Review by Adam M on February 23, 2017.

This is a refreshing combination of new songs and old favorites.  The nice southern influenced side of John Garcia is on full display on this album.  It makes for a pleasant and relaxing set of songs to listen to when wanting to comfort the mood. 

Since this album makes use of songs from Kyuss, those tracks are undeniable in their quality.  The new tracks nicely complement the old ones.  One thing that is very clear from the disc is that John Garcia is able to convey this subtle mood to absolute perfection.  This is seen from both the new and old tracks because most are acoustic led numbers.  The songs have a groove to them that is undeniable and similar to what the band Kyuss was capable of before.  They take place at a mid-pace that is always comfortable to listen to.  The problem I have with the album is that there’s so much material that’s already written from Kyuss that is seems more like an E.P. with extra tracks added to it.  Don’t get me wrong, the material here is of a high quality, it’s just that there’s a sort of incomplete feeling that’s left here.  Still, the quality of the Kyuss tracks makes them seem a little different from the ones already present and they match the somber mood that the album is going for.  They entirety of the album reassures the quality of John Garcia and expands on his now growing solo career.  This will also please those looking for more Kyuss-related songs.  Still, it’s not perfect and the need for new material will be felt for sure. 

One only needs a quick listen to see how much impact there is with this singer’s material and the Kyuss tracks add a new slant to old favorites.  The Coyote Who Spoke In Tongues comes recommended to fans of the stoner genre.  

Rating: 7.7 out of 10

Review by JD on August 22, 2010.

Throughout the years...Heavy Metal has been built on just being genuine to what they are and to hell with everyone else. That is why independent metal usually is the best choice for the true diehard banger. Getting their music put out on their own label for varying reasons, Face The Unknown clearly wants that control of what they are musically doing without having it constantly diluted for others who may not understand what it is that they do. The band is the blueprint for today’s metal.

Harking back to the traditional side of metal, this UK band rocks out hard and often with varying degrees of pure power. Sounding like a wild mixture of many NWBHM bands (Maiden, Priest ect.), Gwar, Black Label Society and have this sort of vibe that is like a la Corrosion Of Conformity as well. This band clearly shows where they were spawn from, and how they are looking far forward into the ‘unknown’.

It is so clear through each and every track... these guys do have something to say and are not afraid to do just that. Tracks like the powerful 'You Can’t Save Me' to the guitar grinding explosion of 'Your Destiny'... Face The Unknown are out to convert you to their tribe. Strong yet fun lyrics are the basis of things then add in all of that amazing musicianship that keeps it fresh not to mention relevant and yet tries to blow your head off with power. Even the simpleness of the recording adds to the enjoyment factor of the album.

It is so true that Face The Unknown is pretty much a classic throwback to the heyday of metal and all that it stood for and what it was and is, yet they clearly have their feet planted in to the new millennium to forge a new chapter in Metallic history. Old rockers will appreciate the album in every way... and I am certain that newer headbangers will feel the passion and power the band has. The simple fact is that the album is a sort of bridge release so that all facets of the metal will have something that is in every way... good, powerful, strong metal that is not ashamed to be true to metalheads everywhere.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 8.5
Originality:8.5
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.2 out of 10