Unprocessed Bring Progressive Precision to The Netherlands with Of Virtue and Daedric
Modern metal thrives on contrast, and the bill at Doornroosje in Nijmegen, The Netherlans brought together three different approaches to the genre’s evolving sound. German progressive metal outfit Unprocessed headlined the evening, joined by American metalcore band Of Virtue and electronic metal project Daedric. Part of Unprocessed’s Angel European headline tour, the concert promised a mixture of technical musicianship, melodic songwriting and heavier contemporary sounds.
Unfortunately, we arrived too late to catch Daedric’s opening set. Led by vocalist and songwriter Kristyn Hope, the project blends modern metal with electronic production and atmospheric vocals, creating a sound that balances heaviness with a cinematic edge. Since emerging in 2021, Daedric have steadily built their profile with compelling releases such as Mortal (2023) and As the Light Left (2025). While we missed the chance to experience their sound live, their presence on the bill added another dimension to a lineup exploring the diverse possibilities of contemporary heavy music.
Of Virtue followed, bringing their combination of metalcore and alternative influences all the way from Michigan. The band’s 2023 album Omen helped expand their international profile, establishing a sound built around forceful riffs, emotional vocals and memorable choruses. Beyond the music, vocalist Tyler Ennis also brought a deeply personal dimension to the performance, speaking openly about his struggles with addiction and the difficult road to recovery. His willingness to be vulnerable lent extra weight to the band’s emotionally charged material, turning personal hardship into a message of honesty and resilience. Their appearance in Nijmegen also came just three days after the release of Death of the Altar, their latest album, on 2 October 2026. The record explores darker emotional territory, balancing aggressive passages with polished melodies while confronting themes of dependency, grief and self-destructive behaviour.
The headline performance belonged to Unprocessed, whose technically ambitious approach has established them as one of the more distinctive names in progressive metal right now. Formed in Wiesbaden, Germany, the band have developed their sound across releases including Artificial Void (2019), Gold (2022), …And Everything in Between (2023) and Angel (2025). Led by guitarist and vocalist Manuel Gardner Fernandes, the band bring together intricate guitar work and mechanical, groove-driven rhythms.
On Angel, Unprocessed move towards a heavier, more direct metalcore sound without abandoning their progressive instincts. Tracks such as ‘111’, ‘Snowlover’ and ‘Dark, Silent and Complete’ demonstrate the breadth of their musical approach, shifting between crushing riffs, atmospheric passages and striking melodic contrasts. The album also features collaborations with Jason Aalon Butler of Fever 333 and Zelli of Paleface Swiss, reflecting the band’s willingness to explore beyond conventional genre boundaries.
Doornroosje provided an intimate setting for this meeting of contemporary heavy acts. With Daedric’s electronic textures, Of Virtue’s emotionally charged metalcore and Unprocessed’s technical precision, the lineup represented different perspectives on the direction of modern heavy music. Ultimately, the Nijmegen show brought together three acts with distinct identities, connected by their interest in atmosphere, melody and uncompromising heaviness. For fans of progressive metal and modern metalcore, the evening offered a compelling snapshot of a genre that continues to evolve.
