Watchers of Rule
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
Key people | Trevor Phipps, Buz McGrath, Ken Susi, Nick Pierce |
| Products | Metalcore music albums |
| Parent | eOne Music (for Watchers of Rule album release) |
Watchers of Rule represents the sixth full-length release by the American metalcore group Unearth, which came out on October 28, 2014, through eOne Music across North America. This record marks the first since their initial album The Stings of Conscience without longtime bassist John "Slo" Maggard and also introduces former The Faceless drummer Nick Pierce as a new member.
Overview
By early 2012, Unearth had officially welcomed Nick Pierce as their permanent drummer, succeeding Derek Kerswill, who departed in 2010; prior to this, drums on the 2011 album Darkness in the Light were recorded by Justin Foley. In April 2013, the band revealed plans to collaborate with producer Mark Lewis, noted for his work with acts such as The Black Dahlia Murder and Whitechapel, to produce Watchers of Rule. The album’s visual artwork was crafted by Richey Beckett, an artist recognized for his partnerships with Converge, Baroness, and Metallica.
Upon release, the album entered the US Billboard 200 chart at position No. 105, moving 3,950 copies in its initial week. This is Unearth’s only project issued under eOne Music, a label they signed with in 2013, and notably their first studio album since 2001’s The Stings of Conscience not distributed through Metal Blade Records.
Critical reception
Critics responded favorably to the album. Ray Van Horn, Jr. from Blabbermouth.net commended its intense energy, commenting, “UNEARTH may wear out drummers due to the relentless nature of their music, but this intensity is precisely what places them at the forefront of their genre. 'Watchers of Rule' delivers powerfully — without question.” Additionally, Metal Injection regarded it as among Unearth’s finest works and a defining metalcore release for 2014.
Track listing
- The writing credits for "Spirit in Black" are derived from Seasons in the Abyss.
Credits
The following writing, performance, and production details are sourced from the album’s liner notes.
- Unearth
- Trevor Phipps – lead vocals
- Buz McGrath – lead guitar
- Ken Susi – rhythm guitar
- Nick Pierce – drums
- Guest musicians
- Mark Morton – bass guitar
- Production team
- Mark Lewis – producer, engineering, mixing, mastering
- Shane Frisby – additional vocal recording
- Ken Susi – additional vocal recording and guitar tracking
- Jeremy Krull – supplementary editing
- Artwork and design
- Jeremy Saffer – photography
- Richey Beckett – cover artwork design
- Paul Grosso – creative direction
- Andrew Kelley – art direction
- Recording studios
- Audio Hammer Studios – vocals tracking
- The Brick Hit House – extra vocals recording
- System Studios – additional vocals, guitars, and drums recording
Charts
Template:Album chartTemplate:Album chartTemplate:Album chartTemplate:Album chartTemplate:Album chart| Chart (2014) | Highest position |
|---|
Release history
| Region | Release Date | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| North America | October 28, 2014 | eOne Music |
| Japan | October 29, 2014 | Howling Bull |
| Australia | October 31, 2014 | 3Wise |
| Germany, Austria, Switzerland | Century Media | |
| Remaining parts of Europe | November 3, 2014 |