(UN)Worthy: “From The Belly Of The Beast” EP Review
(UN)Worthy's latest release, the deathcore concept EP "From The Belly of the Beast," powerfully transforms the biblical Book of Jonah into a metal masterpiece. The five-track album is described as an "absolute stunner," featuring loud, aggressive music, intense breakdowns, and intricate guitar riffs, all working together seamlessly.
Have you ever wondered what the story of Jonah would sound like in a deathcore metal album? Here’s your chance, courtesy of California metalheads, (UN)Worthy. From The Belly of the Beast is their newest release, a concept album focused on the story of Jonah. This is the five-piece band’s third album, but first one as an independent artist after departing from Rottweiler Records. We were lucky enough to get a pre-release listen to the EP, here are our thoughts!
The opening track, “A Suicide Mission,” sets the tone for the EP. It’s loud, aggressive and has an incredible breakdown that makes you want to mean mug along with a slow headbang. The rhythm between the drums and driving guitars will get you dancing in the pit. While the music sets the tone, the entire EP's underlying theme is a journey through the Book of Jonah. Every track is inspired by a different part of this incredible story, with this opening song drawing its inspiration from the beginning of the tale.
“They will just ignore your warnings. They will refuse to repent and repent and turn. So why bother sending me to them. They should be judged and left to and left to burn.”
This message is not just coming from the book of a stubborn prophet, but it is a message that can be reflected in our own life. Maybe there is someone God wants you to tell the good news to, even if you currently feel it's pointless? The raw, guttural vocals powerfully emphasize Jonah's defiance against God’s plan in this part of the story.
The drum intro on the beginning of “You can Run, But You’ll Never Hide” is incredible. It’s a tone setter. The piercing guitar riffs show a technical prowess that any guitarist would appreciate. Moving forward, “You can Run, But You’ll Never Hide” is inspired by the latter part of Chapter One, where Jonah is actively running from God aboard a ship. I love the lines,
“Did you forget that I Am the Omniscient God? That there is nothing that I do not know?”
This line is great, because it is an obvious question. We forget that God is all-powerful, all-mighty. He knows everything. He sees the point of sharing His good news and redemption with others. This chapter ends with Jonah being thrown overboard and being swallowed by a fish. The album art for From The Belly Of The Beast is a phenomenal depiction of this, bordering on creepy!
The title track, “From the Belly of the Beast,” stands out from the rest of the track list with its unique intro. It’s a journey, from the first notes of the intense screeching guitar to the well placed double bass. The instruments are pushing this song along and the vocals are fitting in the right places. I love the tempo and breakdowns that dig deep into your soul. The music isn't the only thing with depth; the lyrics also hit hard, drawing their influence directly from Jonah's second chapter
“Inside this creature I cry out loud. Trapped inside three days and nights. I thought I could run away from You. Please don’t cast me from Your sight.”
“I will not forget Your call for me. I will preach and make You proud. Salvation comes only from You Lord as the whale vomits me out.”
This is the critical moment where Jonah breaks down in the belly of the whale. There are times that we’re broken and left with nowhere to go, but to Him. God is always there for us. Just as Jonah was being stubborn, he cried out to God and God answered.
The last song of the EP, “Judgment Denied,” is an absolute banger. Between the fierce drum work and the intricate guitar riffs, they’ve created a song so intense that the crowd will surely be left gasping for air. The clean spoken word in the middle of the song is absolutely haunting.
“I’ve dealt with your resistance, yet released you from the beast. Your lack of compassion and obedience has yet to have ceased. Who are you to command damnation of another’s soul. I am Alpha and Omega, the one who has made you whole.”
Listening to this song, it feels like a great way to wrap up the EP, and it definitely leaves me wanting more. Having studied the Book of Jonah as a pastor, I was seriously impressed! This EP manages to hit every essential part of the story. It covers the powerful arc of the story: starting with fleeing God’s call, to doubting if God can save certain individuals, to crying out for deliverance, only to cycle back to frustration and doubt. To God, there is no wasted time. It’s all for His glory and it’s all for His plan!
This is an absolute stunner of an EP. The guitar work is clean, crisp and vicious, and the drums just go at such a melodic pace. It all works together so well and the range in vocals highlights Dennis’ impressive ability to scream. If you appreciate the brutal sounds of deathcore, this is something that you need to listen to. I highly recommend giving From The Belly Of The Beast a listen!