This article is about the band. For the film, see Unearth (film). For other uses, see Unearthed.
This article's lead sectionmay be too short to adequately summarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article.(November 2022)
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 (containing McGrath, Rudberg, and Rybicki), and Trevor Phipps was recruited soon afterwards. The band attempted to recruit Phipps while he recovered from appendicitis, but Phipps was reluctant to join. However, 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 the song "Shattered by the Sun." The name "Unearth" was coined by drummer Mike Rudberg as he wanted the band to "Unearth" a new sound in the metal and hardcore world. Quickly gaining traction in Boston alongside Overcast, Shadows Fall, and other popular Boston 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 the small independent label, Endless Fight Records, they released their first EP called Above the Fall of Man in May 1999. Unearth then signed to Eulogy Recordings to release The Stings of Conscience in 2001 and the Endless EP in 2002. During the process of Endless, Chris Rybicki left the group and was first replaced by 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 with Unearth, Mike Rudberg departed from the group days after their performance at The SXSW in 2003, having performed the show in the nude.[5] Also, Buz McGrath left for personal problems, but came back shortly after. The rest of Unearth would then use Tim Mycek of Sworn Enemy as temporary replacement 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 also filled in on drums for the last two months of the year. In late 2003, they would later begin touring with Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, and Lamb of God for MTV's Headbangers Ball United States tour. In the spring of 2004, Unearth was one of the opening bands on the second MTV Headbangers ball tour, they played alongside groups like Hatebreed, Damageplan & Drowning Pool.[6]
With Buz McGrath and new permanent drummer Mike Justian, of The Red Chord and previously post-hardcore band Hassan I Sabbah, Unearth released The Oncoming Storm through Metal Blade Records on June 29, 2004. That summer, they played at Ozzfest on the second stage. Unearth then went on tour once again in the Fall of 2004, this time as a headliner. Terror, The Black Dahlia Murder & Remembering Never all supported the band on that tour.[7] In 2005, Unearth performed in the first ever Sounds of the Underground tour with numerous bands like Norma Jean, Gwar, and All That Remains. They would also tour with Slipknot & As I Lay Dying in late 2005 in the United States.[8]
III: In the Eyes of Fire (2006–2008)
Unearth in 2006
In early 2006, they began writing their next album. After the writing process, they recorded III: In the Eyes of Fire with well-known heavy metal producer Terry Date in Seattle. This latest coup was yet another landmark in their blossoming career, a fact the band were quick to acknowledge: "Working with Terry Date is another amazing feat for us on a growing list of accomplishments".[9][citation not found] As they finished their latest album, they performed at Ozzfest for the second time, including songs from the album even though it was not destined for release until August 8, 2006. During the release, they began their headlined 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 together all around 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. Which was followed by a U.S. & Canadian tour with Dimmu Borgir, DevilDriver and Kataklysm that began in the middle of April. It was during this tour that drummer Mike Justian was fired from the band for numerous reasons. To fill in for the rest of the tour, Gene Hoglan of Strapping Young Lad was recruited. 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 around 1,800. It was also certified gold in Canada a week after its release.
As of early 2009, it has been confirmed that The March has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide.[10] In March 2010, Unearth confirmed that they will be playing the Download Festival opening the festival on the Maurice Jones Stage (formerly known as Main Stage) along with Killswitch Engage, 36 Crazyfists and Them Crooked Vultures.
On September 20, 2010, it was announced that their former bassist, Chris Rybicki, was killed in a car accident caused by an intoxicated woman. He was 39 years old.[11]
On October 25, 2010, Unearth issued a statement saying they and Derek Kerswill had amicably parted ways. The band stated there is no bad blood towards Kerswill, and that the situation is purely based on musical differences. Justin Foley will fill in for drums for their new 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 entitled Darkness in the Light, which was later 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, Buz McGrath was the special guest.[citation needed] He discussed the new album and mentioned a possible release date. He mentioned that 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 new album Watchers of Rule, which was later released on October 28, 2014 via eOne Music and features 11 tracks on the regular edition and 13 tracks on the deluxe version.
In an interview with Noisefull, lead guitarist Buz McGrath revealed that the band currently has an open bass player position, confirming that John 'Slo' Maggard (who had been missing from touring for the last two years and did not contribute to Watchers of Rule) is no longer in the band.[13] DeVries, who had performed live bass on all but one tour since the start of 2013, also chose to end his association with the band (and indeed stepped out of music altogether) at year's end, with Chris O'Toole being selected as a live fill-in afterward.
Unearth headlined the fury tour which featured acts like Fit For an Autopsy, Reflections, Great American Ghost, Ringworm and Culture Killer.
The first single off their newest album, Incinerate premiered on July 2, 2018. The album Extinction(s) was released on November 23.
In support of the new album, the band went on a late 2018 tour with Fit for an Autopsy once again, The Agony Scene and Traitors joined as support.
In early 2019, Unearth co-headlined The "Death to False Metalcore Tour" with Darkest Hour. Misery Signals, Malevolence and Left Behind joined as support on the tour.
Unearth supported Soulfly in the February of 2019 on the West Coast for their Ritual Tour.[15]
Unearth opened up for All That Remains on their Spring Headliner Tour. Big Story and The 9th Planet Out also joined up on the tour.[16]
Unearth opened up for Soulfly once again this year for the "Blood on the Streets" tour. Incite, Prison and Arrival of Autumn were all featured on the lineup.[17]
Unearth than did a co-headlining tour with Darkest Hour in the December of 2019 across the West Coast portion in the United States.[18] Unearth than did a mini east coast run with Gwar as they supported them on their "Use Your Collusion" tour with Savage Master.[19]
Unearth headlined a European tour in the February of 2020 alongside Prong, Dust Bolt and Sinaro.[20]
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 until further notice due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.[21]
Unearth was one of the bands to open up for Shadows Fall on their reunion show at the Palladium venue in Worcester, Massachusetts, alongside Darkest Hour, Within the Ruins, Sworn Enemy and Carnivora.[22]
On June 2, 2022, the band announced they had parted ways with Nick Pierce and that former drummer Mike Justian had returned to the band. They also announced they were working on a new album.[23]
Unearth opened up for Killswitch Engage on their Holidaze Rager 2 tour in the December of 2022. Rivers of Nihil and Lybica also joined up as supporting acts.[24]
The Wretched; the Ruinous and departure of Ken Susi (2023–present)
In January 2023, Unearth performed several headlining shows all across many different countries like Japan, Australia and Taiwan.[25][26]
Unearth is set to headline a European tour in April 2023. Misery Index, Year of the Knife, Leach and Turbid North will be joining up as the supporting acts.[27]
On March 3, 2023, the band announced their eighth album, The Wretched; the Ruinous, would be released on May 5. The band also released a new single from the album, "Mother Betrayal", and also announced they had officially parted ways with Ken Susi after he took an extended hiatus from the band.[28]
On July 12, 2024, the band surprised released an EP titled Bask in the Blood of Our Demons.[29]
Band members
Current members
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 members
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)
Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist Jesse Leach, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, bassist Mike D'Antonio, and drummer Justin Foley. Howard Jones was the band's lead vocalist from 2002 to 2012.
Soilwork is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Helsingborg. They are signed to Nuclear Blast. Formed in late 1995 by Björn Strid and Peter Wichers, the band was originally known as Inferior Breed. In late 1996, they changed their name to Soilwork, which means "working from the ground up".
Jesse David Leach is an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the metalcore band Killswitch Engage. He is also a vocalist for Times of Grace and The Weapon. Leach co-founded Killswitch Engage in 1999, but left the band in 2002; in February 2012, he rejoined the group following the departure of vocalist Howard Jones. He currently resides in the Catskill Mountains in New York.
The Red Chord is an American deathcore 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.
The Stings of Conscience is the debut studio album by American metalcore band Unearth, released in 2001. The album was produced by Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage.
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.
Endless is the second EP by American metalcore band Unearth, released in September 2002.
Justin Foley is an American musician and the drummer of the metalcore band Killswitch Engage. He is also a former member of the band Blood Has Been Shed along with Killswitch Engage's former lead singer, Howard Jones.
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.
All That Remains is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1998. They have released nine studio albums, a live CD and DVD, and have sold over a million records worldwide.
Seemless was an American stoner metal band formed by ex-Shadows Fall/Unearth drummer Derek Kerswill, Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach, and ex-Overcast/Killswitch Engage guitarist Pete Cortese.
"Sanctity of Brothers" is the fourth track on the 2006 Unearth album, III: In the Eyes of Fire. The music video to this song is part one to three parts of a story.
The March is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Unearth. The album was released on October 14, 2008, through Metal Blade Records. The album is a concept album and has a theme of "symbolizing both the evil and hopeful sides of humanity". This is also their sole album to feature drummer Derek Kerswill, who parted ways with the band in 2010.
Wrath Tour was a concert tour by American heavy metal band Lamb of God in support of the group's sixth studio album, Wrath, which was released in February 2009.
Miss May I is an American metalcore band from Troy, Ohio. Formed in 2007, they signed to Rise Records in 2008 and released their debut album, Apologies Are for the Weak through the label while the members were still attending high school. The album reached 76 on the Billboard 200, No. 29 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers, and No. 66 on Top Independent Albums. The band has also had some of their material featured in big name productions; the song "Forgive and Forget" is featured on the Saw VI Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, and their song "Apologies Are for the Weak" is included in the video game Saints Row: The Third.
Darkness in the Light is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Unearth. The album was released on July 5, 2011, in Europe through Metal Blade Records. The album features Justin Foley of Killswitch Engage on drums, on all tracks.
Battlecross was an American extreme metal band from Canton, Michigan. The band has described their sound as "Blue Collar Thrash Metal". To date, they have released four albums through their label, Metal Blade Records.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
