Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation

[Drew Beringer]

Underoath - Lost In The Sound Of Separation
Release Date: September 2, 2008
Record Label: Tooth & Nail/Solid State

Why do we fall, sir? So that we might learn to pick ourselves up. – Alfred Pennyworth, Batman Begins

When I look back on what has occurred around Underoath over the past two years, this is one quote I think of. There were plenty of highlights in Camp UO, such as 2006’s Define The Great Line being certified gold and debuting at number two on the Billboard. But all of that seemed to get overshadowed with the band’s sudden drop off that summer’s Warped Tour, the near break-up of the band, and vocalist Spencer Chamberlain’s battle with substance abuse and past and present demons. It was a dark time for the Florida sextet. But they fought through it and came out of it stronger than ever, equipped with their sixth studio album, Lost In The Sound Of Separation, preparing to unleash it on the world.

The same team that produced DTGL (Adam Dutkiewicz and Matt Goldman) is back, this time with some mixing help from David Bendeth (Paramore). As a result, eleven tracks were conceived and they are massive. Covering a wide scope of vibes, paces, and directions, Lost In The Sound Of Separation will move you. You’ll be shaken by the monstrous growls from Chamberlain and stunned by the bombastic drumming from Aaron Gillespie. At the same time, the melodies will sooth and calm you, only to betray you in a split second when the huge riffs, crafted by the guitar tandem of Tim McTague and James Smith, overtake your auditory senses. Add in Grant Brandell’s lively bass and keyboardist Chris Dudley’s sense for the atmospheric, and you have the recipe that eclipses – nah, destroys – the work done on DTGL.

To be honest, the first track, “Breathing In A New Mentality,” fooled me. It starts with some riffing and snare hits, pauses, then punches you in the mouth. This song makes DTGL’s opener, “In Regards To Myself,” seem like child’s play. Again, Chamberlain makes it loud and clear that this is his band as his screaming takes command, while Gillespie dominates his kit. Backed by razor sharp guitar chords, this song will make you wish you could turn your volume dial past 10. “Anyone Can Dig A Hole But It Takes A Real Man To Call It Home” wastes no time getting into the groove, as Chamberlain exclaims “We always assume the worst!” and asks “How can I still be alive?” The anxiety shown on this track is a common theme throughout the album. It’s frantic; it’s trying to pick itself up, reaching out for hope.

Gillespie kicks off “A Fault Line, A Fault Of Mine,” a mid-paced song that features a nice dreamy pre-verse with vocals from the drummer, which leads into needling riffs and a crushing bridge as the harmony between Gillespie and Chamberlain soars. Underoath gets a bit industrial on “Emergency Broadcast/The End Is Near,” which channels Nine Inch Nails in the beginning and progresses into their brand of ambient-metal. The pace is slower, but this anthem still hits just as hard. “The Only Survivor Was Miraculously Unharmed” furiously follows, putting the listener in multiple Stone Cold Stunners. One of the (many) highlights throughout the album is Gillespie’s drumming. It gets better with each release and just absolutely dominates this track. The cool part about the song is its transition from straight up brimstone and fire to melodic chanting and staccato drumming. You’ll have no choice but to pump your fist. Tracks like “Coming Down Is Calming Down” and the first single, “Desperate Times, Desperate Measures,” will keep the mosh pit moving and the heads banging, as each track feels like a rollercoaster flailing off the tracks.

“The Created Void” is carried by Chamberlain’s sprawling roars and anchored by Gillespie’s incredible drumming. It’s more melodic than heavy, featuring riffs from McTague and Smith that loop in and out of your ear drums. And with plenty tracks ending loudly, the gentle outro and Gillespie’s meek vocals are a nice reprieve.

The final two tracks are what separate Underoath from the rest of the pack, though. “Too Bright To See, Too Loud To Hear” comes off as a hybrid jam song/almost-ballad. Its sparse beginning is led by Gillespie’s calming vocals and Dudley’s soothing keys and static noises and carries an organic vibe to it. It continually builds up, featuring a gruff singing verse from Chamberlain and addicting handclaps until it crescendos into the emotional storm of cymbals, power chords, and thundering vocals. It’s the most unique Underoath song you’ll find in their entire back catalog, thus showcasing the evolution of the band while maintaining their core sound. The unpredictability continues with closer “Desolate Earth/The End Is Here.” Electronic beats and lingering piano chords from Dudley sets the mood, and when the strings kick in, you are encompassed by the stunning beauty of the track, as it cleanses your mind and ears. When you think you’ve finally reached your utopia, guitars start spinning in, lifting the song to another level, followed by Chamberlain’s triumphant shouts to the heavens. In an album paced by desperation and anxiety, the final theme and message is hope.

While some publication’s early previews of Lost In The Sound Of Separation claimed the album as more experimental, I see it as refinement. Underoath made huge strides from 2004’s screamo-pop They’re Only Chasing Safety to the heavy Define The Great Line, and they continue to do so with Separation. It takes the best parts of DTGL and fine tune it. Whatever hit hard on that album hits harder here, leaving a resounding effect on the listener. Lyrically, Chamberlain continues to reveal his pain, his triumphs, his failures, and his success into well-articulated lyrics. As for those wary of the religious undertones, last time I checked you don’t have to be associated with any religion to experience pain and find hope, making Chamberlain’s words extremely relatable, regardless of what you believe.

Call it hype, call it whatever you want, but Lost In The Sound Of Separation is the real deal. There are no clichés on this record; it’s unpredictable and ear-splitting, full of ferocity and melody. Underoath tells a story of falling into the darkest times of your life and digging yourself out, reminding that you’re not alone. In a bleak world, Lost In The Sound Of Separation is a shot of optimism, piercing through the darkness.

Track Listing:
1. Breathing In A New Mentality
2. Anyone Can Dig A Hole But It Takes A Real Man To Call It Home
3. A Fault Line, A Fault Of Mine
4. Emergency Broadcast/The End Is Near
5. The Only Survivor Was Miraculously Unharmed
6. We Are The Involuntary
7. The Created Void
8. Coming Down Is Calming Down
9. Desperate Times, Desperate Measures
10. Too Bright To See, Too Loud To Hear
11. Desolate Earth/The End Is Here
Produced by: Adam Dutkiewicz, Matt Goldman
Mixed by: David Bendeth

Underoath are:
Spencer Chamberlain - screamed vocals/rhythm guitar
Tim McTague – lead guitar/backing vocals
James Smith – rhythm guitar
Chris Dudley – keyboards/synthesizers
Grant Brandell - bass guitar
Aaron Gillespie - drums/clean vocals

Official Website (http://www.underoath777.com)’ Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/underoath); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/underoath); Septembeard! (http://www.septembeard.com)

[liar23]

good, and long, review

[MyWorldEntire]

Like I said in your blog, best review I've seen on this site. I didn't think there was any way they could top DTGL, but it seems like it's a real possibility.

[Bryant]

Great review and definitely one of my most anticipated albums.

I'm not too into screaming, but UnderOath does it for me.

[Gumbyjag]

like i said, intense review. i only hope it lives up to that 95.

[tait]

god, i can't wait for this

[drewz5]

i got the chills just reading the review.
stoked for this album

[Jamie Pham]

sweet review!

[Heart-A-Tact]

This album's release is too far away. Great review.

[_><_]

Great review. I'm dying to hear this.

[isae]

i think it should habe been reviewed in late august, not late july. i mean, it comes out in september. by that time, everyone has forgotten about this review... which is quite good nonetheless.

[TooLateF0rRoses]

very well written review friend. oh and your use of the word bombastic? amazing. It is a word that is not used enough.

[princesschad]

Great review, can't wait for this.

[johnandwhisper]

even though none of us have listened to it i'm sure it will live up to that 95 and possibly even surpass it...

i got chills down my spine as i read your review, cheers!

[ddb43]

Nice review. You've actually made me want to listen to this even though I've never been a fan of UnderOath.

[teenagetwilight]

Uh, 95%? 10 at Reviewer's Tilt? No, just no.

[Jason Tate]

Uh, 95%? 10 at Reviewer's Tilt? No, just no.
Opinions are bad!! Bad little opinions! Punish them!!!

[meghanlail]

Uh, 95%? 10 at Reviewer's Tilt? No, just no.

Reviewer's tilt is his personal opinion. You can't tell him what to think of an album.


Awesome review, though. I am so ready for this.

[Matthew Tsai]

personally, i'd give it a 9.5 for a reviewer tilt, but 10, 9.5, same thing pretty much

it is this good

[so typical]

i need it bad.

[Drew Beringer]

i think it should habe been reviewed in late august, not late july. i mean, it comes out in september. by that time, everyone has forgotten about this review... which is quite good nonetheless.
It'll probably be reposted as a news item the week before its release. :-)

[aspartame]

I enjoyed DTGL, but I kept feeling as if there was something missing, something not done well enough. It may just have been the fact that Writing On The Walls sucked. If this record is better executed and fills that awkward void, that would be amazing.

[Andrew Love]

great job man.cannot wait for this!

[Kbm600]

This is the best review I've seen on this site, hands down. Great review. I cannot wait to hear this.

[yannicinco]

It'll probably be reposted as a news item the week before its release. :-)


Haha I was wondering why this review isn't all over the front page right now. I assumed you guys were keeping this review low key until it gets closer to the release date. I was anxious on whether or not this new album can even do anything to top DTGL, but your review pretty much obliterated said thoughts. I still have to hear it first, but this review relieved a lot of skepticism for me.

[coryatlarge]

Great review and definitely one of my most anticipated albums.

I'm not too into screaming, but UnderOath does it for me.
this is the case with me as well.... i'm not a fan of screaming really but underoath is just different......

[yannicinco]

this is the case with me as well.... i'm not a fan of screaming really but underoath is just different......



That's the difference I noticed with Underoath's style. DTGL wasn't hardcore brutal, but it was still very heavy in terms of mainstream standards. Their sound is accessible to a wide audience, even towards people who can't stand screaming most of the time. I have a few friends who hated screaming bands before I introduced them to UO, and they happened to like their music.

[Drew Beringer]

Haha I was wondering why this review isn't all over the front page right now. I assumed you guys were keeping this review low key until it gets closer to the release date. I was anxious on whether or not this new album can even do anything to top DTGL, but your review pretty much oblirated said thoughts. I still have to hear it first, but this review relieved a lot of skepticism for me.
It'll be posted in the news on Monday (didn't want to overshadow the other 3 great reviews we have up) and then it'll probably be reposted the week of Sept 2.

[coryatlarge]

That's the difference I noticed with Underoath's style. DTGL wasn't hardcore brutal, but it was still very heavy in terms of mainstream standards. Their sound is accessible to a wide audience, even towards people who can't stand screaming most of the time. I have a few friends who hated screaming bands before I introduced them to UO, and they happened to like their music.
its like a gateway band to screamo haha

[Drew Beringer]

IMO, Underoath now is more of a gateway to more metal/ambient metal.

[yannicinco]

Yeah, I wasn't thinking screamo at all when I heard DTGL. They're Only Chasing Safety may have branded them as a part of that genre, but dtgl opened up the doors for people who don't usually listened to metalcore. I'm sure uo didn't take a heavier direction because they wanted to stop their old metal fans from whining, but rather so that the general audience wouldn't be so close minded about their music. They proved that they are capable of writing their own style, the music they themselves love, and gain a wider range of listeners at the same time. It also shows that metalcore doesn't always require the overuse of chugging/squealing guitars and repetitive song formulas.

[Drew Beringer]

I can barely even listen to TOCS now, I've always thought it sounded like TBS with metal breakdowns and more screaming.

[gonfreaks]

Great review. I am amazingly excited for this album.

[loj]

best review i've ever read on AP (and i've read far too many). stellar job.

and i agree that this needs to be reposted around release time.

[DItaliaO]

im so stoked for this. the new single is phenomenal!

[Sic Transit Zeb]

really good review Drew, you got me even more pumped for it. this is the best review I've read from you for sure.

[blindrider529]

For me that was one of, if not THEE most affective review I've read on AP.net

From what I'd heard so far I felt like it was going to be another Define...which I wouldn't mind, but that doesn't get me hyped much.

Good job, Drew! Not until reading this review have I been this excited to hear what's next

[xeightoh3xx]

putting the listener in multiple Stone Cold Stunners.

lolololol

[Daniel Thompson]

damn! 95%?!
I'll be picking this up as well

[Seven-Tx7]

Spencer plays some rhythm guitar on this????

[airik625]

Holy shit, awesome review.

can't wait to get my hands on this.

[yannicinco]

I can barely even listen to TOCS now, I've always thought it sounded like TBS with metal breakdowns and more screaming.


Yeah, I liked tocs a lot, but after DTGL released, I almost immediately forgot about that album. I'll give it a break and say it was a transition record (in between a crapload of member changes, especially with Chamberlain stepping in) and wasn't bad at all for a band that pretty much had to start from scratch all over again. Plus it kinda set up what was to come for DTGL, with songs like I Don't Feel Very Receptive Today and Young and Aspiring . Last time I recall though, most of that album was written by Aaron Gillespie and if it weren't for Chamberlain's screaming vocals, it's not quite far off from The Almost's sound. Chamberlain wanted to step in and let his presence known in DTGL. And according to your review, he further enforces that fact. I recall in an interview, that Spencer himself hated TOCS lol.

[fadedmemories]

beautiful review, now I really can't wait for september 2

[Shotgun Funeral]

I get a strange sensation in my stomach every hour when I check to see if this has leaked yet...

[reissgoespunk]

I cannot wait for this!

Brilliant review, dude.

[CellarGhosts]

I'm sorry but I think the highest rating I'd ever give Underoath on anything they've done would be, at the most, a 10%.

Well written review though.

[cscwell107]

Waiting for this and "We all need a reason to believe" is gonna be tough

[seraph1214]

I'm so pumped for this release. September is gonna be a huge month. New albums from Underoath, Bayside, Anberlin and T.I. make the wait almost unbearable.

[saving jonathan]

I really loved Define The Great Line. I thought it was so much better than anything else being put out in this genre.
I'm happy to hear that they are continuing that with this record.
Nice review Drew!

[Loch_Doun]

I'm pretty stoked that Spencer actually sings on this album. What I learned from the acoustic youtube videos is that he really does have a great singing voice.

[SAOsurviveSTD]

Great review Drew, I always love reading your reviews. I'm definitely going to be checking this out. DFTGL blew me away the ifrst time I heard it, it is still a favorite of mine. To hear this hits even harder... well, I'm excited :)

[pshh]

DAMN, this is making me so excited.

95% I didn't expect that, resurrection indeed.

Great review.

[newfoundmichael]

Both reviews I've read of this album (this one and the one in Alternative Press) seem to tell me I won't be upset by this release. I'm about ten times more excited for this album after reading both of those. Nice review.

[teenagetwilight]

Opinions are bad!! Bad little opinions! Punish them!!!

I gave my opinion as well.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

:-0 I Cannot Wait For This.

[YeahRiight]

oh my lordy, that was an amazing review. so stoked for this album

ps i liked how you said stone cold stunners haha WWF throwback.

[YeahRiight]

Yeah, I liked tocs a lot, but after DTGL released, I almost immediately forgot about that album. I'll give it a break and say it was a transition record (in between a crapload of member changes, especially with Chamberlain stepping in) and wasn't bad at all for a band that pretty much had to start from scratch all over again. Plus it kinda set up what was to come for DTGL, with songs like I Don't Feel Very Receptive Today and Young and Aspiring . Last time I recall though, most of that album was written by Aaron Gillespie and if it weren't for Chamberlain's screaming vocals, it's not quite far off from The Almost's sound. Chamberlain wanted to step in and let his presence known in DTGL. And according to your review, he further enforces that fact. I recall in an interview, that Spencer himself hated TOCS lol.

Chris mentioned something similar in an interview I had with him. He talked a lot about how the band was in such a transition period when they wrote TOCS,.

"When we wrote 'They're Only Chasing Safety' as a unit, we had only been together a few months," Dudley said. "I think that that record was immature in a lot of ways just because we didn't really know a whole lot about each other as far as musical writing process goes, and we weren't as comfortable writing with each other."

I think the sound that we are seeing now is exactly what UO have always wanted to sound like.

BTW you can check out the whole interview here: UnderOATH Interview (http://www.daily49er.com/olddiversions/1.91911)

[hockeyguitar99]

Great review,

not a huge fan of this genre but I really like this band.

[fadedmemories]

Waiting for this and "We all need a reason to believe" is gonna be tough
yup

[billyboatkid]

Great review. Made me really excited to check this out.

[Jason Tate]

I gave my opinion as well.
Um ... that was not an opinion.

[SexyJeff]

Thank you Drew for re-affirming my choice to pre-order the deluxe edition. Obviously the album has been sent out to be reviewed so I wonder how long until it leaks. I know it ruins the surprise of listening to an album the first day it comes out, but I'm always interested in hearing demos/unfinished versions of songs to see how they can evolve through a bands songwriting process. I actually like some of the unfinished songs found on the first leak of DTGL than the official tracks.

[Wyatt!!!]

Gah. Why'd you have to review this, I want it way too much.

[handlikesecret]

excellent review! i am looking forward to this album even more now. i love this band, i really do.

[micahistheballs]

Very good review. Despite loving Define the Great Line, I was rather unexcited about this for whatever reason and that just changed due to this review.

[teenagetwilight]

Um ... that was not an opinion.

Yes it was, but it looks like I made it unclear. My apologies.

[handlikesecret]

Um ... that was not an opinion.
my opinion is that you can't have an opinion! M-(

[LikeEatingGlass]

As for those wary of the religious undertones, last time I checked you don’t have to be associated with any religion to experience pain and find hope, making Chamberlain’s words extremely relatable, regardless of what you believe.

Nicely balanced point of view there. Furthermore, an excellent review.

Can't wait for this...

[saysmydoctor]

Yes it was, but it looks like I made it unclear. My apologies.
No trust me, dipshit, you didn't give an opinion. You made some vague statement trying to question the reviewer's credibility because the scores he gave. What's striking is you questioned the wrong one, the Reviewer's Tilt. Of course that one is going to have a lot of bias. That's the concept. Hang yourself with some shoelace.

Meanwhile, Drew, nice review. I've always had this preconceived idea that no one on this site liked Underoath, especially the reviewers and most especially Jason Tate. But Tate seems to like it a lot and your review was pretty splendidifiris so I'll be buying this.

[leftapart]

Wow, that left me breathless, and speechless, just wow. I'm not sure what to say after reading that. I just hope this album is as extraordinary as you profess it to be. BEAUTIFUL review; bravo.

[jwoody]

i.....man...haven't heard a single thing from this other than desperate times....but sick review. i expect and count on a fantastic album each and every time they put one out. sounds a lot like the concept of dtgl...but i'm sure it's incredible nevertheless. thank you drew.

[MarkyMark1984]

oh man, i am getting excited now. the first single felt like just DTGL pt. 2 but it seems like it will grow into something more.

[maniac R.O.D.]

Wasn't too excited about this release until i read this review..Very good job. I am really looking forward to those last 2 tracks now.

[tonyC4L]

Nice review. I've been hearing nothing but great things about this album, and I'm really hoping it lives up to that 95.

[MyNameIsRoss]

Damnit, I wasn't even going to check this out, now I might have to.

[Hockeywall]

I've never really given underoath too deep of a listen, but this review makes me want the album. Great review.

[Moira Amiss]

gah! i want my pre-order now! great review, though. it definitely makes the waiting a little bit tougher, but i think i can imagine my way through the album just by reading this review, so thank you for that. :-)

[ElectricOceans]

Spencer Chamberlain - rhythm guitar??

[Timetoroll]

Man, that review was amazing. Thanks Drew.

[timb89]

lol we get it aaron can drum
nice review

i really enjoyed the pop hardcore thing they did with TOCS

[myplasticyou]

alt press gave this five stars

[boykosaurus]

Any way to pre-order this bad boy?

edit: silly question, nevermind

[bencoles]

This band are so far ahead of the rest of the pack.

[ship of fools]

95?? really. this is about to get intense.

[AdamChildress]

Define the Great Line was an incredible album. I am most definitely excited for this, a bit apprehensive though, but this review does make me feel a little bit better about.

[tomgreen680]

i think im gonna love this album. DTGL was good but they seemed to be pushing the "metal" sound hard just to get away from TOCS. This album sounds thought out and epic. just the way i like it. (thats what she said)

[Sandie-Jenkins]

oh shit i'm stoked!!!

Alternative Press gave it 5/5 too!!!

[Battle Hymns]

"putting the listener in multiple Stone Cold Stunners."

I'll give this a listen based soley on that quote.

[ddojo]

“The Only Survivor Was Miraculously Unharmed” furiously follows, putting the listener in multiple Stone Cold Stunners.

I hope that becomes an ad quote, or a sticker quote for the album.

[Everiggs]

Oh dude...I cannot wait now.

[goodnewsgeorge]

holy shit, this review makes me want to kill to get my hands on the cd
haha

any word on the free car with the special deluxe edition? :Dhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/geowongyt/uoathcar.jpg

[Alex DiVincenzo]

I wasn't too excited about this, but the review made me quite interested

[Keagan Ilvonen]

gahhhhh you made it sound better then I was hoping it would be. Do wanttttttttt

[Jake Denning]

Man people have this already, im just FREAKING out for it to leak.

(i'm pre-ordering, so the Moral Police can walk on home)

[andrew4045]

need

[dtrzcin]

IMO, Underoath now is more of a gateway to more metal/ambient metal.

Can you recommend some bands in this vein? Melodic ambient metal or whatever. I can't say I'm a metal fan at all, but I enjoy what UO has to offer. I just don't feel like having to sift through tons of garbage to find something I'd like.

[Jet Set Paul]

Great Review. Can't wait to hear this album.

[woominlee2]

Wow, something greater than DTGL is possible then huh? I can't wait to see for myself.

[hailthewarrior]

Oh Drew, I need to hear this. This review got me a whole lot more excited for this release than AltPress's did.

[cloakedarbiter]

"To be honest, the first track, “Breathing In A New Mentality,” fooled me. It starts with some riffing and snare hits, pauses, then punches you in the mouth. This song makes DTGL’s opener, “In Regards To Self,” seem like child’s play."

That quote alone is pumping me up so much to get this album... I didn't think Underoath could get ANY BETTER with "In Regards To Self." WOW, I AM EXCITED FOR THIS!

[coryatlarge]

Oh Drew, I need to hear this. This review got me a whole lot more excited for this release than AltPress's did.
agreed

[SandManTEND13]

Nice review!! I am really excited for this to drop

[iseethesun123]

Just listening to Desperate Times Desperate Measures makes me wet my pants everytime with excitement for the whole record. This is going to be so raw and powerful

[irthesteve]

so are there more Aaron vocals this time around, or about the same as on DTGL? His lack of vocals really hurt the last cd in my opinion

[CrenshawPunch]

Can you recommend some bands in this vein? Melodic ambient metal or whatever. I can't say I'm a metal fan at all, but I enjoy what UO has to offer. I just don't feel like having to sift through tons of garbage to find something I'd like.

deftones.

[Cheesus]

i got the chills just reading the review.
stoked for this album
Same here. What an excellent review. This is my most anticipated release of '08

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Can you recommend some bands in this vein? Melodic ambient metal or whatever. I can't say I'm a metal fan at all, but I enjoy what UO has to offer. I just don't feel like having to sift through tons of garbage to find something I'd like.

Nothing like Underoath, but Isis, Neurosis, and Jesu are probably the top "ambient metal" bands

[Brohio!]

I can not wait for this!

[eversoinviting]

Good review. It really adds to my excitement.

[Neo Cassady]

The only thing I can stand from this band is TOCS.

/prepares for the shitstorm.

That said, this review made me want to at least give it a listen.

[Clark]

I can barely even listen to TOCS now, I've always thought it sounded like TBS with metal breakdowns and more screaming.
It does, I've said that as well, but I love TBS so I love They're Only Chasing Safety.

A few small mistakes in an otherwise excellent review:

This song makes DTGL’s opener, “In Regards To Self,” seem like child’s play.
In Regards to Myself

At the same time, the melodies will sooth and calm you, only to betray you in a split second when the huge riffs, crafted by the guitar tandem of Tim McTague and James Smith, overtook your auditory senses.
overtake

[Ailite]

Great review Drew, I really enjoyed reading this and I'm now very excited to hear this album, where as I was kind of on the fence before.

[altemose09]

Author's Rating
Vocals 9.5
Musicianship 9.5
Lyrics 9
Production 9.75
Creativity 9
Lasting Value 9.75
Reviewer Tilt 10
Final Verdict: 95%
oh my. i am sooooooo pumped!

[rollerman4221]

I cant wait

[Wolf I Am!]

Good Review, I am pumped! (The last sentence of your review is EPIC!!)

[guiguedz]

i think it should habe been reviewed in late august, not late july. i mean, it comes out in september. by that time, everyone has forgotten about this review... which is quite good nonetheless.

Don't worry, it will probably leak before that. And yeah, great review!

[werealldudes19]

after reading this. i need new underoath now

[Chemical Love]

95% seems pretty high.

[Xe1881]

Am i the only who is tired of this underoath hype? i mean to me, after TOCS everything sounds the same and is produced by the same people. i guess i am just "over" underoath. i'll never forget spencer kissing my hand though.

[dtrzcin]

Nothing like Underoath, but Isis, Neurosis, and Jesu are probably the top "ambient metal" bands

I've got Jesu stuff, but that's more drone. I'm looking for the upbeat stuff. The other guy said Deftones. So I'm gonna check them out.

[dtrzcin]

Nothing like Underoath, but Isis, Neurosis, and Jesu are probably the top "ambient metal" bands

I've got Jesu stuff, but that's more drone. I'm looking for the upbeat stuff. The other guy said Deftones. So I'm gonna check them out.

[Big_Guy]

Deftones are borderline nu-metal. good shit, but when I think of ambient metal I think Isis and Cult Of Luna......

[Drew Beringer]

Deftones are borderline nu-metal. good shit, but when I think of ambient metal I think Isis and Cult Of Luna......
yeah, the first two Deftones' albums were borderline nu-metal. White Pony changed the game and bands like Thrice got influence from that. Definitely not ambient-metal. The other two bands you mentioned though definitely are.

[youngmountain]

Can you recommend some bands in this vein? Melodic ambient metal or whatever. I can't say I'm a metal fan at all, but I enjoy what UO has to offer. I just don't feel like having to sift through tons of garbage to find something I'd like.
you could try some cult of luna which is what i would call ambient metal, or try out some envy http://www.myspace.com/officialenvy. But i think what your looking for is more along the lines of taken http://www.myspace.com/takenlives whom i would recomend any fan of underoath to check out (make sure you listen to anything off "between two unseens" especially eternity was on our lips, have a search for this song, its worth it), or some early hopesfall (the "no wings to speak of" ep or the "the satellite years"). lemme know what you think

[SemiFict10n]

Awesome review, I'm seeing them tonight! I can't wait

[bung]

Sigh

[Fin.]

Great review! I can't wait to pick up this album!

[Festivus]

I've never been into Underoath, but I think this review has convinced me that I need to check it out.

[Gustavatron.]

Looking at the score was like a punch in the stomach. My next 28 days are going to be hell.

[TellYourFriends]

I was on the fence about if I was going to check this out, but I believe this has swayed me. It's made me rather excited for it.

[arson]

I'm so excited for this record!

[wtfmates]

God, I want to listen to this. It's a really good review by the way.

[absolutecrunnk]

95 seems a little intense

[Nick Le]

Great review...i'm so stoked for this and i'm hoping it's as good as you say.

[altemose09]

95 seems a little intense
intense is good

[d00d81that]

amen.
drew, you really did this album review justice. i am officially excited for this.

[doyouhas?]

everyone on this site rates things FAR too high. i dont care how much you like it. a 95!? for and underoath record!? thats ridiculous. you need to reevaluate how you rate cds.

[teenagetwilight]

No trust me, dipshit, you didn't give an opinion. You made some vague statement trying to question the reviewer's credibility because the scores he gave. What's striking is you questioned the wrong one, the Reviewer's Tilt. Of course that one is going to have a lot of bias. That's the concept. Hang yourself with some shoelace.

If I had reviewed it, I wouldn't give a 10 for Reviewer's Tilt. That's what I meant, although I haven't specified it, but there you go. No need to get agressive.

[Jason Tate]

everyone on this site rates things FAR too high. i dont care how much you like it. a 95!? for and underoath record!? thats ridiculous. you need to reevaluate how you rate cds.
Effectively saying: you don't care how much they like it - they shouldn't like it that much.

:rolleyes:

[hailthewarrior]

everyone on this site rates things FAR too high. i dont care how much you like it. a 95!? for and underoath record!? thats ridiculous. you need to reevaluate how you rate cds.

as you've not heard it, unless im mistaken, how do you know its not a 95?

[Gustavatron.]

as you've not heard it, unless im mistaken, how do you know its not a 95?
Because Radiohead are better!

[The Breeze]

I'm sorry but I think the highest rating I'd ever give Underoath on anything they've done would be, at the most, a 10%.

Well written review though.

Why even bother posting on an underoath review then. I never understand why this band gets hated on so much sometimes.

[doyouhas?]

as you've not heard it, unless im mistaken, how do you know its not a 95?

im not talking about just this cd, im talking about cd reviews is general on this site. they are always insanely high. there are VERY few cds that deserve a ninety five. that should be reserved for the the top few hundred cds of all time. and i dont underoath is going to make it into that category.

[doyouhas?]

Because Radiohead are better!


i really hope you think underoath is better than radiohead. i really, really do.

[doyouhas?]

Effectively saying: you don't care how much they like it - they shouldn't like it that much.

:rolleyes:

*see above posts

[Litost]

i always enjoy your reviews drew but this is probably the best one i've read so far. makes me way more excited for the release then i already was. i enjoyed dtgl a lot.

[Jason Tate]

im not talking about just this cd, im talking about cd reviews is general on this site. they are always insanely high. there are VERY few cds that deserve a ninety five. that should be reserved for the the top few hundred cds of all time. and i dont underoath is going to make it into that category.
Why should they be reserved for the top 100 CDs of all time?

[doyouhas?]

Why should they be reserved for the top 100 CDs of all time?


uh, because theres only about that many cds that are worthy of a score this high. a 95 is saying this album is basically flawless and one of the greatest albums ever created. try looking at some other reviews for this cd when they start coming out, and youre probably going to notice theyre not anywhere close to a 95.

[Jason Tate]

uh, because theres only about that many cds that are worthy of a score this high. a 95 is saying this album is basically flawless and one of the greatest albums ever created. try looking at some other reviews for this cd when they start coming out, and youre probably going to notice theyre not anywhere close to a 95.
Wait, what is the reason for there only being a select number of CDs worthy of a score this high? Do you have any reason for that? Why are you just deciding that there's a limit?

A 95 is not saying the album is basically flawless or one of the greatest albums ever created. You're saying that - a number's not saying that at all.

I will look at other reviews - but I'm not going to compare numbers and assume they A) mean much of anything, B) mean the same things, C) can get me to throw a hissy fit in a review thread.

DTGL received perfect scores from a number of publications.

[The Indiecast]

Listening to Desperate Times, Desperate Measures right now. I cant wait for this.

[The Indiecast]

uh, because theres only about that many cds that are worthy of a score this high. a 95 is saying this album is basically flawless and one of the greatest albums ever created. try looking at some other reviews for this cd when they start coming out, and youre probably going to notice theyre not anywhere close to a 95.

Actually AP gave this a 5/5, and on their new rating system, there has only been one other perfect score. I'd venture to guess its pretty good.

[doyouhas?]

Actually AP gave this a 5/5, and on their new rating system, there has only been one other perfect score. I'd venture to guess its pretty good.

id venture to say people are idiots.

[Gustavatron.]

im not talking about just this cd, im talking about cd reviews is general on this site. they are always insanely high. there are VERY few cds that deserve a ninety five. that should be reserved for the the top few hundred cds of all time. and i dont underoath is going to make it into that category.For me, they did with Define The Great Line. To hell with the past!

i really hope you think underoath is better than radiohead. i really, really do.
I do. I really, really do.

[allthruwinter]

I liked this review, and though I have yet to hear the album, I have reason to believe in every word of praise you gave it. Underoath have always hit a nerve with me and I'm really stoked on this album.

[TheFallenAngel]

I hate people who can't get over the fact that a band that screams can make not just a good, but a BRILLIANT, album.

I have not heard this yet, but after reading the review, and loving DTGL so much, I fully expect this to live up to the 95% it got from Drew.

Great review, can't wait for this to drop

[Silver Bullets]

Great review. Makes me want to hear all the more

[Silver Bullets]

Actually AP gave this a 5/5, and on their new rating system, there has only been one other perfect score. I'd venture to guess its pretty good.


Yeah, that's promising, but they also gave the Reign of Kindo 1 star, which is ridiculous

[i am]

i was already insanely excited for this album, and your review just kicked it up a notch. very nicely written review.

[The Indiecast]

Yeah, that's promising, but they also gave the Reign of Kindo 1 star, which is ridiculous

Not saying they sometimes rate too low because they do, but they rarely rate something high when its not good.

[CarouselBoy]

that's a pretty high score. Never been too into Underoath but I'll def be checking this out, if not for this review

[bloodyr0mance87]

excellent review! this album is going to melt faces. i can NOT wait!! everything i read and hear about it just makes it seem more phenomenal.

[lew_1987]

"putting the listener in multiple Stone Cold Stunners."

I laughed at that bit.

[Shatter_Glass]

“'The Only Survivor Was Miraculously Unharmed' furiously follows, putting the listener in multiple Stone Cold Stunners." --haha, Love it! Really looking forward to this record, even more so now.

[Big_Guy]

you could try some cult of luna which is what i would call ambient metal, or try out some envy http://www.myspace.com/officialenvy. But i think what your looking for is more along the lines of taken http://www.myspace.com/takenlives whom i would recomend any fan of underoath to check out (make sure you listen to anything off "between two unseens" especially eternity was on our lips, have a search for this song, its worth it), or some early hopesfall (the "no wings to speak of" ep or the "the satellite years"). lemme know what you think

Taken is amazing.


everybody should check them out

[12ave]

:-| SUM1 HELP ME FIND THIS FAST!!!!! PM ME IF YOU GOT A SITE TO STREAM OR DOWNLOAD! I realy think im gonna buy the suitcase, its gonna be my greatest album of all time even if Holding A Wolf By The Ears is pretty hard to beat.

[youngmountain]

Taken is amazing.


everybody should check them out
Yeh the between two unseens ep is absolutely amazing, I seriously think every song on it is perfect. I can't believe so many people on here jizz over underoath yet havnt heard these guys, I strongly recomend them.

Really looking forward to LITSOS after this review though.

[Regards]

I was not looking forward to this album til this review.

[tslxmilesapart]

cant fcuking wait for this

[jpenico]

how did the member's review get down to a 40 something?

[SandManTEND13]

Very nice review, but I dont understand why the member ratings are so low? If this tops DTGL then good for them, that cd was a huge stride but this step could be bigger. I am excited for this release

[Cheesus]

Very nice review, but I dont understand why the member ratings are so low? If this tops DTGL then good for them, that cd was a huge stride but this step could be bigger. I am excited for this release
Haha, it because all the haters give it 0.25/10.0 because they feel like being dicks.

[jpenico]

Haha, it because all the haters give it 0.25/10.0 because they feel like being dicks.

douche-****. This album is going to be fantastic. Underoath is so different than any band I've heard, and if you think im full of it...i dont care. :)

[Cheesus]

douche-****. This album is going to be fantastic. Underoath is so different than any band I've heard, and if you think im full of it...i dont care. :)
lolwut? why would you be full of it for stating your opinion? and yes, underoath is amazing

[yannicinco]

Haha, it because all the haters give it 0.25/10.0 because they feel like being dicks.



Pretty much, I don't see how people would have already listened to the album unless the entire thing has already been leaked. What a bunch of douche bags.

I never rely on member ratings anyway.

[Cheesus]

Pretty much, I don't see how people would have already listened to the album unless the entire thing has already been leaked. What a bunch of douche bags.

I never rely on member ratings anyway.
/agreed. People will always need something to hate. Underoath are a bunch of solid guys who write extremely heart felt, meaningful music.

[SexyJeff]

id venture to say people are idiots.

...Says he who was just Pwnd by Jason Tate. Haha. Dude you're fucking ridiculous. Stop trying to be such a music elitist. Let people have their personal opinions. I don't think it is possible to even attempt to create a list of the greatest albums ever. It all boils down to personal opinion. Always remember that beauty is within the eye of the beholder.

[yannicinco]

Seriously though, people need to calm the fuck down when they see a high score for a band they happen not to like. Drew never asked for people to like this album. He wrote this review out of his personal opinion, and that fans of underoath would undoubtedly love this new record. If people who haven't given underoath much a chance in the past are persuaded by this review, then more power to them. It seriously gets on my nerves when people in this site think they're better than others just because they have a bigger library of music. I admittingly don't have a ridiculously vast list of favorite bands. But I can state one thing: I like underoath and I'm psyched to get this new record. And if someone decides to act superior and mock me for liking the band, they can go fuck themselves.

If you want to state your opinion about a certain band, negative or positive, go ahead and do it. I'm sure most people would be more than happy to debate with you while respecting your opinion. But don't fucking go around suggesting to 'reevaluate' their review scores (aka OPINIONS).

[joshy hizzle]

It HAS to deserve at least a 95, and thats probably being modest..

[jpenico]

lolwut? why would you be full of it for stating your opinion? and yes, underoath is amazing

good point sir. :)

[cereal4life]

:-| SUM1 HELP ME FIND THIS FAST!!!!! PM ME IF YOU GOT A SITE TO STREAM OR DOWNLOAD! I realy think im gonna buy the suitcase, its gonna be my greatest album of all time even if Holding A Wolf By The Ears is pretty hard to beat.

Hahaha

[dingy]

My anticipation for the album has only increased. This is one of the most well written reviews I've read on ap. Excellent job!

[Hamlet]

I still say the album cover looks like a cross between Pink Floyd's The Wall and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

[tslxmilesapart]

im surprised this hasnt leaked yet

[jaredCoO]

The way Underoath's going, I can't see them going down anytime soon.

I cant wait to see a record that tops DFTGL, and all the sound, fury, and hope it carries...
Hurry on September!

[awakeohsleeper]

I cannot wait.

[Xe1881]

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r288/xe18/Picture8-4.png

damn, spee thats a face only a mother could love. brush them teeth gah.

[whatitdo1787]

Looks like my guess from a few days might just be right, Underoath's fall headlining is with Saosin and TDWP.

http://www.livenation.com/event/getEvent/eventId/334881/

[yannicinco]

Underoath and Saosin? That alone is intense. Hopefully they get the full touring schedule out.

[Jake Denning]

hhahahahahhaa! The Suitcases sold out within 20 minutes....n00b.

[solo.nate]

Yeah, Underoath and Saosin is like, a DREAM show. When they come to Portland, I am SO there.

Am i the only who is tired of this underoath hype? i mean to me, after TOCS everything sounds the same and is produced by the same people. i guess i am just "over" underoath. i'll never forget spencer kissing my hand though.

Wow... You sound like one of those people who stops listening to bands just because they get big. And that's not cool. So are you saying you ONLY liked They're Only Chasing Safety? Because everything before that record was pretty shitty. I personally really love TOCS, but their new stuff completely SQUASHES that album. You're sure complaining a lot, considering the only CD that's been released since TOCS is Define The Great Line. And having not heard the new CD in its entirety, you have no basis for complaining about it sounding the same and being produced by the same people. Because A) Those producers are AMAZING. I'm especially fond of Matt Goldman. and B) Although their newer stuff all fits within the genre they've created for themselves, each song definitely has its own feel. Have you actually LISTENED to DTGL? It's practically flawless.

id venture to say people are idiots.

I see a lot more people AGREEING than DISAGREEING with the reviewer's opinion of Underoath. You are the minority, my friend. Perhaps, in this case, YOU are the "idiot." Go listen to music that fits in your little box of approval and stop complaining about reviews that feature bands in genres that you probably don't even care for.

Peace.

[B.G.]

This review makes me happy knowing i pre-ordered this album

[liveloud4life]

Why does this even have a member rating if no one's heard it?

[3eb23]

“The Only Survivor Was Miraculously Unharmed” furiously follows, putting the listener in multiple Stone Cold Stunners." If it's anything like this, I can't wait to hear it...
dGaoKz6i_Ms
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGaoKz6i_Ms)

[SomedayTheFire]

I cant wait for this to come out :-). "The Only Survivor" is REALLY good :-)

[Daniel Thompson]

95!? Damn

[The Plague]

I can't wait for this album. I also agree that everyone needs to check out "Taken" ,They're a very good band!

[boscorelli]

lmao 95, who do you think they are the beatles?

[After Hours]

I can. Not. Wait. to hear this.

[yannicinco]

lmao 95, who do you think they are the beatles?



No.

95% means Drew liked this album. A lot.

[thedondeluge]

I loved Define the Great Line, and if this album surpasses the greatness of that album I will be extremely happy.

[Nolessthanblink]

So fucking stoked for this record!

[thedondeluge]

So fucking stoked for this record!

me too.

[FTTbass]

What's funny is that, when I first heard the intro track, I told my roommates that I felt like I just got "punched in the face"....then I read this.

[johnandwhisper]

god this album is so good

[Andrew Love]

great job drew. you nailed it. this album is intense and deserves every ounce of that score.

[johnandwhisper]

wow someone fuckin delete that post right there... have some respect

[Young Machetes]

The new album is intense. I'm glad I bought the deluxe edition.

[whatitdo1787]

The new album is intense. I'm glad I bought the deluxe edition.

Did this leak yet? I've been looking for weeks.

[summer skin]

just from listening to one song I know this review is wrong.

[Jason Tate]

just from listening to one song I know this review is wrong.
:rolleyes:

[summer skin]

Sounded exactly like their last single + mewithoutYou chants.

[WhoSaidThat?]

just from listening to one song I know this review is wrong.
:goodpost:


































































...NOT!

[The Plague]

The album is officially leaked. Be nice, and I'll direct you to it, but I recommend just buying the album to support the guys.

Link please!

[thedondeluge]

:goodpost:


































































...NOT!

that's just how Summer Skin is.

[WhoSaidThat?]

that's just how Summer Skin is.
I wouldn't know. I don't follow his posts. Sorry. :shrug:

[The Plague]

Ok I got it, PM's welcomed

It's amazing! I think it's alot different the DTGL

[jaredCoO]

Great album. I never expected how it would sound, it's like it's dragging you through a chaotic sea of emotion with a desperate urgency.

Call me elaborate, but it does.

[trueal]

hello! if someone wants to pm the link from where i can download the album, than that would very nice! can't wait to hear it! definitely gonna buy the album...just can't wait any longer to hear it and can't seem to find a download myself. greetings tom

[whatitdo1787]

If you want it, look on youtube.

[trueal]

thanks for the advice! only can seem to find clips with small parts of the songs on it. sound great by the way! but still are very anxious to get the complete songs!

[Brandao]

If it's released here in Brazil....i'll buy it!

[yannicinco]

If you want it, look on youtube.


I've only listened to 'Breathing in A New Mentality" and "The Created Void"...great stuff, but that's all I wanna listen to before the thing comes out...You have no idea how hard this is...as a matter of fact I think you guys do.

[cue]

awesome album definately a step up from dtgl but i wouldnt say 95

[kyuketsuki333]

Amazing review. I've been an avid underoath listener since I first heard of them several years ago, and I can't wait to get Lost in the Sound of Separation! I don't think any underoath fan will be disappointed.

[12ave]

After a few listen the whole album is underoath at a next level(is it possible oO, yup). Personaly the greatest release of 2008. For one time they release a 80$ limited edition that will probably worth it, must buy, must have for every fan of emo kind music... Trust me

[trindaddy]

Well said Drew. This is definitely not as experimental as they claimed, but it is definitely good. Great review

[vakuola]

I'm in love with this record...

[cscwell107]

amazing album

[i2ockbotm]

Great cover art to boot

[hxchairstylist]

pissing my pants waiting for this record. I have not been this stoked for an album this year, and very likely since the last UO record in june of 06.

[Oathy]

The album is absolutely amazing.

[_jonas]

Don't get it. Booooooooring & I couldn't even tell it was more than one song.

[hhhkyleh]

the album exceeds the 95 score. its truly amazing and its most def the AOTY

[DaveZeroZero]

It's better than I expected, but it's really no 95%-worthy album.

[SuNDaYSTaR]

Awesome; I'm glad to read they've pushed the direction they took for Define The Great Line even further.

[DaveZeroZero]

Awesome; I'm glad to read they've pushed the direction they took for Define The Great Line even further.
I'm not

TOCS ftw.

It's still not a bad album though.

[lovewithcaution]

This release single handedly owns any other 2008 release this year. Everyone in this band is on a whole another level than before, and it shows through each track.

But, I agree with the first track...make's you just want to punch a baby.

[ShortyNC]

This album is incredible... been on repeat for about 48 hours now.

[batmannj]

excellent review, and this is hands down the album of the year right now. no contest at all.

[jay_klinkhammer]

I'm not

TOCS ftw.

It's still not a bad album though.


You have the taste of a 12 year old girl.


Changing of Times, DTGL, new album are all better than that one.

[Cheesus]

You have the taste of a 12 year old girl.


Changing of Times, DTGL, new album are all better than that one.
what? grammar?

[DaveZeroZero]

You have the taste of a 12 year old girl.


Changing of Times, DTGL, new album are all better than that one.
You know, I've never heard that before. Is that really all you can muster with a head the size and shape of a melon?

[Mibabalou]

all of them have been great picking the best is impossible

[SteveD]

I think I'm the only one who doesn't think this album is amazing. Ugh. :(

[francisRUINER]

i'm so excited all i can say is
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHwoahnellyHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[jay_klinkhammer]

You know, I've never heard that before. Is that really all you can muster with a head the size and shape of a melon?


Instead of stating an opinion, you make a bad attempt at humor. Is Monty Python all you think is funny over there?

You lose.

[Seato]

After reading this review I was very excited, then I got to listen to the album...
I guess I just really liked the mixing up between Gillespie's voice and Chamberlain's voice in They're Only Chasing Safety... DTGL was fantastic but I just couldn't get into it as much, for everytime I listed to DTGL I listened to TOCS twice...
Lost in the Sound was well... heavy, but not exciting... it definitly didn't get me in the mood to rock out, and though it is definitly a much more mature sound and definitly is still UO, the only song I can really listen to and not think "man, this is just too slow" or this is just dragging out, is their single "Desperate Times, Desperate Measures." That is by far the best song for me, and because they made it there single, I only assume it was to attract people like me, that like that style of UO that they were trying to lure in with this album, yet I was stuck listening to songs that were mostly too slow or had too much Down Time, or (I hate to say this but) too much of Chamberlain's low screaming which just seemed to get repetative and didn't vary enough to keep me interested.
So though it was seen by many reviewers as a FANTASTIC CD, I can only say it was alright to listen to but not multiple times.

[Seato]

:-(

[vaguestcargo]

:-| SUM1 HELP ME FIND THIS FAST!!!!! PM ME IF YOU GOT A SITE TO STREAM OR DOWNLOAD! I realy think im gonna buy the suitcase, its gonna be my greatest album of all time even if Holding A Wolf By The Ears is pretty hard to beat.

dear man, we should be best friends. I was just thinking today about Spencer's riding the edge of singing and screaming and how seamlessly he transitions between the two on LITSOS and how it reminded me of Fran's singing/screaming. These are probably gonna be my two favorite albums of the genre ... and u hit it right on the head. Shame FATA broke up...**Sigh**

That said, have you heard Warship yet? Thoughts?

[vaguestcargo]

Don't get it. Booooooooring & I couldn't even tell it was more than one song.

lol yeah. With all that screaming and guitars and shit. I hate when every track on an album sounds like it was made by the same people...


...maybe they should have made the gaps between tracks longer for you?