Unto Others – Never, Neverland
Unto Others – Never, Neverland
Century Media
Release Date: 20/09/2024
Running Time: 50:00
Review by Rory Bentley
8.5/10
Look, I know this one is late as shit but life has been hectic for your boy recently, and rather than let this one slip through the cracks unpraised, I had to give this band their dues during spooky season.
After two utterly flawless, truly unique-sounding Goth Heavy Metal albums, where Sisters of Mercy and Bauhaus collided with NWOBHM, Portland, Oregon gloomsters Unto Others have roared back with their most daring, eclectic album to date. The lush guitars are still there, the chunky riffs present and correct, and Gabriel Franco’s soaring baritone has never sounded more commanding. It is not as pristine and focused a record as what has come before it, however it is the record the band needed to make.
Things begin in familiar territory with the majestic melancholy of ‘Butterfly’ which has a chorus to die for and all the hallmarks of an Unto Others rager. Sure it’s a little more slick and polished, but it would have slotted very nicely on either of the band’s previous releases. From here on out there’s plenty of surprises, starting with the tongue in cheek, Satanic Thrasher ‘Momma Likes The Door Closed’, which has the heaviest riffing of the band’s career sandwiched between what feels like some forgotten 80s Horror Comedy film unfurling before your ears. The dialog between two stoned teenagers discovering one of their mums is worshipping the devil in their house will be an acquired taste, but it’s nice to see there is a sense of humour and fun beneath the band’s austere demeanour.
‘Sunshine’ may prove a more difficult deviation to swallow, however. The song is consistent in part with the band’s aesthetic, being 80s as fuck; however the major key vibes may prove a little too jarring for those looking for something bleaker. It certainly took me a few plays to adjust to it, but taken on its own it’s a fun pastiche in the mould of a laidback Van Halen cut. Conversely ‘Flatline’ is a 90 second ripper that goes so heavy it largely forsakes the band’s deft touch with an earworm melody. It rocks hard but it doesn’t quite feel like Unto Others, lacking the louche Goth panache that one would hope.
All of these noble experiments and the feeling of growing pains is, however, balanced beautifully with some absolutely stunning songwriting elsewhere. ‘Suicide Today’ is as good as Rock music gets, and I say that with no hyperbole. The chorus is incredible, the guitar melodies iconic and the gang vocals are pure pop magic. It’s in with a shout for my song of the year and I’ll be playing it for the rest of my life. ‘Glass Slippers’ is also pretty darn perfect, with more huge melodies, divine clean guitars and driving Trve Metal riffage, as is the superb single ‘Angel of The Night’.
Sure, the record is a little overlong and not everything hits the mark, but it feels like a vital leap the band had to make after perfecting their core sound straight out of the gate. Taking off my music critic wanker hat, though, it’s another slam dunk that I enjoy more and more with every listen. And I’ve listened to it a fuck load! The songs here are good enough to grace the biggest of stages and in a just world would be all over mainstream radio, the fact that it feels like the band are just getting started is truly jaw dropping.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Butterfly
02. Momma Likes The Door Closed
03. Angel Of The Night
04. Suicide Today
05. Sunshine
06. Glass Slippers
07. Fame
08. When The Kids Get Caught
09. Flatline
10. Time Goes On
11. Cold World
12. I Am The Light
13. Farewell…
14. Raigeki 雷撃
15. Hoops
16. Never, Neverland
17. Pet Sematary (Ramones Cover)
LINE-UP:
Gabriel Franco – vocals, rhythm guitar (2017–present), bass (2017–2018)
Sebastian Silva – lead guitar (2017–present)
Brandon Hill – bass (2019–present)
Colin Vranizan – drums (2018–present)
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Rory Bentley and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
