Unkind

Occupying some interesting sonic middle ground between gone and already almost forgotten melodic metal/hardcore Relapsers Burst and raging Swedish d-beat like, well, early Burst, Finland's Unkind also harness a good amount of His Hero Is Gone into their experimental sound, which works. The album sounds very mature and developed, which makes sense ― even though this is the first many people stateside will have heard of the act, this is actually their fifth disc. Unkind take some time, with much effect, drawing things out long and slow, at points, creating an intense doom/sludge sound, but one that inches closer to a ― shudder ― metalgaze atmosphere than pure sludge aggression. The only problem with this release is this oppressive feeling of importance, like you just want these guys to have a drink and lighten up. But, hey, we let Neurosis, Isis and Burst be grumbling old men, we can allow Unkind the same leeway in exchange for such forward-thinking, moving music.