Underoath

Underoath


Lost In The Sound Of Separation
I don’t know what Underoath would have to have done to make their latest release a five-star record, but I do know that they definitely didn’t find it. That’s not to say the record isn’t a good one – which it is – but it seems like it’s just another notch in a bedpost. In the past, Underoath has come strong with pushing the envelope and being ahead of the curve in their genre. Back in the day, the metal Underoath gave way to the metalcore Underoath in They’re Only Chasing Safety, a move that catapulted them to the top of their game and gave them immense recognition. When they put out Define The Great Line, they experimented a bit with instrumental tracks to mixed results, but they continued to do well, leaning on the edge of that cliff. And now, with Lost in the Sound of Separation, they seem to have reverted to a version of They’re Only Chasing Safety and not dangled their feet over the cliff, ready to jump. Everything you’d expect from an Underoath record is still there: catchy lyrics and chants, breakdowns, a spastic flurry of guitar riffs and drumming. They re-visit the ethereal vibe of some of the tracks on Define The Great Line, such as in the middle of the song "Too Bright To See" through to the end – it’s less the metalcore Underoath you know and more set-the-mood metal; the obligatory end-of-the-CD instrumental "Desolate Earth" also follows suit. They still bring the heaviness as well – tracks such as the "Anyone" and "We Are The Involuntary" are particularly punishing – but at the same time, I feel like I’ve heard the songs before. While this isn’t always a bad thing, Underoath have set their bar so high, I was expecting either a complete change of direction or songs that would physically push me out of my seat. In the midst of the Underoath career, the record feels like it’s going to be forgettable. It’s like that one year in school where you felt like you did a lot, but couldn’t exactly put a finger on what was so significant about it. [Tooth & Nail] David Stagg



This album review was originally published in the September/October Issue (#133) of HM Magazine. Order the Print Version to read tons more reviews. You can order the Print Version of this issue online or find this issue on newsstands. You can NOW read this entire feature in the online edition of HM Magazine. If you're a subscriber, you get a free online/digital subscription with your print subscription. You can purchase a single online/digital edition (which includes access to back issues) for only $1.99. A one-year digital-only subscription can be had for only $6.




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Comments


 By Arnavick

Thats why I don't buy your magazine. Your reviews of albums are based off bias opinion of there passed albums. You can't have a good judgement of a album if you do that. Because LIFE brings change. Music is the evolution of talent and skill. From the two songs that I heard they are pushing the evelope because they have to recreate this all LIVE. And playing the drums and sings can't be any harder and not only that but heck yeah bring more guitars riffs and insane drum beats that are done with one bass drum petal. If anything they are more in sync than ever. Compare albums if it sounds the same every lp.
I'm looking for a new job can I have yours

 By Arnavick

Thats why I don't buy your magazine. Your reviews of albums are based off bias opinion of there passed albums. You can't have a good judgement of a album if you do that. Because LIFE brings change. Music is the evolution of talent and skill. From the two songs that I heard they are pushing the evelope because they have to recreate this all LIVE. And playing the drums and sings can't be any harder and not only that but heck yeah bring more guitars riffs and insane drum beats that are done with one bass drum petal. If anything they are more in sync than ever. Compare albums if it sounds the same every lp.
I'm looking for a new job can I have yours

 By jared

k.. the review is okey but how can i trust what you say when you give higher ratings to Joy Electric and War of Ages? like comeon // underoath kicks ass and should deserve higher praise than this

 By brad

I think this is a very accurate review. I especially agree with the part, "I was expecting either a complete change of direction or songs that would physically push me out of my seat." It's a bummer that they didn't do either this time around, but if they're up to it for a couple more years, they might be able to squeeze out at least one more amazing album.

 By Alex

Unfortunatly, the review is fairly accurate. I purchased the album recently and discovered that it sounded almost exactly the same as the new Inhale Exhale album (I Swear...). As well as a local band from my home state of Washington known as A Hope For Home, who released thier new indie album "The Everlasting Man"; and it sounds very similar to "Lost in the Sound of Seperation".

 By Paul

I have to highly disagree with this review, incredible album. I have been a fan of Underoath for quite a while now and they went over and beyond my expectations. I thought it was impossible they could ever beat DTGL, they tied id say, very different albums but both incredible.

 By MikeK

Sorry, I prefer reviews based on the actual product at hand - not the review's expectation of what it should or could have been. If you are going to assign numeric ratings, all works should be ranked on a relative scale. No band's "bar" should be set higher than another's simply because of expectations or potential. I'd personally put "L/I/T/S/O/S" up with "The Anti-Mother" as serious contender for record of the year.