Although they’re routinely lumped in with bands serving up second hand helpings of emo dreck, UNDEROATH are an ever-evolving band constantly pushing the limits of who they are. Even though Define The Great Line is undoubtedly their pièce de résistance, Lost In The Sound Of Separation is a meaningful addition to their catalog.

Separation delves further into their aggressive side with metal super-producer Adam Dukewitcz at the helm once again. Largely gone is the abrasive verse / melodic chorus formula that defined UNDEROATH’s second and third albums. Where Define was a methodical contrast of melody and mood, Separation is an unrelenting aural workout. Lead singer Spencer Chamberlain’s accent to legitimate lead vocalist has ushered in an overbearingly torrential level of abrasiveness.

Chamberlain’s accent also resulted in the album becoming a lyrical document of his bout with drug addiction. In “Breathing a New Mentality” he says: “Oh, God! It’s racing through my veins / I’m afraid there must be some kinda mistake / Oh, I’m in over my head again / reach in and grab a hold of me / I’m so scared that I’ve started to slip / They say that I’ll never change / I’ll prove them wrong, prove them wrong.”

Knowledge of his addiction makes the lyrics so much more real and vital then empty praise lyrics like those found in earlier UNDEROATH songs like “Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape” (And I swear I’ll know your face in the crowd / And I’ll hear your voice so loud / When you’re whispering).

It’s ironic that UNDEROATH dove headfirst into metalcore just as their labelmates NORMA JEAN released their most melodic album. Creating an album devoid of melody (and singles) is a testament to UNDEROATH as artists. Instead of continuing on a commercially viable upwards trajectory, they opted to explore what interested them and challenge the notion of who UNDEROATH is.

Solid State / Tooth & Nail

www.solidstaterecords.com