Mayhem Fest 2008.....and Underøath was set to perform soon. Hot Topic stage, and I arrived about 10 minutes before they were scheduled to take the stage. This, to me, was going to be the highlight of the evening. Underøath hails from Tampa, FL and has been impressing crowds with their unique interpretations of metalcore music across the nation since 1998. With an album scheduled for release on Sept 2, I anticipated to witness an epic and illustrious performance.
At 6:24 the crowd began to chant, “Underøath! Underøath!" At exactly 6:25, the band that hundreds of people had waited for, in the hot sun, took the stage. Underøath hit the crowd hard with their first song. Spencer Chamberlain roared into the microphone, and the band followed his lead. After the first tune, Spencer announced that their second song was a new song. When the song began it was as if Underøath had taken a giant leap forward. It was the same Underøath sound, but sounded so much more sophisticated. It is always difficult for a crowd to welcome a new song presented at a live performance, but this crowed embraced it with open arms. Halfway through the song the crowd began to clap along, enjoying the melodic undertones amidst the thrashing metalcore sound."Desperate Times, Desperate Measures," the new single off of Lost in the Sound of Separation came a few songs later. The vocals hit you in the face at the start, and then Aaron's melodic vocals shone through, to expose the familiar
Underøath sound that has captured the attention of thousands over the past years. This is the sound that separates them from the rest of the metalcore bands; Spencer's throaty vocals roaring, as Aaron's melodies drive through the sounds of the heavy hitting drums, and the intrinsic guitar riffs.
"Writing on the Walls” was well received by the crowd. Glancing back into the crowd I saw singing, moshing, fists pumping in the air, and bodies floating across the top of the crowd. Partially through the song Chris lifted his hands up, as if in worship, then Aaron's drums kicked in, as he pushed the band to their last tune.
7 songs packed into 1,960 seconds, with each, these six innovative individuals, were able to compliment the tastes of melodic music connoisseurs, and the thrashing, face to the floor, metalcore fans of all ages. With a stunning display of enthusiasm and invigorating live performances, Underøath has gained honors in my notebook as being exceptional musicians and entertainers. Lost in the Sound of Separation is due to hit stores on September 2nd. Highly anticipated and well overdue, this remarkable blend of innovative ferocity, and lucid melodies, may be their most accomplished album to date.
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