Underoath - Define The Great Line [2006]

Blasting out of Tampa, Florida comes the melodious sounds of my favorite christian metal band, Underoath. It's about time we get some Underoath up on this blog, so here goes. This is Define The Great Line, their fifth record. Underoath has been around since 1997, but now that drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie has left to work with his other band The Almost, none of the original members remain in the band.

This album has a very powerful and energetic sound, from the kickin intro of In Regards To Myself, and that energy continues throughout the album. One thing that sets Underoath apart from other metal/post-hardcore bands is how perfectly they blend Chamberlain's screams and the chugging guitar parts with Gillespie's beautiful singing and the more peaceful moments. I realize that this style of music is now commonplace, but Underoath is one of the pioneers of this genre and they clearly stand head and shoulders above every other similar band. One listen to this album makes it obvious that they really are quality music rather than just another talentless group jumping on the post-hardcore bandwagon. Their lyrics and vocals, which are possibly my favorite part of Underoath, are truly an unequaled blending of screaming defiance with introspective soul searching.

While they are a christian band, don't let that prevent you from listening to this band. After all, they aren't singing hymns here. As vocalist Spencer Chamberlain says in an interview with Europunk, "It’s not like every song is a lesson from the Bible or something." Their music and lyrics are more about real life experiences and struggles and overcoming them.

The instrumentals on this album are all top-notch with amazing break downs, guitar work, and really standout drumming by Gillespie. There are some some of my favorite moments to rock out to on In Regards To Myself, Moving For The Sake Of Motion, and Writing On The Walls. This is definitely one of my top albums, and one that everyone should give a listen. I can't wait to see what their new album sounds like later this year.

Genre: Metal, Post-Hardcore, Christian,
For Fans Of: The Almost, Saosin, Norma Jean
Contact: Website
Tracklisting:
1. In Regards to Myself
2. A Moment Suspended in Time
3. There Could Be Nothing After This
4. You're Ever So Inviting
5. Sālmarnir
6. Returning Empty Handed
7. Casting Such a Thin Shadow
8. Moving for the Sake of Motion
9. Writing on the Walls
10. Everyone Looks So Good from Here
11. To Whom It May Concern


-T