Album Review: Unprocessed – …and everything in between (Self Released)

Progressive boundary pushing quartet Unprocessed have returned with their third album ‘…and everything in between’, set for release on December 1st, 2023.

A fascinating band that truly encapsulate the words ‘boundary pushing’, Unprocessed are an anomaly in modern metal music and truly challenge the listener with this new release. Combining some of the most erratic and elaborate progressive ideas with straight-forward heaviness and pop-infused melodies. It’s a constant source of fascination, even if it is sure to leave some listeners out in the cold.

Yet, there is no arguing with the unique flavour the record has. Evident from the start with the brash progressive intensity of Hell, a track punctuated by hearty melodies and soaring vocals. Few will be able to deny the lure of this substantial opener. Yet, this is an experimental release, and with the following Lore and Thrash, Unprocessed do some musical gymnastics.

Showcasing just how they keep the listener on their toes, being progressive as hell, but also extremely anthemic and capable of going wild too. They are unique efforts, with dreamy melodies, and unpredictable progressive guitar parts that suddenly and violently fit. If you want even a smidgeon of the mental chaos they create, look no further than the breakdown of the latter. It is something.

It’s certainly never boring, and with Blackbone, Unprocessed continue to be dependably exciting and interesting. A ton of melody, some razor-sharp technicality, and unrelenting ‘core’ savagery. Following that up with the dramatic progressive monstrosity that is Die on the Cross of the Martyr. It can’t be understated in the slightest just how ‘out there’ a piece of music like this is, especially as it changes in an instant into something so orderly and anthemic.

Glass continues to be a great example of how harmonious they can be, while also showing how ardently intense they can also be. Intensity that comes from atmosphere and melody, rather than outright heaviness. Before the pairing of Abysm and I Wish I Wasn’t create a myriad of feelings through exceptional creative layers. The former is a very special track indeed, the contrast between melody and brutal heaviness proving to be unforgettable. Whereas the latter is one of the more garish examples of Unprocessed’s intensity.

Finally, it’s Purgatory, and one last showcase of the incredible progressive abilities of this band. Maddening, especially when it just races forward, but still hugely enjoyable. Unprocessed are one of the most challenging bands in modern metal, yet they’re more than capable of making the insanity stick. Even if you come away feeling a bit cold towards their hectic capabilities, you will at least come feeling something. It’s impossible to not.

Unprocessed – …and everything in between Track Listing:

1. Hell
2. Lore
3. Thrash
4. Blackbone
5. Die on the Cross of the Martyr
6. Glass
7. Abysm
8. I Wish I Wasn’t
9. Purgatory

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