The third album from Tampa, Florida's finest Underoath titled, "The Changing of Times" established the band as a force to be reckoned with in the future and cemented their reputation as one of the metalcore genres most consistent and longest lasting bands.
The disc starts off masterfully with my favorite track off the album, "When the Sun Sleeps" a melodic, slightly electronic tinged blast that features the pulsating screams of original frontman Dallas Taylor (who was replaced on the subsequent disc by current lead vocalist Spencer Chamberlain) and former drummer Aaron Gillespie who contributed the melodic backbone of the group and enabled them to be heard on a different platform than some of their contemporaries on the scene at that time. A great starter track that sets the tone for the rest of the album to come. "A Message For Adrienne" is a no holds barred, edge of your seat thriller with unfathomable guitar riffs present at every corner courtesy of Tim McTague (who officially became a member of the group with this album and still remains a member to this day) and bassist Grant Brandell who does a terrific job of ensuring that the bass is heard prominently at every slot on this album to keep the listener tuned and in check at all times. The album's title track starts off with an intricate keyboard arrangement courtesy of Chris Dudley (who is still an extant member of the group today) and a wonderful, smooth transition between the electronic component and the hardcore arrangement that shows that Underoath are a band on a mission to deliver their musical message to whoever is willing to take their time and energy to listen to a completely worthwhile listening experience so far.
The disc's second half gets underway quickly with "Angel Below", an effort that brings down the kinetic energy a couple of notches, but still packs a potent punch with its indelible rhythms and Dallas's incessant vocal presence delivering all the tools necessary for a quality musical experience. "The Best of Me" is another consistent, palpable musical statement that shows off Underoath's musical prowess in one, fell swoop and all of their musical skills that are so profoundly real, it would be evidently noticeable by all listeners if one of the band members was not present during the making of this recording. "Short of Daybreak" features Dallas once again singing his heart out on an explosive and consistent rocker that feeds the energy from the song directly to the listener and makes them feel as if they're part of the act and at the concert watching this musical wonder being put on display. The album comes to a close on "Alone in December" a heavily melodic, somewhat downtempo number that sees the band trying something different for a change, but still retains the hardcore component that is such a part of their identity and is what current listeners most associate the band with and their style of affecting the listeners' life in one way, shape or form. Now, I'm not much of a hardcore fan and I only listen to bands within that genre sparingly, but Underoath was the band that was able to ease me into their collective consciousness and diversify my musical tastes in a way that cannot be duplicated by any other band out there today. Aaron's musical wisdom made him such a powerful figurehead and he is one of my favorite musicians out there today and one of my musical heroes.
All in all, a spectacular and career defining achievement for Underoath, who with this album set on the course to where they lead now, and will continue to be a powerful and formidable presence within the music scene for some time to come. Buy and rediscover this album if you haven't already!
Album Score: 5/5
Track Listing:
- When The Sun Sleeps
- Letting Go of Tonight
- A Message For Adrienne
- Never Meant To Break Your Heart
- The Changing of Times
- Angel Below
- The Best of Me
- Short of Daybreak
- Alone in December
- 814 Stops Today
No comments:
Post a Comment