Album Review: Artificial Void // Unprocessed

It doesn’t feel like ‘Covenant‘, the second album by Unprocessed was released in April last year. Time flies so quickly. I remember reviewing it at around 5am one morning and was in awe of the Djenty atmospheric soundscapes that sailed into my ears. There were some brutal riffs, and they’re back with a new album, ‘Artificial Void‘, which comes out on the 9th August. It is also worth mentioning that if you happen to be in Wiesbaden in Germany, they are doing a release show at Schlachtof to promote the album. I saw Enter Shikari tear up the place there back in February. I’m sure Unprocessed will do the same, but can they deliver and build on their massive sound on ‘Artificial Void?’

There are lots of mechanically processed riffs in the massive production here. The title track is quite industrial, combining futuristic sounding synths with big guitars. The robotic guitars set the tone well for the rest of the album, with plenty of funky basslines. Also, there are some utter ridiculous riffs in ‘Ruins‘, it’s a joy to listen to, as well as the computerised vocals that represent the “artificial life” that we’re living in. It takes you on a journey. Then the distortion kicks in and along comes a moshpit heavy riff.

The great thing about this album, and like most prog records I’ve heard this year, is that it takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Where Unprocessed differ (and it is important for a band to stand out), is that their riffs owe a debt to Meshuggah and are unlike anything I’ve heard before.

‘There’s something new on every track, and the technicality shows that Unprocessed have really stepped up their musicianship.’

Take ‘Fear.’ The overdrive on the bass is something else, it stops the listener in their tracks. It’s a record that has to be played really loud to be appreciated in its full glory. It’s not an easy listen by any means, but there are loads and loads of epic moments. The way the synths and guitars soar in ‘House of Waters‘ is colossal, and we’re not even halfway through the album.

The second half of the album shows the diversity, with ambient textures and brutal screams that sound huge. Especially on ‘Down the Spine‘. However, ‘Another Sky‘ with its mellow piano and slower vibe, falls a bit flat. Still, it doesn’t deter from the overall quality of the album. It’s hard-hitting and uncompromisingly heavy, so if you like Animals as Leaders and Born of Osiris, definitely give it a go.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos