Just last year, former Rottweiler Records artist (UN)WORTHY released a great 7-song EP about the nature of spiritual warfare. The EP proved that the band was more than capable of writing a coherent concept record while also demonstrating some serious deathcore chops - all with only two official members. Following up on the momentum of a strong release (and having added three new members, including former members of Cultist and Classic Disaster), (UN)WORTHY is back with yet another concept EP, this time pulling straight from the Scriptures.

Aptly titled From the Belly of the Beast, the EP recalls the story of Jonah, a prophet who initially disobeyed God, then reluctantly repented and warned Nineveh to repent before God destroyed them. It's a very familiar story (even non-Christians know the gist of it), but it's interesting to hear it in a deathcore setting, which works pretty well considering the intensity of Jonah's despising of the Ninevites. "A Suicide Mission" details the audacity of Jonah to tell God that he won't accept His command ("I have other plans than what You have for me / and I will remain defiant until the very end / I won't go to Nineveh for You / You can find another man to send"). "You Can Run, But You'll Never Hide" changes course to God's perspective, as He attempts to remind Jonah of who exactly He is before sending the fish to swallow him in the title track.

For my money, the closer, "Judgement Denied," is the best track here. That's not an insult to the first three songs - I just think (UN)WORTHY may have saved the best for last. Again, I don't need to recap the story of Jonah here, but the lyrics balance Jonah's frustration over God sparing Nineveh with God's unfathomable mercy on both the city and the defiant messenger himself ("I've dealt with your resistance, yet released you from the beast / your lack of compassion and obedience has yet to have ceased / who are you to command damnation of another's soul / I am Alpha and Omega, the One who has made you whole"). It's coupled with some of the best music of the band's short career thus far, from the incredible bass work to the blast beats, riffing, and delightful pinch harmonics. (UN)WORTHY has always made really enjoyable deathcore, but it's clear from tracks like "Judgement Denied" that adding the new band members has helped level up their game big time.

In the year 2025, which has given us a host of excellent Christian metal albums, it can be easy to get lost in the shuffle. Especially without the backing of a record label. Regardless, (UN)WORTHY's latest shouldn't be overlooked. From the Belly of the Beast features four excellent songs that show a lot of growth since their last release, and I feel like they're just getting started. If you like bands like Cleansing of the Temple, Cultist, or Voluntary Mortification, (UN)WORTHY is a band for you.

- Review date: 10/30/25, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com

 

 

 Record Label: None
 Album length: 4 tracks: 17 minutes, 10 seconds
 Street Date: November 7, 2025
 Buy It: Bandcamp

1. A Suicide Mission (4:20)
2. You Can Run, But You'll Never Hide (4:24)
3. From the Belly of the Beast (3:49)
4. Judgement Denied (4:37)