REVIEW: Unprocessed - Angel

Even though the German band UNPROCESSED have made many laps around the sun, this might only be the beginning. From selling out headline dates across Europe and North America to supporting world-class acts such as POLYPHIA, IN FLAMES, and SPIRITBOX, the four-piece seem to have gathered up even more energy and fresh driving force. Their new album Angel continues to expand the already diverse array of styles and musical techniques, taking the mastery and excellence to a completely different level. UNPROCESSED is truly for everyone: metalcore first and foremost, they bring in influences from progressive rock, math rock, hip-hop, electronic dance - and what else their hearts desire - blending it all in a way that makes perfect sense once you hear it.

The theme of Angel aims to explore all the various meanings of the word. For one, this concept is typically used to portray a real person as divine and heavenly by idealising them. On the other hand, it could also tell a story of an angel expelled and cast out from Heaven, with devilish and demonic images from songs like Solara playing into the contrast. The musical composition of the album reflects this as well, where many angelic serenades are constantly interrupted by heavy breakdowns - turning into such polyphony of sounds that could only be described by the image of a multi-eyed ‘biblically accurate angel’ if you ever see one.

Just going into the album, we already get blown away with 10-metre high tsunami waves of guitars that perfectly set the tone for the next 50 minutes. MANUEL GARDNER FERNANDES has been playing the instrument since the age of three, and his advancements in songwriting have definitely not gone in vain. But what might be even more striking is his vocal range - the instant switch between the demonic and angelic voices and back again would leave the listener wondering whether it is only one person behind it all. Sacrifice Me and Snowlover are both prime examples of the above with some of the catchiest melodies, because UNPROCESSED did not forget that even a metalcore listener needs something to sing along to.

One of the biggest hits on Angel would certainly be Solara, featuring a strong appearance from ZELLI of PALEFACE SWISS. For the singer, this track was an exploration outside of his usual deathcore comfort zone, and it turned out to be a successful one. It is what you would subconsciously expect every time you see or hear any collaborative work - not only for the initial composition to be outstanding, but more so for the invited artist to elevate it even further by bringing their own unique perspective and talent. UNPROCESSED have also experimented on Solara musically by introducing drum and bass instrumentals into the mix for the first time, blending it perfectly in their original style.

Another remarkable addition to the album is Beyond Heaven’s Gate, which the band released as the final single earlier this month. Here, the signature guitar virtuosity slightly diverges from its tech-infused sound and almost goes into midwest emo territory. This lets the song develop a melancholic but dreamy atmosphere - a perfect soundtrack if you struggle finding music to accompany a rare occurrence of sunny weather. The lyrics follow in a similar vein, exploring the theme of afterlife and eternity, with bittersweet undertones of both worry and solace those reflections may bring.

Away from the singles, the deep cuts on Angel might be worth even more precise attention. Where I Left My Soul would cater to any BAD OMENS fan who likes to soak up raw, gut-wrenching lyrics paired with the most intricate vocal performance. 

It is certainly one of the highs of the album, although you might accidentally come out the other side feeling the lowest. Other songs like Your Dress and Perfume share a similar lingering feeling, invoking a multitude of emotions that add a lot of depth to the album. One thing is clear, all of these tracks simply beg to be featured in a post-apocalyptic movie finale.

Last to mention, but absolutely not the least remarkable track would be Head in the Clouds, featuring JASON AALON BUTLER of FEVER 333. Rest assured, it is one of the musicians whose involvement in anything would almost always be transformative to the project. The instrumental of the song reflects both worlds; the more hip-hop side of FEVER 333 layered on top of the signature UNPROCESSED sound. Although this makes the energy of Head in the Clouds feel slightly out of place as regards to the continuity of Angel, it is nevertheless a wonderful standalone work to be put on repeat.

The word ‘unprocessed’ could very well describe the raw and fresh quality of music that the band release, that they write it from the heart, without letting the outside world interfere. ‘Unprocessed’ could also be the feelings and emotions expressed in their work, which is arguably the best place to create art from. Overall, Angel falls in line with both of these points, its extraterrestrial nature ready to captivate more and more listeners. It also brings UNPROCESSED even closer to being the next generation of metalcore legends, on the cusp of a breakthrough.

Score: 9/10

Angel was released on 31st October 2025.

Words: Mariia Bulkina

Photos: Unprocessed