Unreal Unearth

Unreal Unearth is the third studio album by Irish musician Hozier, released on August 18, 2023. This album marks a significant artistic development for Hozier, exploring themes deeply rooted in literature and personal introspection. The album draws its inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, the first part of his seminal work The Divine Comedy. Hozier frames the album around Dante’s depiction of the nine circles of Hell, creating a thematic journey that mirrors the descent and eventual ascent from despair to enlightenment.

The creative process for Unreal Unearth was heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hozier has described the album as his way of making sense of the tumultuous years of the pandemic. In addition to Dante’s Inferno, Hozier incorporated elements from Flann O’Brien’s novel The Third Policeman, further enriching the album’s narrative complexity. The thematic depth is evident in the album’s diverse musical styles and lyrical content, which range from folk and rock to Afrobeat influences.

The album’s production features Hozier’s first use of the Irish language, reflecting a desire to express emotions and ideas that he feels cannot be fully captured in English. The track “Butchered Tongue” stands out as a poignant commentary on the suppression of the Irish language under British colonial rule. This marks a significant cultural milestone for Hozier, adding a layer of authenticity and personal connection to his music.

Unreal Unearth includes notable singles such as “Eat Your Young” and “Francesca”, as well as the introspective track “All Things End”. Each song represents different aspects of Dante’s nine circles of Hell, with the album itself symbolizing a journey through these realms and ultimately emerging from them. The album has been praised for its eclectic sound and ambitious concept, though it has received mixed reviews from critics. While some have lauded its poetic depth and diverse musical influences, others have critiqued it for its experimental approach.

In support of the album, Hozier launched an extensive tour, covering Ireland, the UK, North America, Australia, and New Zealand from June 2023 to November 2024. The tour, named the Unreal Unearth Tour, features elaborate stage designs and visuals that complement the album’s thematic journey. The setlist includes tracks from Unreal Unearth as well as from Hozier’s previous albums. Notably, the tour features collaborations with artists like Brandi Carlile and performances by openers such as The Teskey Brothers and Victoria Canal. The visual elements of the tour, designed by Production Designer Steven Douglass and Tour Director Duchess Iredale, utilize projections and lighting to enhance the immersive experience of the album’s narrative.

The album’s reception has been generally positive, debuting at number one on both the Irish and UK charts. Critics have noted Hozier’s ability to blend mythological references with personal storytelling, creating a rich and varied listening experience. While some reviews have been critical of the album’s eclecticism, others have praised its ambition and emotional depth. Hozier’s Unreal Unearth represents a bold step in his musical evolution, marking a sophisticated exploration of literary and thematic elements in contemporary music.