On the heels of their 2006 release III: In The Eyes Of Fire, thrash titans Unearth are heading back to the studio for an as-yet-untitled follow-up, scheduled for release in October through Metal Blade. Relentless touring has paid off for these metalcore bashers who formed a decade ago in Massachusetts. Having performed alongside heavy heroes Black Sabbath and Slayer, Unearth have quickly become underground metalcore favorites, and even landed some attention from mainstream publications. With this new album, the band is not planning a major change to their sound. "Fans of Unearth expect Unearth," vocalist Trevor Phipps told CMJ. "There will be the same intensity, speed and heaviness that we have always brought to the table, as well as some new inspirations and ideas." When asked about the sudden departure last year of drummer Mike Justian, Phipps has no hesitation: "Mike was definitely a good drummer, but musically and professionally we didn't click as a unit. With [new drummer] Derek Kerswill, things are light years beyond where they were with Mike. Working with Derek has seemed as natural as working with our original drummer back at the band's inception." Phipps concludes, "All in all, Unearth is in a much better place professionally, musically and stylistically." www.metalblade.com www.unearth.tv
