Underoath differs from typical heavy metal

Underoath's new CD won't get "lost in the sound" of stereptypical metal rock

Condemning heavy metal on the grounds that it "all sounds the same" is uninformed and unfair. Part of the genre's appeal is its uniformity, but finding a band with the earmarks of the genre while pushing its boundaries is not only satisfying, but rare.

Underoath has seen many incarnations. At the time of their first release in 2002, Act of Depression, Underoath was described as a black metal band with metalcore leanings. This remained true until former lead singer Dallas Taylor left to form the Southern hardcore sensation Maylene and Sons of Disaster. Spencer Chamberlain, who took over for Taylor, released They're Only Chasing Safety with the band in 2004. The album outsold the band's three previous releases combined. In 2006 the band released Define the Great Line, an album that showed a dramatic shift towards a more thickly layered and chaotic sound for the band. Lost in the Sound of Separation, the sixth studio album from Underoath, was released on Sept. 2.

Lost in the Sound of Seperation continues the band's evolution toward innovative frontiers of heavy music. They're Only Chasing Safety was at the forefront of metalcore at its release and multiple bands mimicked what Underoath pioneered with the album. Define The Great Line saw an advancement in Chamberlain's vocal abilities thanks to coaching from Melissa Cross, the infamous instructor and creator of the "Zen of Screaming" DVDs.

What separates the new album from previous material is a solid, thickly layered sound. The album maintains an anthem-like, thunderous sound throughout, helping it stand out from previously released material. Not to say the album is not filled with characteristically chaotic and frenetic moments. Chamberlain's vocals are as furious and enraged as ever and drummer Aaron Gillespie's abilities seem to have developed.

Musically, the album is less concerned with intricate and distinct guitar riffs than creating crashing crescendos and deafening walls of sound. For fans of heavy music, that is exactly what is sought in an album. For those not so enamored with the genre, this album is even more of an acquired taste.

Lost in the Sound of Seperation is not a stereotypical metalcore album. There is nearly no use of double bass, and therefore no breakdowns to speak of, and Gillespie's clean vocals have always been tinged with a whine common of emo bands. This album is not an exercise in lyrical angst or musical weakness. It is perhaps the heaviest and most musically violent album Underoath has released. There is enough signature material to satisfy die-hard fans and enough fresh material to satisfy anyone looking for the next step in a brutal and beautiful genre. Oh, and did I mention that select copies of the album contain golden passes? In keeping with the Chocolate Factory legend, anyone in possession of a golden pass gains free admission to any Underoath show for life. Another item on the list of qualities that sets this album, and this band, apart.

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