Unearth is officially back where it all started. The Massachusetts metalcore pioneers have signed a brand new deal with Metal Blade Records, marking a historic return to the label that helped define their career.
During their original run with Metal Blade from 2004 to 2011, the band released some of the most crucial albums of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal era, including The Oncoming Storm, III: In The Eyes Of Fire, The March, and Darkness In The Light. After spending the last decade and a half releasing crushing records like Watchers Of Rule and The Wretched; The Ruinous through labels such as MNRK Heavy and Century Media, the band is gearing up to release their next highly anticipated album in 2027.
Vocalist Trevor Phipps expressed his excitement about returning to their old stomping grounds and teased what fans can expect from the new material.
“Getting another shot at working with Metal Blade Records feels nothing short of coming home. We truly got our best chance at making a life of creating music and touring during our first run with Metal Blade from 2004 to 2011. Working with so many familiar faces we trust and appreciate is something we wholeheartedly welcome. The music we’re cooking is as heavy and boundary-pushing as we’ve ever been, and we look forward to sharing it with you all in 2027.”
Guitarist Peter Layman echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how perfectly the label aligns with the band’s current creative vision.
“They gave us our start; now, they’re part of our future. After fifteen years apart, we’re back with Metal Blade, the home of some of our defining records. With the writing process well underway, we felt Metal Blade was the perfect fit for us and the direction we’re headed. We’re thankful that they feel the same way and know that what comes next will be our best offering yet.”
Metal Blade Records A&R executive Michael Faley also shared his enthusiasm for the reunion, confirming that the label is fully committed to this next chapter.
“It is an honor to have Unearth back in the Metal Blade family. Our history with the band includes some truly incredible moments in this label’s catalog. Reconnecting with them now, at a time when both the band and the label have grown so much, is a massive win. We’ve always believed in their vision, and we’re honored to be the ones helping them tell the next chapter of their story. A new Storm is coming!”
In addition to the massive label news, Unearth has completely revamped their behind-the-scenes team. The group has officially signed with AISAmusic for management and partnered with Cobra Agency to handle their booking across Europe and Asia.
Speaking on the new management deal, Trevor Phipps highlighted the deep industry relationships driving the decision.
“We are excited to team up with AISAmusic for a new era of Unearth. Simon Füllemann has been a friend, peer, and colleague of ours for almost 25 years, while Bradley Zorgdrager has proven to be an ally in this business in the few short years we’ve known him. With new music, tours, and partnerships coming, we are eager to get in the studio and back on the road to riff with you all.”
Peter Layman added:
“We couldn’t be happier to join the AISAmusic team for management. Heading down a new path with Simon and Bradley at our side has instantly had a positive impact, and we know it’s only the beginning. Their professionalism, knowledge, experience, and level of planning gives us the best opportunity to be successful moving forward.”
Addressing the band’s touring future, the duo expressed their eagerness to hit the road with their new booking partners at Cobra Agency.
“We want to thank the good people at Cobra Agency for bringing us onto their killer roster for Europe and Asia. We look forward to spending a lot of time on the road with you all, starting this summer with a European festival and club run,” Phipps said.
Layman added: “We are incredibly proud to announce our partnership with Cobra Agency for booking throughout Europe and Asia. One of the best parts about being in a band is sharing your art while visiting incredible places around the world. We know that working with Cobra Agency gives us the best opportunity to continue doing this.”
As one of the foundational bands of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, Unearth cut their teeth alongside legendary peers like Killswitch Engage, Lamb Of God, Shadows Fall, and Darkest Hour. Looking back on those formative years, Phipps remembered the camaraderie that helped push the entire genre forward.
“It was a healthy competition between all of us. It made for some great music and opened up a new chapter in American metal.”
Unearth has also announced a string of summer performances, including major festival appearances and select club shows alongside massive acts like In Flames, Of Mice & Men, and The Ghost Inside.
2026 European Summer Tour Dates:
- July 25 – Budapest, HUN – Barba Negra (feat. In Flames)
- July 31 – Goldenstedt, GER – Afdreiht Un Buten Festival
- August 01 – Löbnitz, GER – Full Rewind Festival
- August 03 – Milan, ITA – Magnolia Open Air (feat. Of Mice & Men)
- August 04 – Zurich, SWI – Dynamo (feat. Of Mice & Men)
- August 05 – Jaromer, CZE – Brutal Assault Festival
- August 07 – Linz, AUT – Frischluft Open Air (feat. The Ghost Inside)
- August 13 – Carhaix, FRA – Motocultor Festival
