UNDEROATH - ERASE ME

REVIEW BY: KARYSSA LEIGH

Underoath’s back from hiatus and they did not come to play. With the release of their newest record set
for April 6 th , 2018, the have defined musical evolution. Erase Me sticks to their religious message but
also takes a new turn-writing about the anger of the current state of politics and how the people in this
world treat each other. The message behind the record is powerful, and it shows. Having released “On
My Teeth” and “Rapture” already, the world is about ready for this record to come out.

The first song on the album, appropriately named “It Has To Start Somewhere” touches back on their
roots with a sound similar to Define The Great Line. However, continuing on in the album shows a newer
sound; more similar to metalcore or alternative rock than screamo. As we’ve seen talked about on
Twitter by Spencer, they’ve grown a lot.

Throughout the rest of the record, you can hear a more mature sound, not offering the same nostalgia
for our emo phases as listening to They’re Only Chasing Safety would. You can hear more vocal effects,
more clean vocals, less heavy, simpler riffs, and a little more digital integration that what we’re used to;
however providing catchier vocal melodies, more powerful lyrics, more emotion, and meaning. Songs
like “Hold Your Breath” and “I Gave Up” almost offering more of a ballad feeling to them in the choruses
with heavier verses.

Erase Me not only offers a new sound, but also a new talking point for the band. Spoken on by Aaron, a
huge talking point for this album is struggle both internally and societally. This album touches on both
the feelings of feeling lost and searching for reason, in a society that isn’t necessarily helping. We see
many bands speak on political issues, but for Underoath, this is new. However sticking to their Christian
beliefs, you hear them asking God for salvation and reason, not just for oneself but also for this world.
All and all, Underoath is coming back strong and healthy, and it absolutely shows in their music. Despite
a different sound, this record just shows how far they have come and how much they have grown as a
band, as musicians, as songwriters, and as people.