The Haunted – Unseen

site | label | buy

To say that the new album by The Haunted is a bit different is something of an understatement. Oh sure, it starts off with the ever dependable thrash/melodeath sound that you might be expecting from the Haunted. But as soon as Never Better comes to an end – perhaps even earlier than that – The Haunted go in so many different directions it’s hard to keep up. It’s all rooted in a similar sound, and does have a certain cohesion to it, but The Haunted’s influences are certainly varied. They are also clear for all to see, too. Unseen comes across less like the melodic death record that people expect, and more of a wander through the alternative metal genre – which is perhaps what people should have expected in the first place. After all, The Haunted have never really been typical of their genre, and stagnation is never a good thing. Second track No Ghost hits with a southern stoner groove that bares some similarities with Down or Clutch. Not that the album sticks with that for long, heading to a more introspective and almost proggy Catch 22 and Disappear, complete with Maynard James Keenan-esque vocals to drive comparisons to Tool and A Perfect Circle all the way home. By All Ends Well, the band slow down to a more grungey Alice In Chains tune, singer Peter Dolving sounding rather like Jerry Cantrell in the process. With chunks of American metalcore (complete with gang vocals on Motionless) and some straight ahead Helmet-like rocking, Unseen is practically a love letter to ’90s alternative, brandishing its influences proudly. Does it work? Absolutely, there’s no denying this is a terrific collection of songs and whilst it can feel eclectic, it isn’t too abrupt with its stylistic changes. The sense of variety and creativity really works in the album’s favour, rarely feeling dull or uninspired. Unseen might prove challenging for the close-minded or those uncomfortable with change, but those with open ears should find it an interesting listen.

Written by James Donovan
More: 2011, Albums, Death Metal, Quick.Play Reviews, The Haunted