Unprocessed bring elite level musicianship, geeky philosophical intelligence, and solid songwriting chops to their “Artificial Void” record. The talent coming out of your speakers/headphones/earbuds is just dazzling, primarily from the guitar and bass, and the lyrics get into “duuuuude” levels of deep conceptual territory. Manuel Gardner Fernandes’ vocals are mostly drawn with gentleness and sensitivity, but unfortunately, sometimes scribble into trendy Screamo. Their sound blends Metal (Djent, Prog, Post-Metal, Pop) and non-Metal genre elements, is a fascinating amalgam of Animals As Leaders, Between the Buried and Me, Linkin Park, Daft Punk, nine inch nails, Devin Townsend Project, and video game music.

I love the smarts, the ambition, the experimentation, the melodic touches, the virtuosity, but I hate the Screamo vocals. Every time he switches to that voice, I check right out. In those sections, my immersion into the music is withdrawn from the first row to the last seat in the giant stadium. Overall, though, aside from that one complaint, this album is made of win. Long Branch Records have a potential powerhouse on their hands.