ALBUM REVIEW: Unprocessed – ‘…And Everything In Between’

…And Everything In Between showcases Unprocessed’s highly experimental approach. The album is a mosaic of styles, genres, atmospheres, soundscapes, worldbuilding and emotion. Pushing boundaries in all directions it is intense, beautifully raw, and unapologetic.

Opening with Hell, distortion and eerie electronics make for a cinematic introduction before the ludicrous technical guitars kick in. Manuel Gardner’s abrasive harsh is thrown into the mix producing an apt ominous mood. The interjections of Unprocessed’s progressive guitar work and soaring vocals add dynamic layers to the track; Hell is thunderingly heavy while still incorporating the signature aspects of the band’s music. The breakdown is quite utterly ridiculous—stupendous speeds across percussion, bass and guitars unleash a fury of punchy hits. Distorted tones segue fittingly into Lore, continuing in the same vein of aggressive instrumentation and vocals. The groove bass, melodies and contrasting clean guitar tones soon lead into an airy atmosphere that brings an angelic (and also eerie) backdrop to the rhythmic patterns underpinning the track. A decrease in tempo sees the drama enhanced as the slower pace allows the heaviness to remain a little longer in your ears.

Soaring cleans are first to emerge from the offering that is Thrash. Leaning further into synths in this track, the atmospheric and ambient side of Unprocessed’s songwriting is displayed further, still with plenty of heaviness alongside. While the early tracks of …And Everything In Between delve predominantly into darker realms, Thrash sees an increased focus on the lighter, prog-led aspects of the release. Blackbone’s compelling groove lead draws you in. The surrounding instrumentation gradually builds with distortion and depth, but the core thread of the track remains throughout even with yet another epic breakdown thrown in. Die On The Cross Of The Martyr is truly powerful offering. Dominant dirty synths and sultry lead vocals are joined by stunning intricate guitar solos from Polyphia’s Tim Henson and Scott LePage. It makes for a deeply emotive, striking, sexy and alluring track that interweaves seamlessly so many aspects of Unprocessed’s multi-faceted sound. The following Glass opens with delicate leads prancing up and down scalic melodies, gradually seeing percussion and bass being introduced into the mix. Soft vocals give an intimate feel to the verse, while bass and drums ground the song. Heavy fuzz-filled guitars enhance the track with a textural transformation in the chorus. The addition of orchestral backing and synths see Glass develop and continue to build gradually and, of course, Unprocessed have thrown another whopping breakdown in to the middle of it all.

Compelling lead vocals are delivered as a solo, sung out of the depths of the shadows. Soon surrounded by synths and electronics, Abysm has a sinister twist awaiting. Incredibly discordant bass tones and high-speed double kick drumming manifests a devastating sound. Musically, the arrangement is intriguing as the track traverses through a number of different styles, as though venturing through different phases, of which many are actually quite minimal in their instrumental parts. And yet, Abysm as a whole feels cohesive; alternating between different dynamic worlds of sounds creates a highly immersive experience. I Wish I Wasn’t’s groove rhythms and bass soon is accompanied by enticing clean vocals. Emerging through a foreboding section of distorted guitar effects, it soon leads to an assault of fast-paced dissonant rhythmic patterns that is contrasted with soaring lead vocal melodies and atmospheric synths. Vocoder effects give Manuel’s voice a demonic aspect in this spoken introduction. An array of entwining guitar leads, thrashing beat hits and brass rises makes a dramatic introduction to the concluding Purgatory. The sound carries a multi-textural feel—it’s heavy, discordant yet still melodic. Explosions of demonic harsh and mini breakdowns inject a burst of aggression. The chorus, while dark and heavy, is catchy. Ending with a haunting yet anthemic progression, we are consumed in purgatory.

Unprocessed have produced an album of extremes; extremes that are explored across such a vast array of directions and styles. The quartet fuse the most discordant with the most serene and it works magnificently. The compositional arrangement of the track list ebbs and flows enticing you in with the experimental nature ensuring you won’t want to turn away.

For fans of: Polyphia, Animals At Leaders, VRSTY

‘…And Everything In Between’ by Unprocessed is out now.

Words by Holly Royle