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.
Formation and The Stings of Conscience (1998–2002)
Unearth was formed by Buz McGrath, Mike Rudberg, Chris Rybicki and Ken Susi in Boston, Massachusetts in 1998. The band began as Point 04 with McGrath, Rudberg, and Rybicki. The band attempted to recruit Phipps while he recovered from appendicitis, but he was reluctant to join. When Phipps showed up to a jam session for one of Susi's side bands, Unearth was practicing instead, and Phipps agreed to join after hearing "Shattered by the Sun." The name "Unearth" was coined by drummer Mike Rudberg, who wanted the band to "Unearth" a new sound in metal and hardcore. Gaining traction in Boston alongside Overcast, Shadows Fall, and other popular NWOAHM bands, and given high praise in independent 'zines, they went on a short Northeast US Tour with Since the Fall and other metalcore pioneers arranged by Steve Cossman.
On small independent label Endless Fight Records, they released their first EP, called Above the Fall of Man, in May 1999. Unearth signed to Eulogy Recordings to release The Stings of Conscience in 2001 and the Endless EP in 2002. During the process of Endless, Rybicki left the group and was first replaced with former Poison the Well bassist Andrew Abramowitz. After Abramowitz left, John Maggard came in.
The Oncoming Storm (2003–2005)
After playing tours and festivals like the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, Rudberg departed the group days after their performance at The SXSW in 2003, having performed the show nude.[2] McGrath left for personal problems, but returned shortly after. The rest of Unearth would hire Tim Mycek of Sworn Enemy as a temporary drummer, and Kia Eshghi of Rumi on lead guitar. Before McGrath returned, Mike Martin from All That Remains also filled in for him. After McGrath's return, Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage filled in on drums for the last two months of the year. In late 2003, they begin toured with Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, and Lamb of God for MTV's Headbangers Ball United States tour. In the spring of 2004, Unearth was an opening band on the second MTV Headbangers ball tour, playing alongside Hatebreed, Damageplan and Drowning Pool.[3]
In early 2006, they began writing and recording III: In the Eyes of Fire with producer Terry Date in Seattle. This was another landmark in their career, a fact the band acknowledged: "Working with Terry Date is another amazing feat for us on a growing list of accomplishments".[6][citation not found] They performed at Ozzfest for the second time, including songs from the album even though it would not be released until August 8, 2006. During the release, they headlined the Sanctity of Brothers tour with Bleeding Through, Animosity, Through the Eyes of the Dead and Terror. After participating in Japan's Loud Park festival, Unearth and Slayer toured the U.S. in early 2007 on the Christ Illusion tour. They headlined a European tour in the beginning of 2007 with Job for a Cowboy, Despised Icon, and DÅÅTH, followed by a U.S. and Canadian tour with Dimmu Borgir, DevilDriver and Kataklysm that began in the middle of April. During this tour, drummer Mike Justian was fired. Gene Hoglan of Strapping Young Lad filled in for the rest of the tour. They played in the 2007 Download Festival with Seemless/Kingdom of Sorrow/studio drummer Derek Kerswill,who has since joined the band officially.
The band's live DVD, Alive from the Apocalypse, was released on March 18, 2008, and debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard Top Music Video Chart, with sales of around 1,800 copies. It was certified gold in Canada a week after its release.
On September 20, 2010, it was announced their former bassist, Chris Rybicki, was killed in a car accident caused by an intoxicated woman. He was 39 years old.[8]
On October 25, 2010, Unearth issued a statement saying they and Derek Kerswill had amicably parted ways. The band stated there was no bad blood towards Kerswill, and the situation was based on musical differences. Justin Foley filled in for drums for their upcoming album.[citation needed]
Unearth completed a North American tour with As I Lay Dying, All That Remains and Carnifex and headed to Europe for the 10-day "Persistence Tour" in December 2010.
Darkness in the Light (2011–2013)
In January 2011, the band entered the studio to work on their fifth studio album, Darkness in the Light, released on July 5, 2011. The album was produced by Adam Dutkiewicz and drums were tracked by Justin Foley. On the Metal Injection LiveCast on Wednesday, April 13, McGrath was the special guest.[citation needed] He discussed the new album and mentioned a possible release date. He mentioned it was lead vocalist Trevor Phipps' best effort on all the Unearth albums.[citation needed]
In 2013, Unearth was a part of the Brothers of Brutality tour headlined by Whitechapel and Emmure. John did not perform this tour due to personal matters. Former Poison the Well bassist Iano Dovi and Chimaira guitarist Matt DeVries took over until his return.
Watchers of Rule and departure of John Maggard (2014–2016)
During fall 2014, Unearth released two tracks from their album Watchers of Rule, released on October 28, 2014, via eOne Music and featuring 11 tracks on the regular edition and 13 on the deluxe version.
In an interview with Noisefull, McGrath revealed the band had an open bass player position, confirming that John 'Slo' Maggard was no longer in the band.[10] DeVries, who had performed live bass on all but one tour since the start of 2013, also left the band at year's end, with Chris O'Toole selected as a live fill-in.
"Incinerate", the first single off their upcoming album, premiered on July 2, 2018. The album Extinction(s) was released on November 23. The band went on a late 2018 tour with Fit for an Autopsy, The Agony Scene and Traitors.
In early 2019, Unearth co-headlined the "Death to False Metalcore Tour" with Darkest Hour. Misery Signals, Malevolence and Left Behind joined as support.
Unearth supported Soulfly in February 2019 on the West Coast for their Ritual Tour.[12]
Unearth opened for All That Remains on their Spring Headliner Tour. Big Story and The 9th Planet Out joined up on the tour.[13]
Unearth opened up for Soulfly again for the "Blood on the Streets" tour. Incite, Prison and Arrival of Autumn were featured on the lineup.[14]
Unearth co-headlined a tour with Darkest Hour in December 2019 across the West Coast of the United States.[15] Unearth did a mini-East Coast run with Gwar as they supported them on their "Use Your Collusion" tour with Savage Master.[16]
Unearth headlined a European tour in February 2020 alongside Prong, Dust Bolt and Sinaro.[17]
Unearth was supposed to headline a tour in Australia during the months of April and May that year with The Ascended, but the tour was postponed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.[18]
Unearth was one of the bands to open for Shadows Fall on their reunion show at the Palladium venue in Worcester, Massachusetts, alongside Darkest Hour, Within the Ruins, Sworn Enemy and Carnivora.[19]
On June 2, 2022, the band announced they had parted ways with Nick Pierce and former drummer Mike Justian had returned to the band. They also announced they were working on a new album.[20]
Unearth opened for Killswitch Engage on their Holidaze Rager 2 tour in December 2022. Rivers of Nihil and Lybica joined up as supporting acts.[21]
The Wretched; the Ruinous and departure of Ken Susi (2023–present)
In January 2023, Unearth performed several headlining shows across different countries like Japan, Australia and Taiwan.[22][23]
Unearth was set to headline a European tour in April 2023. Misery Index, Year of the Knife, Leach and Turbid North were the supporting acts.[24]
On March 3, 2023, the band announced their eighth album, The Wretched; the Ruinous, would be released on May 5. The band released a single from the album, "Mother Betrayal", and announced they had officially parted ways with Ken Susi after he took an extended hiatus from the band.[25]
On July 12, 2024, the band surprised-released an EP titled Bask in the Blood of Our Demons.[26]
Band members
Current
Buz McGrath – lead guitar (1998–present)
Trevor Phipps – lead vocals (1998–present)
Chris O'Toole – bass, backing vocals (2014–present)
Mike Justian – drums (2002–2007, 2022–present)
Peter Layman – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2023–present; touring member 2005, 2022–2023)
Former
Ken Susi – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1998–2023)
Mike Rudberg – drums (1998–2002)
Chris "Rover" Rybicki – bass (1998–2002; died 2010)
John "Slo" Maggard – bass, backing vocals (2002–2012)
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