Album Review: Schemata Theory – Unity In Time (Self Released)

Anthemic post-hardcore band, Schemata Theory return with their second full length release, ‘Unity in Time’. ‘Unity in Time’ is Schemata Theory’s acknowledgement that the struggle continues as we all try to create and develop much needed connections. Our common humanity exists beyond fear, ego and defensiveness, all of which stands in its way.

In their own words:

We wanted to explore the concept of connection in this new album and its importance in every aspect of life. Technological advancements in the 21st century have drowned us in the mass-exposure of information, revealing uncomfortable truths – and untruths – about the world and its inhabitants. As a result, it has exposed the disconnects that permeate through modern life.

Digital personas and accompanying online pressures have caused human beings to dissociate from themselves. Mass production of goods & services within an economy that relies on consumption has divorced us from nature. The fear of an evolving interconnected global culture has allowed for cynicism and hatred to thrive, in turn, this has driven wedges between family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues and citizens.

The irony is that all these elements of disconnect are linked, but that doesn’t diminish what a difficult task it is to turn the tides and build unity where fissures currently exist. To remain isolated and within an echo chamber is the path of least resistance, whereas to forge unity requires a significant amount of time & energy.

Although the very idea of unity is appealing and easy to agree with at face value, the reality is very different. Discovering and standing in solidarity with people who are already on the same page as you is effortless. Whereas reaching out and bridging the divide with those who come from a completely different place is where the real work commences…

Unity in Time will be released on February 25th, 2022.

With all the insight given above, it’s no surprise that Unity in Time is a depth-filled album and the intro of As Clouds Gather transitioning into Voices showcases the passion Schemata Theory are all about. A mix of melody, blistering post-hardcore belligerence, fervent lyrical content and a massive chorus makes you sit up and take note.

Get used to that as the album goes on but also get used to a lot more raucous riffing, melodic drops, earnest vocals, heavy flushes and flesh-tearing hooks. Prism, Mind Eater and New Vision making up the first half of the album with all this and so much more. This is post-hardcore with a mainstream twist and is going to delight a lot of listeners.

Further proof of that comes with the particularly beautiful Vantage Point, a track that drips in emotion and is made up of melody, atmosphere and uplifting recordings that reflect on just how small we are in this universe.

Our Only Home is sure to be one of the band’s biggest anthems but Mirrors takes the gold medal for the most elaborate track on the album. A 7+ minute deep dive into Schemata Theory’s mindset and outlook, playing out to the backdrop of twisting, shifting and evolving post-hardcore brilliance.

Two more tracks, two more stonking anthems to enjoy, two more head-banging bouts of passionate metal music. Pain Unknown and Horror Show; the former… hurts. Lyrically, it hurts. If you’ve not shed a tear yet, this might do the job. The latter…bristles with energy and ends things in such a glorious way, you can’t help but smile.

Bravo Schemata Theory. They will make you feel with this album.

Schemata Theory – Unity in Time Full Track Listing:

1. As Clouds Gather
2. Voices
3. Prism
4. Mind Eater
5. New Vision
6. Vantage Point
7. Our Only Home
8. Mirrors
9. Pain Unknown
10. Horror Show

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