Underoath’s history has been a roller coaster of emotions and lineup changes. They were one of the most recognizable names in the Metalcore scene in the 2000s. Even without putting out new material, fans still showed up for the Florida natives who did reunion shows and tours in those eight barren years—indulging in the Christian Metalcore they are known for. Rumors have been roaming the web for a while about new material and in February the band teased a sample on their social media pages until unveiling the release of Erase Me (Fearless)
To say they are back and better than ever might be a stretch but what is certain is Aaron Gillespie is back on drums and vocals—which was a huge piece missing from the band’s last release, Ø (Disambiguation) (Tooth & Nail). The Gillespie/Spencer Chamberlain partnership is what made the Underoath sound their own and, well captivating.
The album starts in the Underoath old-fashioned way. Electronic beats and winding guitars are the foundation to ‘It Has to Start Somewhere’ – where the song doesn’t really go anywhere until the bridge picks up but then, ‘Rapture’ happens. The second track has the groove needed for an intro song. Alike with ‘Wake Me’, the songs fall into the That’s The Spirit (Sony/RCA) perspective—not an immediate wow-factor but their radio friendly and post-grunge tendencies garner the curiosity to dig in deeper into the album.
Melodic choruses are part of the recipe the band has always excelled on and that is no missing ingredient on the first single ‘On My Teeth’. Gillespie’s effort here is the best on the album. The fifth track, ‘Bloodlust’ is one of the catchiest songs on the album. The melodic groove plays in part with the lyrics that will be stuck in your head. The songs only sets you up for the explosion that is ‘Sink With You’.
If they took the last eight years off to explore new possibilities for new music, they did it on the lyrics. The band is Christian no more and expletives are found throughout the album—which can add to the grittiness—even pleading “God erase me” on ‘ihateit’. The song also serves as an uplifting sober confession. The seventh track transitions nicely to ‘Hold Your Breath’. For fans that are looking forward to harder songs, this one will have them headbanging as soon as the bridge drops. The dueling vocals here show the exceptional interplay between the vocalists.
‘No Frame’ is an industrial jam that leaves a lasting impression. The technicality of the electronic beats and synthesizers work so well here that set the pace for the next track. ‘In Motion’ is an in-your-face, full of attitude song that Chamberlain makes sure you feel his pain with every word sung. ‘I Gave Up’ wraps up an album of emotion and despair, which seem to be the overall theme.
Erase Me is more of a rebirth than a return. It does sound a lot like prior efforts but it holds its own. The album is consistent and fans who’ve been there for the last 20 years will appreciate it. Underoath delivered an album for fans and to stay afloat in the Metalcore game going into a new decade.
8.0/10
CYNTHIA JO