Album Review: Unbounded Terror - Something Is Rotten In Humanity
Reviewed by Sam Jones
For the last few releases Unbounded Terror have become one act that have always drawn me in, and thus when new albums are announced my attention is immediately diverted their way. These veterans, forming Unbounded Terror back in 1991 out of Palma, Spain, haven’t been back that long yet have released such a plethora of quality material they have more than earned their reverence. One of Spain’s original death metal acts, Unbounded Terror were born from the wake of Toxic Waste, where they soon became Putrefact Monstrosity, before finally becoming who we and extreme metal now regard as one of its most underrated titans. Regarded as a classic for decades, Nest Of Affliction released in 1992 yet other than a Split alongside Beer Mosh, Doomsday and Aposento, and two other Demos, the band dissipated quickly after. But 2019 saw the band return with full force, where they released their long-awaited follow-up, Faith In Chaos, in 2020 and began their long-running partnership with Xtreem Music. Their 2022 release, Echoes Of Despair, was a huge favourite of mine that year and now with a third album looming since their revival, I was ecstatic to see what these Spanish masters had concocted once more. Xtreem Music is clearly benefitting the band hence why Unbounded Terror have continued to stay with them as well as working once more with Spaniard artist Juanjo Castellan for their cover art, having previously contributed on Faith In Chaos. Something Is Rotten In Humanity is primed for an April 1st release.
Unbounded Terror have certainly cracked the code on what brings people in for a modern death metal production. The band are this old school force still writing and recording extreme metal in 2025 yet they’ve never lost their more retro sensibilities, newcomers unknown to these guys will instantly recognise Unbounded Terror’s older style. However the production gifted to such a sound really enables their performance to be conveyed with stronger coherence, so whilst they’re clearly playing and blasting away your attention isn’t going to wander since the record feels so punching. Its worked well for them in the past and I can see why the band wouldn’t want to divert from such an approach now; some could say it’s a safe gesture since the band know it’s worked beforehand yet if prior usage of such production worked in the past the band would have been foolish not to attempt it again here. The instrumentation, vocal deliveries etc are excellently produced but we mustn’t think this is some obscenely polished product; this record has a resounding grit beneath that immediate, clean exterior. That drive is unmistakable as is the crunch those riffs utilise too. It’s a record that feels dangerous and fully understands the severity its weapons possess.
Once again, the band know how to implement the bass into their soundscape, easily an integral aspect of Unbounded Terror’s modern arsenal. Whether we’re looking for bass drums or the bass that’s being injected into the riffs and assailing guitar work, the record is overflowing with a bass presence that, if removed, would dramatically curtail the band’s ability to hone in on that sledgehammer impact so renowned in their songwriting. Yet, the bass isn’t so strong that it envelops the rest of the band either. There’s always the sense that the band have crafted a mighty piece here but they know exactly how much power needs to be thrown into any given moment, whereby their instrumentation isn’t then in conflict. Such a feature would diminish the band’s well-rounded nature to help you feel like you were experiencing the full scope of their sound without difficulty. The bass drums, for example, are bristling with strength and yet they don’t just blend together into a formless blur. You can easily identify every single kick going into the bass drums which only makes them more formidable since we can actively acknowledge their drummer’s stamina and technique, but also the levity needed when the bass drums are relaxed and the drumming isn’t so hellbent on carnage. This is a vast and powerful album, we know this going into Unbounded Terror, but its not like this is their only feature.
One thing I appreciate Unbounded Terror for is their on-record belief that you don’t need to constantly deliver crushing riffs and licks throughout every track, all the time. With old school death metal you have an idea what to expect yet the reason I adore these guys is how they’ll incorporate approaches in songwriting that leave us far more breathing room than other death metal acts would allow. Though the power is inherent and provides us with momentum, their guitar work aren’t always these huge slabs barreling down on us; many of their bridges and even their choruses are written with smaller, intricate moments in mind thus bringing our attention to these said moments. In addition, the band are far from a once-trick pony, especially through a track like “Demons In Your Mind” where their playing takes on an acutely more melodic tone whilst retaining a hard hitting pace. This means the band aren’t stifling us into one corner of experience, they’re looking for differing angles to get their music across, all the more apparent when their soloing has been given a crystal clear outline in the mix hence bolstering the stronger, melodic segments the band throw our way.
Yet again, the strongest aspect of Unbounded Terror rears its head again, possibly without the band realising its merit. Ever since their reunion I’d argue the band have been one of the best resurfaced bands to establish a competent yet comfortable listening environment. When one listens to them play, you’re not going to feel challenged or pushed into a place where you’re unsure of your surroundings. Unbounded Terror are now on their third album of the modern era and whilst their strength and energy has only grown, putting an album of theirs on has never felt like trepidation. When pondering on checking out Unbounded Terror, there’s never been a moment where I’ve wondered about putting however long of a time towards a record by them. I always know my time will be well spent and I’ll be happy exactly where I am in the meantime. The band possess a wondrous capability for flow and pacing which more than showcases itself throughout their songwriting and mixing. Something Is Rotten In Humanity is the band’s latest proof that you don’t need to be gunning for your audience’s throat at all times to create a quality time. Unbounded Terror, through this record, will always be ready for you should you wish to return; they’re not looking to challenge or push your boundaries, they’re here to provide entertainment first and annihilation second, and audiences will always desire the former first, then the latter.
In conclusion, Unbounded Terror’s fourth full length album is another release that sees them continue to cement themselves a name more people need to take note of. I know id jump at the opportunity to see these guys live and while I can imagine the magnitudinal strength their performances muster I can also envision the crowd really getting behind their overall approach to death metal. These guys know what we’ve come to them for yet its far from the only thing to shout about the band. By now we’ve got a firm understanding of what Unbounded Terror desire with each record, and more than anything its to simply provide us with a great and rewarding listen. As aforementioned, the band offer more than enough power to get us on board but they’re not out to destroy us; it’s a fantastically pleasant experience which, odd in the context of extreme metal, remains perfectly apt for Unbounded Terror. They’re sitting comfortably with familiar cover artists, the same label, the familiar songwriting they’ve as of yet released since their comeback, but it works for them since its brought so many on board and, right now, I can’t foresee Unbounded Terror doubling back since it’s brought nothing but positives for them. They’re now three for three on quality albums this decade. Let there be more, we crave it.
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