Unearth

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Unearth has been on of the new wave of American heavy metal’s top bands for years. Each release has been a progression of both melody and aggression and their latest album The March is no exception. The album picks up where 2004’s The Oncoming Storm and 2006’s III: The Eyes of Fire left off and grows from there. I was able to catch up with lead guitarist Buzz McGrath to discuss The March and the value of tossing around a “beer football.”

Blistering.com: First off, just wanted to say that I’m diggin the album.

Buzz McGrath: Thanks man

Blistering.com: How long did it take to write and record the new record?

McGrath: It took about six months to write. But we did a few shows during that time, so it was divided up. It took four or five weeks to record. It was pretty much your standard make a baby-type of record; you have the music ready and just put it on tape.

Blistering.com: Who does what in the writing process?

McGrath: I write riffs and leads, and then record them and email it to everyone. This gives everyone a chance to say, “this idea is good” or “this idea sucks.” It is like a puzzle that we all put together.

Blistering.com: I see. So are there any new musical influences out there that contributed to the music on this record?

McGrath: Not really. I’ve gotten into old Testament in the last two years. I kinda missed out on them originally. The same thing with Pantera. I missed the boat when they were first out, but I’ve been listening a lot lately and that has been seeping into the music.

Blistering.com: So do you guys still use 7-string guitars?

McGrath: Yeah, we still use 7 strings. On “The March” and “Letting Go” we actually use 8 string.

Blistering.com: Do you play those live?

McGrath: Not on this tour, but we plan on it on the next tour.

Blistering.com: What’s it like recording with Adam D (Killswitch Engage)?

McGrath: He’s a nut job, but its fun. He gets to it at work, but in a fun way. He’ll tell you that you suck if you can’t play something right, but its all in a fun way. He is like a 6th member of the band, he knows what we want, and helps us achieve our goal.

Blistering.com: Tell me about the album. What does The March mean?

McGrath: The theme believes that the good of humanity will overcome the bad. The bad aspects of our society, the power hungry politicians for example, have the potential to take away our freedoms just to gain power for themselves. The album speaks of the hope that normal people will overcome for the greater good. Ultimately, though, the meaning of the album is up to the listener’s interpretation.

Blistering.com: Have you guys filmed any videos for the album?

McGrath: We filmed a video for “My Will Be Done.” We filmed it in an abandoned theatre near where we live. It was a nice visual, not really deep but intellectual. The images are cool and the director did a great job.

Blistering.com: So how is the tour going? Is the line-up working out well?

McGrath: Awesome man, each band pulls its own weight. There has been good attendance at all the shows because each band has their own fans that come out to support them. We love the bands.

Blistering.com: Are you guys doing any more touring later on?

McGrath: The next U.S. run will be in January.

Blistering.com: Any crazy stories thus far from this tour?

McGrath: Nah, really pretty tame. Basically just getting drunk and the occasional fist fight between crew members. We don’t fight but just cheer them on because it’s entertaining. We also put a beer bazooka on top of a bass cab. The other bands are able to walk up and have a drink during our set. We also have a beer football we throw at one another on stage. It’s a lot of fun, but a big wet mess when we are done playing.

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