Unreal Unearth - Unending marks Hozier’s third studio album and most ambitious project to date. This new edition contains the original 2023 Unreal Unearth album alongside EP’s: “Unaired” and "Unheard”. The album combines Hozier’s lyrical mastery with his unique voice and storytelling abilities to create an immersive and dynamic musical experience.

Hozier’s ethereal sound has always prevailed in his work and similar themes of love, religion and classical literature remain present in this new addition.

The Evolution of Hozier 

It is very rare for an artist to have their first track to be as successful as Hozier’s “Take me to Church”. This song catapulted Hozier into mainstream music and certified him as a vocal powerhouse to be reckoned with. This debut track showcased his powerful lyricism and was a well-intentioned shot, aimed at the Catholic Church for its views against members of the LGBTQ+ community. This sparked backlash with people who mistakenly assumed the title hinted towards an admiration for the religion but led to the track going viral overnight. 

His self-titled debut album Hozier subsequently peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. In this debut album, Hozier explores themes of love and religion and showcases his poetically profound lyricism alongside his haunting and remarkable vocal abilities.

Four years later Hozier released his second studio album titled Wasteland Baby which showcased an even more powerful and provocative side of himself. Songs like “Nina Cried Power” alluded to the artist's discontent with the current state of the world and was written as a thank you note of sorts to the spirit and legacy of protest.

His third album displays how he has grown and matured over the course of ten years. The powerful vocals remain but the lyrics become even more provocative, while still discussing similar themes to that of the first two albums. This time he does it in a more profound way as he again points a finger at the conflict of love and religion. Specifically, loves power to transcend religion, as he journeys through the nine circles of hell to get back to his lover.

Dante’s Inferno - Hozier’s journey through Hell

Hozier begins his journey down to, through and back out of the nine circles of hell, in a beautifully crafted reference to the classical poem “Dante’s Inferno”.
The journey begins with tracks  “De Selby Part 1” and “De Selby Part 2” which in themselves are a reference to classical Irish literature. Inspired by a character of the same name from Flann O’Brien’s “The Third Policeman”, a tale which follows a crazed professor who does not know he is already dead and in the afterlife.
These two tracks reference Hozier’s descent into hell, followed by the first circle - Limbo “First Time”. The album takes a subsequent journey through the remaining eight circles: Lust “Francesca” + “I , Carrion”, Gluttony “Eat your Young”, Greed “Damage Gets Done”, Wrath “Who Are We”, Heresy “Son of Nyx” + “All Things End”, Violence “To Someone From a Warm Climate” + “Butchered Tongue”, Fraud “Anything But” and the final circle Betrayal “Abstract” + “Unknown”, before finally he ascends back to earth in “First Light”.

This epic and impossible journey, undertaken as a means to reconnect with a lost lover, serves as another beautiful, metaphorical example from Hozier of love's power to triumph over religious obstacles

What to Expect in Unreal Unearth - Unending

Despite some creative changes and dabbling into new genres, this album still manages to hold enough of Hozier’s unique style to not disappoint any long time fans.

Tracks like “Fare Well” are reminiscent of hits such as “From Eden” in their familiar and catchy, upbeat tone. On the opposing end of the spectrum tracks like “De Selby Part 1” hold certain similarities to “Cherry Wine” and “In a Week” with their haunting vocals and entrancing intensity.

Hozier takes some explorations into new genres with tracks like “Francesca” and “De Selby Part 2” taking a notable shift away from eerie vocals and sweet acoustic guitar riffs into a much heavier terrain. Despite some loud and vibrant glimpses into new genres the balance between these tracks and delicately soft songs like “Butchered Tongue” serve to allow for epic high moments and contemplative mellow moments, accumulating in a beautifully crafted album. Fans can also expect some beautiful features from Brandi Carlile, Allison Russell and Bedouine.

This new edition of the 2023 album features the career defining song “Too Sweet” which earned Hozier his first number one hit on the Hot 100. Making him the fifth Irish person to ever do so, and the first since Sinead O’Connor released “Nothing Compares To You” in 1990. Its significance was only underscored as “Too Sweet” became one of the most featured songs on Spotify Wrapped for 2024 resonating with millions around the world. 

Experience Unreal Unearth: Unending on Vinyl at The Record Hub

Hozier’s newest album marks a career defining journey and serves as an invaluable addition to his renowned discography. This album follows Hozier’s exploration into new genres while remaining true to the unique sound and lyrical poeticism that defines him.

Order your copy of Unreal Unearth - Unending now on vinyl and join him on his journey of love and transcendence through the depths of hell. Visit The Record Hub today and add it to your collection.