Occupational Hazard by Unsane returns in a newly remastered edition reviving a pivotal moment in the band’s history where abrasive, heavy sound collided with elements of punk, metal, and industrial music. Originally released in January 1998 through Relapse Records, the album’s reissue arrives on Friday, February 4, 2026 via the band’s own imprint label Lamb Unlimited, revisiting a defining chapter in the group’s evolution.
Sonically, the record is noted for its aggressively distorted guitars, driving basslines, and pounding drums – hallmarks of the band’s uncompromising noise rock style.
In preparation for the album, the band first recorded a six-song demo session at AmRep Studios in Minneapolis, MN. Shortly after, Unsane relocated to Excello Studios in Brooklyn, NY, where they tracked the album with engineer Billy Anderson. Frontman Chris Spencer (guitar, vocals) recalls the period: “The writing process for Occupational Hazard was great. I think the one real defining factor to this very creatively rewarding period of time in our career was that we knew what we were doing in terms of songwriting, and we were able to take our time while constantly playing.”
Following the recording sessions, Occupational Hazard was mixed by legendary producer and Barkmarket guitarist David Sardy. Reflecting on the collaboration, Spencer adds: “I’ve always liked what he did with his own band and in the studio, and I thought that it would work well for what we were doing. Dave also had access to a really good studio in Midtown Manhattan, so we decided to take advantage of his great production work and that space. We had been offered a three-record deal with Relapse Records and figured that would be the best thing to do, considering we wanted to tour constantly.”
Shortly before the album’s original release, during a European press tour, Spencer was brutally attacked by street thugs in Vienna, Austria, and left for dead. He returned to touring after emergency surgery, though the incident significantly disrupted the album’s original touring cycle.
Now, more than two decades later, the entire album has been newly remastered by longtime Unsane collaborator and engineer Andrew Schneider. All formats will include an extra track, “No Soul,” originally released via Frank Kozik’s now-defunct, infamous Man’s Ruin label as a vinyl-only limited edition. Additionally, the band will release the original six-song demo session recorded at AmRep Studios in Minneapolis, MN. This previously unreleased material will be included in the digital download format and will also be made available for streaming and download.
