ALBUM REVIEW: Angel – Unprocessed

German metalcore trailblazers UNPROCESSED have gone from budding upstarts to genre frontrunners in impressive fashion. Disinterested in following trends or chasing viral moments the quartet have stuck to their guns and, in turn, have become a formidable force and unique entity which has seen them gather a considerable following from nothing but their own merit and dedication to their craft. Continuing their independent journey, their next instalment entitled Angel is now available for release and sees the skilful outfit take another bold step in their maturation process.

111 immediately ignites into a surge of intensity with frenetic riffing and fiery blast beats not allowing you to even get settled in your seat. Sleeping with Ghosts keeps the momentum flowing with buoyant grooves and abrasive vocal bursts. Brief glimmers of melody sneak into the predominantly aggressive assault. Beyond Heaven’s Gate adopts a more accessible tempo, utilising an uplifting array of colour and infectious hooks to accompany softer vocal tones. Sacrifice Me follows a similarly emotive structure, neatly navigating waves of alluring harmonics.

Snowlover blends a combination of light/dark elements as crunchy riffing creates an infectious pacing. Terrestrial switches gears as rapid-fire drumming and swift guitar work, injecting a stream of adrenaline into proceedings. A stomping breakdown leaves a lasting impression. Your Dress brings an industrial swagger, welcoming pulsing beats and electronic experimentation to the mix.

Where I Left My Soul takes a solemn turn as vulnerable lyricism takes centre stage. Poignant riff sequences cleverly pour into the soundscape. Solara possesses an invigorating stride which ebbs and flows between tension-building atmospherics and energetic flourishes. The arrival of PALEFACE SWISS‘ Zelli and his signature raspy onslaught adds another destructive dynamic. First Tongue provides an intriguing spoken narrative, detailing the existence of a language that predates human existence, “before time dared to begin”.

Perfume embraces you with a dramatic, colourful palette that will tug on your heart-strings through the varying degrees of emotion. Head in the Clouds acquires the slick rapping prowess of FEVER 333/LETLIVE‘s Jason Aalon Butler which perfectly slots into the sprightly instrumental accompaniments. Dark, Silent and Complete ensures Angel departs as it arrived, packed full of chaos and feverish rhythmic textures.

Angel is a particularly ambitious offering, venturing off into new territories whilst also maintaining their signature grit and creative expertise. Some may lament the departure from their anthemic era of the likes of Deadrose and Rain as the band further embrace the heavier side of their arsenal but there is still a broad scale of moods and tones at play to keep you entertained. Whilst they are already six albums deep, UNPROCESSED continue to evolve and progress in intriguing fashion with each passing chapter. This unpredictability provides quite the allure as they continue their upward trajectory.

Rating: 7/10

Angel is out now via self-release.

Follow UNPROCESSED on Instagram.