[review]
“Revolt” (released 25th April, 2015) is the latest single to come from rock/metal duo, The Unravelling (Gustavo de Beauville – music / Steve Moore – lyrics & vocals). Their debut full-length album, “13 Arcane Hymns” was well-received by metal fans and music critics alike. Described as a “psychoanalytic concept album”, it’s very heavy, firing from both barrels.
Following a forced hiatus as a result of Steve Moore’s treatment and recovery from cancer, this Canadian band is reflective on the latest release. “Revolt” looks into the need for changing oneself, with an awareness about one’s health – a “revolt inside”, Moore explains. This new burst of creativity has produced an entertaining and thought-provoking blast of industrial rock.
Lyrics here are intriguing, delivered with Moore’s passionate, spoken/sung throaty vocal and written as if he has overdosed on too many dark fantasy comics/movies. Disturbing imagery may burrow into your brain, where dark thoughts linger – “the altar fruit is rotten”….”the dogmas we call learning, I see a strawman burning”. Echoes of The Wicker Man. “Revolt” has an absorbing rhythm track and a building sense of drama to match the lyrics.
To accompany the release of the new single, the duo is releasing 24 individual pieces of art, each with its own set of lyrics, culminating with the entire cover. What I’ve seen so far involves blood and insects, and the images are always intriguing and slightly disturbing. The cover artwork mixes technology with the insect world, tying in with the lyrics, “revolt is the kindling that must burn your mind; the Queen will flee the hive”.
Sometimes compared to Tool and The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Unravelling’s persona is very intense. Just watch the video for “Move Forward Until You Are Dead Here” and you’ll see what I mean.
“Revolt” is unconventional, chock full of ideas and one of those tracks that gradually gets under your skin.
