Ten albums in, metalcore veterans Underoath continue to deliver chaos and tension.
When they broke through in the mid-’00s, Underoath’s approach was ahead of the game. Their prominent use of synths and keys and tendency to lean on electronic and industrial sounds gave them an edge on many of their post-hardcore peers, resulting in some of said scene’s most respected albums of the era and a legacy that carries weight 20 years later. The Place After This One, the Floridians’ 10th album, is another solid addition to a catalogue of releases by a band who have long refused to stay in any one lane.
Opener Generation No Surrender is a strong start to proceedings. A dissonant, chaotic call-to-arms complete with some youthful gang vocals, it’s a track which finds frontman Spencer Chamberlain on potent form. Following track Devil is another good moment and one packed with groove, while the catchy chorus of Survivor’s Guilt and the heavy tension of And Then There Was Nothing are further notable highlights.
That said, Underoath don’t quite sustain that same sense of impact across the album in its entirety. Final track Outsider, for instance, feels like a bit of a muted ending given the carnage of the earlier songs, with the second half of the record in general not quite as effectual as what’s come before.
But, while it may not ultimately reach the heights of their classic output, The Place After This One still contains enough immersion and moments of quality to satisfy those who admire Underoath’s work. And the great thing is, given their history and sonic dexterity, the place they go after this record is anyone’s guess.
Verdict: 3/5
For fans of: From First To Last, Architects, Of Mice & Men
The Place After This One is released March 28 via MNRK Heavy
