Underoath (please don't laugh) recently released their newest full length "Lost In The Sound Of Separation." Underoath has always been known for an unexpected blending of hardcore and emo, but on their latest effort the formula has become far less formulaic. In areas where pop hooks would wrap and surround more abrasive textures on earlier CDs, there's less of a line between the hardcore and metal elements of their sound. In simpler terms, Underoath isn't the same cookie cutter "scream for the sake of attracting 13-year-old girls-band" they used to be.
The opening track bursts to life with bare-bones drumming and screamer Spencer Chamberlain's incomparable range. Sure, range isn't usually something discussed about when it comes to screamers, but honestly, the lows and highs he's capable of pulling off in one breathe turns aggression into an art.
The rest of the album stomps and quivers along, playing with dark and metallic riffs deep enough to live inside. Timothy McTague's guitar is both beautiful and mechanically jarring, and through relative simple riffs, he pulls off what few hardcore, metal, or heavy rock bands can do, and that's find intelligence in the chaos.
Rounding out their melody, drummer and singer Aaron Gillespie adds a human side to their vocals, but much more importantly, his drumming might very easily be one of the biggest stars of the album. Whether it's the mixing, or simply what he's playing, but the drums in "Lost In The Sound Of Separation" are unbelievable when compared to what they've done before.
The single most impressive thing, though, about what they've produced is the maturity. Coming to terms with the very small point of view expressed in typical hardcore and metal is always a tough thing to do for similar bands. How do you progress a sound almost singularly known for stunted aggression and simplicity? While Underoath's newest take on the genre might not impress diehard fans, it does unquestionably transcend.
It may seem odd, but their Christian-rock lens definitely gives them a new perspective. Instead of having metalcore riffs chugging under the typical "glory be to God" message, they bend both mentalities. Lyricists Gillespie and Chamberlain use Christian undertones as a launching point and what comes from it is an aggression and sadness that seems far more genuine then the typical. The loss of innocence stemming from a religious disillusionment is not only incredibly interesting to listen to, but at the same time adds such a natural panic to Chamberlain's guttural cries for help.
Simply put, "Lost In The Sound Of Separation," is constructed from opposites and because of the confidence to push their sound, they make something of which we rarely hear: a hardcore album with depth. If you can get past their history and listen to "รข€¦Sound Of Separation" as just an album, what you'll find will surprise you and in the best way.
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