the host of genre-defining albums like The Oncoming Storm, III: In The Eyes of Fire, and The March. It’s not to say they haven’t made great albums (see Watchers of Rule and the latest LP The Wretched; The Ruinous) with great partners (MNRK Heavy – formerly eOne Music – and Century Media, respectively), but the lightning here has the chance to strike twice and Unearth are ready to ride it.
Comments vocalist Trevor Phipps:
“Getting another shot at working with Metal Blade Records feels nothing short of coming home. We truly got our best chance at making a life of creating music and touring during our first run with Metal Blade from 2004–2011. Working with so many familiar faces we trust and appreciate is something we wholeheartedly welcome. The music we’re cooking is as heavy and boundary-pushing as we’ve ever been, and we look forward to sharing it with you all in 2027.”
Guitarist Peter Layman says:
“They gave us our start; now, they’re part of our future. After fifteen years apart, we’re back with Metal Blade, the home of some of our defining records. With the writing process well underway, we felt Metal Blade was the perfect fit for us and the direction we’re headed. We’re thankful that they feel the same way and know that what comes next will be our best offering yet.”
Adds Michael Faley, Metal Blade Records A&R:
“It is an honor to have Unearth back in the Metal Blade family. Our history with the band includes some truly incredible moments in this label’s catalog. Reconnecting with them now, at a time when both the band and the label have grown so much, is a massive win. We’ve always believed in their vision, and we’re honored to be the ones helping them tell the next chapter of their story. A new Storm is coming!”
Additionally, Unearth is pleased to announce their new management home of AISAmusic and European booking agency, Cobra.
Says Phipps:
“We are excited to team up with AISAmusic for a new era of Unearth. Simon Füllemann has been a friend, peer, and colleague of ours for almost 25 years, while Bradley Zorgdrager has proven to be an ally in this business in the few short years we’ve known him. With new music, tours, and partnerships coming, we are eager to get in the studio and back on the road to riff with you all.”
Layman notes:
“We couldn’t be happier to join the AISAmusic team for management. Heading down a new path with Simon and Bradley at our side has instantly had a positive impact, and we know it’s only the beginning. Their professionalism, knowledge, experience, and level of planning gives us the best opportunity to be successful moving forward.”
Phipps continues:
“We want to thank the good people at Cobra Agency for bringing us onto their killer roster for Europe and Asia. We look forward to spending a lot of time on the road with you all, starting this summer with a European festival and club run.”
Layman concurs:
“We are incredibly proud to announce our partnership with Cobra Agency for booking throughout Europe and Asia. One of the best parts about being in a band is sharing your art while visiting incredible places around the world. We know that working with Cobra Agency gives us the best opportunity to continue doing this.”
Unearth’s nearly thirty–year ride has been wild enough thus far. As one of the key bands of the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal (NWOAHM), they rose alongside the likes of Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, Shadows Fall, Darkest Hour and more. Recalls Phipps:
“It was a healthy competition between all of us. It made for some great music and opened up a new chapter in American metal.”
And though the Wave ain’t so New anymore, the great music continues as Unearth opens a new chapter of their own.
7/25 Budapest, HU – Barba Negra *
7/31 Goldenstedt, DE – Afdreiht Un Buten Festival
8/01 Löbnitz, DE – Full Rewind Festival
8/03 Milan, IT – Magnolia Open Air ^
8/04 Zurich, CH – Dynamo ^
8/05 Jeroměř, CZ – Brutal Assault Festival
8/07 Linz, AT – Frischluft Open Air ~
8/13 Carhaix, FR – Motocultor Festival
* w/ In Flames
^ w/ Of Mice & Men
~ w/ The Ghost Inside
