The March

Album Review

Released in 2006, III: In the Eyes of Fire saw Unearth score their commercial breakthrough (as it reached number 45 on the album charts). But they accomplished this feat without the input of longtime producer Adam Dutkiewicz (yep, the same chap who is an integral member of Killswitch Engage), as renowned producer Terry Date manned the boards. But on their follow-up (and fourth studio album overall), 2008's The March, the lads have reunited once more with Señor Dutkiewicz, and the results are as hard-hitting and gloriously metallic as ever before. While many focus on the hardcore hollering (and thinking man's lyrics) of the group's frontman, Trevor Phipps, The March proves once and for all — perhaps more than any of their previous albums — that Unearth are one mighty guitar band. The twin team of Buz McGrath and Ken Susi is one of metal's finest, and it doesn't take long to prove this — just check out the kickoff track, "My Will Be Done," which features some pretty darn tasty guitar work. But that said, Phipps still has more than enough room to stretch out with some interesting lyrical concepts, and "Crow Killer" is the standout ditty this time out, as it focuses on the story of Jeremiah Johnson, who supposedly sought a relentless and bloody revenge on the Crow Indians (hence the song's title) after they killed his wife. And as evidenced by tracks such as "Grave of Opportunity," Unearth have pretty much perfected their hardcore-meets-Iron Maiden style/approach by this point. The March proves that all the early accolades were well worth it: Unearth have grown into one of metal's leading outfits.