The Wretched; the Ruinous

Last updated
The Wretched; the Ruinous
UnearthTheWretchedTheRuinous.jpg
Studio album by
Unearth
ReleasedMay 5, 2023
Genre Metalcore
Length36:55
Label Century Media
Producer Will Putney
Unearth chronology
Extinction(s)
(2018)		The Wretched; the Ruinous
(2023)
Singles from The Wretched; the Ruinous
  1. "The Wretched; the Ruinous"
    Released: January 24, 2023 [1]
  2. "Mother Betrayal"
    Released: March 3, 2023 [2]
  3. "Into the Abyss"
    Released: April 4, 2023 [3]

The Wretched; the Ruinous is the eighth studio album by American metalcore band Unearth. The album was released on May 5, 2023, through Century Media Records and was produced by Will Putney. [4] [5] [6] It is the first Unearth album to feature drummer Mike Justian since the band's third effort, III: In the Eyes of Fire (2006), after which he left the band and rejoined in 2022.

Contents

Background and promotion

On January 24, 2023, Unearth released the title track "The Wretched; The Ruinous" along with its music video. [7] A day later, they published the music video for the title track. [8] On March 3, the band unveiled "Mother Betrayal" and its corresponding music video. At the same time, the band announced the album itself and release date, whilst also revealing the album cover and the track list. [9]

On April 4, one month before the album release, the band premiered the third and final single "Into the Abyss" along with a music video. [10] The music video for "Dawn of the Militant" was released May 5, 2023, coinciding with the album release. [11]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Blabbermouth.net 8/10 [12]
Distorted Sound7/10 [13]
Ghost Cult9/10 [14]
Metal Injection7.5/10 [15]
Rock 'N' Load9/10 [16]

The album received generally positive reviews from critics. Dom Lawson from Blabbermouth.net gave the album 8 out of 10 and said: "Worthy of respect for staying the course, but also for smashing harder than ever, Unearth have made their best album since 2008's The March . In the absence of anyone else nailing this substrain of metal with such panache, I hereby proclaim them to be the current kings of this shit." [12] Will Marshall of Distorted Sound scored the album 7 out of 10 and said: "Having declared they took the entire pandemic to write these songs as an exploration of what Unearth has been and is now (virtually the same, let's be honest), The Wretched; The Ruinous delivers everything you'd want from Unearth. It's fun, it's powerful, it'll be a blast to pit to and it's performed with a gusto and self-belief that comes from years of hard work and their deserved place as one of the originators of the scene. Any criticism of the band not changing their sound is moot at this point; they deliver exactly what's expected of them, and The Wretched; The Ruinous is another dependably solid slab of American metalcore from one of its earliest standard bearers." [13] Ghost Cult gave the album a positive review, writing: "As interesting as it has been to see nu-metal make its return, I'm ready for the new wave to make another splash." [14]

Metal Injection rated the album 7.5 out of 10 and stated, "This is a solid offering from one of the metalcore greats. I'm sure these songs will fit nicely with the band's repertoire and motivate the usual forceful (and often scary) reaction in the pit from their diehard fans." [15] Rock 'N' Load praised the album, saying "The Wretched; The Ruinous feels like a very new & exciting chapter to Unearth's career. It's rare to see a band take chances to push themselves in the writing room & still create music that surprises long time fans. At the same time they still keep their core sound at heart. This is a fantastic album that hits hard where it needs to & experiments in the places that feel the best. An incredible album that places high in an already phenomenal discography!" [16]

Track listing

The Wretched; the Ruinous track listing
No.TitleLength
1."The Wretched; the Ruinous"4:20
2."Cremation of the Living"3:19
3."Eradicator"3:28
4."Mother Betrayal"3:31
5."Invictus"3:44
6."Call of Existence"3:33
7."Dawn of the Militant"2:56
8."Aniara"0:57
9."Into the Abyss"3:23
10."Broken Arrow"2:50
11."Theaters of War"4:49
Total length:36:55

Personnel

Unearth

Additional personnel

Charts

Chart performance for The Wretched; the Ruinous
Chart (2023)Peak
position
Australian Digital Albums (ARIA) [17] 39
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) [18] 94

Related Research Articles

Metalcore is a broadly defined fusion genre combining elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk, that originated in the late 1980s. Metalcore is noted for its use of breakdowns, which are slow, intense passages conducive to moshing, while other defining instrumentation includes heavy guitar riffs often utilizing percussive pedal tones and double bass drumming. Vocalists in the genre typically perform screaming; more popular bands often combine this with the use of standard singing, usually during the bridge or chorus of a song. However, the death growl is also a popular technique within the genre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">As I Lay Dying (band)</span> American metalcore band

As I Lay Dying is an American metalcore band from San Diego, California. Formed in 2000 by vocalist Tim Lambesis, the band's first full lineup was completed in 2001. The band has released eight albums, one split album, and two compilation albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unearth</span> American metalcore band

Unearth is an American metalcore band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1998. The group consists of lead guitarist Buz McGrath, vocalist Trevor Phipps, bassist Chris O'Toole, drummer Mike Justian and rhythm guitarist Peter Layman. They are currently signed to Century Media Records and have released eight studio albums. Their most recent studio album, The Wretched; the Ruinous, was released on May 5, 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Red Chord</span> American deathcore band

The Red Chord is an American extreme metal band from Revere, Massachusetts, formed in 1999. The group comprises vocalist Guy Kozowyk, guitarist/vocalist Mike "Gunface" McKenzie, bassist Greg Weeks and drummer Jon Rice. The band gained a fanbase with its 2002 debut album Fused Together in Revolving Doors. The second album, Clients, was released in 2005 and sold over 50,000 copies in the U.S. They released their third album, Prey for Eyes in 2007, which sold between 4,000 and 5,000 copies and debuted at No. 198 on the Billboard 200 chart. Their latest album, 2009's Fed Through the Teeth Machine, debuted at No. 180 on the Billboard 200 chart.

<i>The Oncoming Storm</i> 2004 studio album by Unearth

The Oncoming Storm is the second studio album by American metalcore band Unearth. It was released on June 29, 2004 through Metal Blade Records. The album was produced by Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, and was their first major release through Metal Blade Records. This was also their first album with drummer Mike Justian and bassist John "Slo" Maggard, replacing Mike Rudberg and Chris "Rover" Rybicki respectively.

<i>III: In the Eyes of Fire</i> 2006 studio album by Unearth

III: In the Eyes of Fire is the third studio album by American metalcore band Unearth, released on August 8, 2006. The album entered the Billboard album charts at number 35, selling approximately 22,000 copies. The album had sold in excess of 105,000 copies in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In This Moment</span> American rock band

In This Moment is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed by singer Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth in 2005. They found drummer Jeff Fabb and started the band as Dying Star. Unhappy with their musical direction, they changed their name to In This Moment and gained two band members, guitarist Blake Bunzel and bassist Josh Newell. In 2005, bassist Newell left the band and was replaced by Jesse Landry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veil of Maya</span> American metalcore band

Veil of Maya is an American metalcore band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 2004. The group consists of guitarist Marc Okubo, drummer Sam Applebaum, bassist Danny Hauser and vocalist Lukas Magyar. They are currently signed to Sumerian Records and have released seven studio albums. Their seventh studio album, Mother, was released on May 12, 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Like Moths to Flames</span> American metalcore band

Like Moths to Flames is an American metalcore band from Columbus, Ohio, formed in 2010 by former members of various bands, including Emarosa, Agraceful, the Crimson Armada, TerraFirma, and My Ticket Home. The band has released four studio albums and three EPs through Rise Records. The band's current line-up consists of lead vocalist Chris Roetter, guitarists Zach Pishney and Cody Cavanaugh, and drummer Roman Garcia. Roetter is the only member of the original line-up that remains in the band.

<i>Watchers of Rule</i> 2014 studio album by Unearth

Watchers of Rule is the sixth studio album by American metalcore band Unearth, released on October 28, 2014 by eOne Music in North America. This marks the first album since their debut The Stings of Conscience that does not feature long time bassist John "Slo" Maggard, also the first album to feature former The Faceless drummer Nick Pierce on drums.

<i>Extinction(s)</i> 2018 studio album by Unearth

Extinction(s) is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Unearth, released on November 23, 2018 via Century Media. This is their first album to feature bassist Chris O'Toole and the last to feature rhythm guitarist Ken Susi.

<i>Rapture</i> (Betraying the Martyrs album) 2019 studio album by Betraying the Martyrs

Rapture is the fourth and final studio album by French metalcore band Betraying the Martyrs. It was released on 13 September 2019 through Sumerian Records and was produced by Henrik Udd. It is the band's first release with lead guitarist Steeves Hostin. It is the last album to feature the band's vocalist Aaron Matts before he left the band in April 2021. It is also their last album to be released on this label before the band signed to Out of Line Music in October 2021, and their final studio album overall before their breakup in 2023.

<i>No Eternity in Gold</i> 2020 studio album by Like Moths to Flames

No Eternity in Gold is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Like Moths to Flames. It was released on October 30, 2020, through UNFD. The album was produced by Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland. It is the band's first studio release with the label. It is also their last album to feature original member and bassist Aaron Evans, who was fired from the band following allegations of sexual misconduct and mental abuse in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tallah</span> American nu metal band

Tallah is an American heavy metal band from Pennsylvania. They are currently signed to Earache Records. The band consists of vocalist Justin Bonitz, lead guitarist Derrick Schneider, rhythm guitarist Alex Snowden and drummer Max Portnoy.

<i>Scoring the End of the World</i> 2022 studio album by Motionless in White

Scoring the End of the World is the sixth studio album by American metalcore band Motionless in White. It was released on June 10, 2022, through Roadrunner Records. The album was produced by Drew Fulk and Justin DeBlieck. It is the band's first album to feature drummer Vinny Mauro and bassist Justin Morrow performing on the release.

<i>Curse of Existence</i> 2022 studio album by Miss May I

Curse of Existence is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Miss May I. It was released on September 2, 2022, through SharpTone Records. It is the band's last album by the band to feature guitarists, B.J. Stead and Justin Aufdemkampe who left the band on 31 May 2024 It was produced by Will Putney.

<i>In Stasis</i> 2022 studio album by Monuments

In Stasis is the fourth studio album by British progressive metal band Monuments. It was released on 15 April 2022 through Century Media Records and was produced by Mick Gordon. It is the band's first release with vocalist Andy Cizek and the last with longtime bassist Adam Swan, and drummer Mike Malyan.

<i>Mother</i> (Veil of Maya album) 2023 studio album by Veil of Maya

Mother is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Veil of Maya. The album was released on May 12, 2023, through Sumerian Records and was produced by Zach Jones.

<i>Godlike</i> (Thy Art Is Murder album) 2023 studio album by Thy Art Is Murder

Godlike is the sixth studio album by Australian deathcore band Thy Art Is Murder. Originally scheduled for release on 15 September 2023, the album was released on 22 September 2023 through the band's independent label Human Warfare and was produced by Will Putney. This is the band's first album without longtime vocalist Chris "CJ" McMahon, who was fired by the band one day before the album release. It is also the band's first album with new vocalist Tyler Miller.

<i>Tether</i> (album) 2023 studio album by Of Mice & Men

Tether is the eighth studio album by American rock band Of Mice & Men. The album was released on October 6, 2023, through SharpTone Records and was self-produced by the band.

References

  1. ↑ "Unearth Streaming New Single "The Wretched; The Ruinous"". ThePRP. January 24, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Unearth Officially Part Ways With Guitarist Ken Susi, Debut "Mother Betrayal" From Newly Announced Album". ThePRP. March 3, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Unearth Launch "Into The Abyss" Music Video". ThePRP. April 4, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Unearth Dropped a New Single and Video for "Mother Betrayal" and Confirmed Ken Susi's Out". MetalSucks. March 3, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Unearth Release New Single 'Mother Betrayal'". Ultimate Guitar . March 4, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  6. ↑ "UNEARTH Release New Single "Mother Betrayal"". Rock 'N' Load. March 3, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  7. ↑ "UNEARTH Shares New Single 'The Wretched; The Ruinous'". Blabbermouth.net . January 25, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Unearth Premiere "The Wretched; The Ruinous" Music Video". ThePRP. January 25, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  9. ↑ "UNEARTH Shares New Single 'Mother Betrayal' From 'The Wretched; The Ruinous' Album". Blabbermouth.net . March 3, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Unearth Go "Into The Abyss" With Their Latest Single". MetalSucks . April 4, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Unearth Debut "Dawn Of The Militant" Video". ThePRP. May 5, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  12. 1 2 Lawson, Dom (May 5, 2023). "UNEARTH The Wretched; The Ruinous". Blabbermouth.net . Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  13. 1 2 Marshall, Will (May 1, 2023). "ALBUM REVIEW: The Wretched; The Ruinous – Unearth". Distorted Sound. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  14. 1 2 Lopez, Hansel (May 3, 2023). "ALBUM REVIEW: Unearth – The Wretched; The Ruinous". Ghost Cult. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  15. 1 2 Andrew, J. (May 4, 2023). "Album Review: UNEARTH The Wretched, The Ruinous". Metal Injection. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  16. 1 2 "Unearth // The Wretched; The Ruinous // Album Review". Rock 'N' Load. May 5, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
  17. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 15 May 2023". The ARIA Report. No. 1732. Australian Recording Industry Association. May 15, 2023. p. 10.
  18. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Unearth – The Wretched; The Ruinous". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.