Underoath Are Back and We are Loving It!  

Photos by: Luke Jamroz

It’s happening, everyone! The wait is over. We are getting a new Underoath album! For those of you who aren’t jumping out of your seats with joy at the moment let me give you the information, you are obviously missing. Underoath, an American Christian metalcore group from Ocala, Florida, was founded in 1997 and released their first album Act of Depression on July 4th, 1999.

Over the next twenty years, the group would go through numerous lineup changes, release seven studio albums, play a stent of Vans Warped Tour, countless hours touring, and much to fans dismay, a breakup. Underoath disbanded in January of 2013, and with the exception of a few cryptic posts on social media, and a campaign for a documentary, all has been quiet.

Until February 20th, 2018

A Reddit user posted that they received a CD in the mail with the words “Erase Me” and the URL www.eraseme.io written on the front. The URL led to a countdown page which has since ended and changed to Underoath’s website. Obviously, news of a reunion and a new album spread like wildfire and sure enough, we have been blessed by the music gods with the first Underoath album since 2010.

Erase Me is the group’s eighth studio album and it’s safe to say it brings all of our slumbering Underoath feels out of their deep sleep. This album finds the band covering topics of the band’s demise/rebirth substance abuse, and disillusionment with religion. The album starts out with “It Has To Start Somewhere” which in its entirety last just over three minutes. The song’s title is an obvious ray of hope that our boys are back for good, and from the sounds of the first track, they not only have a lot to say but no lack of creativity on how to say it.

Vocalist Spencer Chamberlain, who was raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, brings out his vocal range in the fifth track “Bloodlust” which starts out as a slow quiet piece and quickly jumps into a faster pace, screaming ensemble, before fluctuating again. “Sink With You” brings attention to drummer Aaron Gillespie who is currently the only original band member. Gillespie’s intense drumming style is shown throughout the whole album, reminding us of Underoath’s previous albums and sending us on a nostalgic, musical, road trip.

“Hold Your Breath” the eighth track shows off guitarist James Smith, and Tim McTague who’s riffs are only fueling the hype of the new album. Which leads us to my favorite track off of Erase Me. “In Motion” covers the tough topic of substance abuse, and although the topic can be a controversial one, it is, in fact, something that needs to be addressed and taken seriously. Chamberlain, who has battled an addiction to drugs, found help thanks to music, and the help of his stepbrother who introduced him to Christianity.

Erase Me in total last forty minutes and ten seconds. All of those precious seconds are packed full with so many emotions, real-life issues such as anxiety, betrayal, and everyday battles anyone can have. Underoath has partnered up with Target with an exclusive offer of two additional tracks entitled “Loneliness” and “Another Life”. Erase Me will be available everywhere on April 6th. Make sure you buy this album, it’s not one you want to miss!     

Catch this tour!

http://www.underoath777.com/