Hozier's New Album "Unreal Unearth": Drawing Inspiration from Dante's Inferno

Berfin Ceren Meray
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Irish singer-songwriter Hozier has once again captivated audiences with his third studio album, 'Unreal Unearth,' released on August 18, 2023. This album follows his March 2023 Extended Play, 'Eat Your Young,' and takes listeners on a musical journey through themes of sin, self-knowledge, and greed, drawing inspiration from Dante Alighieri's 'Inferno,' the first part of his 14th-century masterpiece, 'Divine Comedy.' Dante's exploration of the nine circles of Hell serves as a profound backdrop for Hozier's introspective exploration.

Tracklist and Singles

'Unreal Unearth' features an array of tracks, including some carried over from the 'Eat Your Young' EP, such as 'Eat Your Young' and 'All Things End.' The album introduces the listener to the hauntingly beautiful 'Francesca,' released as the debut single on May 19, 2023. A second single, 'Unknown / Nth,' followed on June 23, 2023, and the third and final single, 'De Selby (Part 2),' was released on July 21, 2023.

The Album's Genesis

Hozier provided a glimpse into the album's genesis with a teaser on January 21, 2022, via his social media channels. He later released snippets of two tracks, 'De Selby' and 'Rob The Goddess,' although the latter didn't make it onto the final album. The official confirmation of 'Unreal Unearth' came in 2023 after the release of the 'Eat Your Young' EP, with the release date and official artwork unveiled on May 17, 2023. The tracklist was subsequently revealed through a short video posted on Hozier's social media platforms on July 6, 2023.

Diving into the Tracks

  • 'De Selby (Part 1)': Kicking off the album, this track sets the tone for the musical journey that follows, with a production featuring Jeff 'Gitty' Gitelman, Bekon, and Pete G.

  • 'De Selby (Part 2)': This second part continues the narrative, with a different set of producers contributing to its rich sound.

  • 'First Time': Hozier's signature vocals shine in this track, accompanied by Alex Ryan's contribution.

  • 'Francesca': A standout piece, 'Francesca' showcases Hozier's collaboration with Jennifer Decilveo, creating a mesmerizing musical tapestry.

  • 'I, Carrion (Icarian)': This track delves into profound themes, offering listeners an introspective experience.

  • 'Eat Your Young': A familiar track from the EP, it seamlessly blends into the album's narrative.

  • 'Damage Gets Done' (with Brandi Carlile): Featuring the talented Brandi Carlile, this song explores the emotional depth of Hozier's artistry.

  • 'Who We Are': Hozier's introspective lyrics are once again at the forefront, supported by a talented production team.

  • 'Son of Nyx': This track introduces a change of pace, showcasing the diversity of the album's musical landscape.

  • 'All Things End': A track carried over from the EP, it fits seamlessly into the album's overarching theme.

  • 'To Someone From A Warm Climate (Uiscefhuarithe)': This song continues to draw the listener deeper into Hozier's world.

  • 'Butchered Tongue': A poignant piece, it explores historical and cultural themes.

  • 'Anything But': Hozier's emotive vocals take center stage in this track.

  • 'Abstract (Psychopomp)': This song adds a unique flavor to the album's eclectic mix of sounds.

  • 'Unknown / Nth': A powerful track that resonates with many listeners, marked by Hozier's distinct style.

  • 'First Light': Closing the album, this track leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the depth of Hozier's musical artistry.

Hozier's Unique Blend

'Unreal Unearth' is not just an album; it's a journey through Hozier's introspective exploration of the human condition. With a diverse range of tracks and a rich narrative backdrop inspired by Dante's 'Inferno,' this album has received generally positive reviews from critics. Hozier's unique blend of music and storytelling continues to captivate audiences, making 'Unreal Unearth' a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.