In 2004 the band rose to fame with their ‘They’re Only Chasing Safety’ album which sold more than 350 000 copies. Underoath are now back after a 2 year wait with this new album ‘Define The Great Line’ with which the band have a great stab at success in the metalcore genre, a genre they started off in with their first two albums ‘Act of Depression’ and ‘Cries of the Past’ before moving onto the melody, scream, repeat formula of the ‘They’re Only Chasing Safety’ release. I feel that this was a wise move for the band as I feel that this is a genre that they do a lot better, and so in returning to their roots as such (doing it better, mind) the band are definitely onto a winner. The band makes strong use of their double bass pedal with this release, producing a heavy album that should go down well with many of those that listen to it.
This album is full of great tracks that are not only heavy, but also well written and effective meaning that this is a strong release that the band is bound to be pleased with. Whereas with previous releases the band have penned tracks that have been overly preachy, the band here remain obviously Christian – however do so in a far more subtle fashion that although shows that they are proud of their religion, does not seem this time round like they are trying to convert the listener. Underoath definitely seem to have matured with this release, and right from the word go with track ‘In Regard To Myself’, the band are showing great promise and proving to be a band well worthy of your full attention. When the album begins, from the way it starts you just know that any second the band are going to kick into action and have returned to their metalcore roots. I don’t know what it is exactly, but the opening is reminiscent of so many metalcore albums out there that you just know what your ears are about to be treated with. This is probably one of my favourites on the album and kicks it off perfectly, preparing you nicely for the rest of the album.
The band remain strong throughout the three quarter hour run time of the CD and show that they are back and better than ever. It’s tracks like ‘Ever So Inviting’ and ‘Moving for the Sake of Motion’ where the band really seem to do it for me. Particularly with ‘Moving for the Sake of Motion’ – a track that starts off promisingly with some great double bass work and continues into a strong track that is possibly the heaviest you will ever hear the band. The vocal work here is extremely strong, with some fine guitar riffs that compliment the double bass drumming and perfectly finish off this fine track. With ‘Define The Great Line’, the band really are breaking barriers and bursting into new territories of heaviness as a band, making a strong name for themselves with this release and showing that they haven’t lost their knack for writing strong metalcore full of crushing power and utmost energy.
In this album the band are unpredictable and you never quite know where the band are going to go next. I think this is what make this such an intriguing album as you listen on, wondering where you will next be taken making this an extremely exciting listen which is aural gold. There are the epic adventures of ‘Casting Such A Thin Shadow’ and closing track ‘To Whom It May Concern’ as well as shorter displays such as those of the crashing ‘Everyone Looks So Good From Here’ and the relaxed ‘Salmarnir’, however no matter how long or short the tracks happen to be there is one thing that is always sure; the band will never fail to impress and there will never a dull moment be. With this latest offering from the Christian metallers, entertainment is always guaranteed as is great style and flair, and ample musical intelligence.
It is not every day that you come across an album as strong as this, and with this album the band really does show just how great they can be when they really put their minds to it and get down to it. This may well be one of the albums of 2006, as at just over half way through the calendar, it is definitely a contender. When bands revisit a genre they have done in the past, they tend not to do it as well and it is often argued that they should have stuck to what they were doing before they revisited their past, however this is definitely not the case with Underoath as they have more than adequately shown that they are just as vital to the genre, if not more than they were in the past.
Label: EMI
Release Date: 19th June 2006
Rating:
UK based film graduate with a huge passion for music, sports and video games.
