Like many others, Hozier used his time during lockdown to immerse himself in literature. Little did he know that it would inspire his third album, Unreal Unearth. Released on Aug. 18, the album sees Hozier explore his pandemic experience through the lens of Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, the first part of the 14th-century epic Divine Comedy. The poem follows Dante’s journey through Hell and its nine circles, which provides a brilliant framework for an album. Hozier explains, “I didn’t want to write songs that were about a lockdown; I didn’t want to write songs that were about the pandemic. But I did want to explore or at least acknowledge this feeling of going into something, these new circumstances and experiences in that time and coming out the other side of it.”
Hozier, born Andrew Hozier-Byrne, has always approached his artistry with an intellectual mindset. He referenced Irish poet Seamus Heaney on his second album, 2019’s Wasteland, Baby!, and drew from Biblical and Celtic contexts on his self-titled debut album in 2014. However, Unreal Unearth stands out as a unique project for him. He explains, “There’s a more announced intention of a thread in the structure.” Collaboration and a deeper exploration of his Irish roots were important aspects that helped Hozier create an album that seamlessly fits with the lyrical depth and layered soundscapes of his previous releases while offering a sense of reinvention.
From the opening track “De Selby (Part 1)” to the closing track “First Light,” the album takes listeners on a captivating journey, narrated by Hozier’s distinctive voice. Hozier shares insights into three of his main inspirations for Unreal Unearth, explaining how they influenced the album’s creative direction. The first inspiration was Dante’s Inferno, which resonated with him during the pandemic due to its exploration of loss and despair. Hozier aimed to acknowledge and reflect on the personal and collective journey experienced during that time.
Each song on the album represents a different voice and theme, mirroring Dante’s encounters in each circle of Hell. Hozier wanted the songs to be personal but also explore mythological and collective ideas. For example, the song “Francesca” is inspired by a character from Dante’s Inferno who is punished for falling in love. Hozier reimagines her story, presenting it as a defiant expression of love rather than punishment. Throughout the album, Hozier connects personal experiences with larger themes such as lust, loss, betrayal, and violence.
Hozier emphasizes that while the album draws from Dante’s Inferno, it is still important for the songs to be able to stand on their own and have universal appeal. He wanted the music to be beautiful and worthwhile in its own right. One challenge he faced was finding the balance between remaining faithful to the structure of the poem and allowing the songs to develop organically.
In summary, Hozier’s Unreal Unearth is a testament to his growth as an artist. Drawing inspiration from Dante’s Inferno, Hozier explores personal experiences within the framework of universal themes. The album presents a unique blend of intellectualism, collaboration, and a deeper connection to his Irish roots, resulting in a project that offers a fresh perspective while staying true to Hozier’s distinctive sound.