One of the better bands that this, “Scene,” has well, for lack of better words, seen, has been Underoath. Underoath brought a legitimacy to the once cringe-worthy term of, “Screamo,” by adding their own unique elements to it and delivering some of the loudest and heaviest rocking live performances I’d ever seen.
Between Aaron and Spencer, you have two great vocalists that can mix between singing, screaming, and sharing harmonies and dual vocals back and forth.
“They’re Only Chasing Safety,” still to this day resonates and remains one of the best albums in their genre, hands down. HANDS DOWN. I remember when that album came out I was interning at Red Light Management (Which has Underoath at the time – they still have the same manager in Randy but he has his own mgmt group now) and was just SO stoked to be there. That album transcended what was popular at the time – it dared other bands to be as good as Underoath, and very few actually were able to.
A lot’s been said and written about Underoath and their hiatus. A lot went down; I know about some of it, but it’s not my place to write here what exactly happened because unless we’re actually in the band, we simply don’t know nor should we really focus on the past – the band is back and that’s all that matters. Instead of worrying about what was said or may or may not have happened, in my most recent interview with Spencer – he opens up about the pressure the band had been facing not only from fans, but INTERNALLY – some based on Christianity, some revolving just around the fact that people change and life actually happens. Marriage, addiction, also one’s self anguish and self perception happens in life and you can’t always control it or how you will react. It’s a really good interview and Spencer opens up and we appreciate him doing so. Also we have a ton of laughs and fun as well which is what interviews should be about.
I want you all to put on headphones and listen to “Erase Me,” the new Underoath album the next time you have a 45 minute commute or so. This album shreds. It is exactly what the UO guys needed to do and the perfect “Comeback,” album if that’s what some want to call it. From the heavy ass and unreal sounding, “On My Teeth,” to “Hold Your Breath,” which old Underoath fans will love… to also one of my favorite tracks, “Bloodlust,” because the lyrics are so important and really give an insight into what Spencer had to fight and go thru regarding adidction, etc. I really think this album has something for everyone on it.
And also, make sure to check out Spencer’s interview on The Gunz Show this Sunday, May 12th at 9pm eastern on idobi.com / idobi Radio / idobi app. I think you’ll learn to love it and really get something from this band once again, and feel the way they all made us feel when we first heard, “Reinventing Your Exit,” nearly FOURTEEN F’N YEARS AGO.
– Gunz
