Metalcore fans everywhere were truly spoiled this March. After releases from many of the genre's top performers, fans have been rejoicing at the onslaught of all of this new music. However, there was one release in particular that held the most significance within the scene. After almost 7 years since their last recorded studio album, the Florida metalcore band Underoath dropped their much-anticipated tenth studio album, The Place After This One and, after my first listen through, I can happily say that it was worth the wait.
The Place After This One as a whole really showcases how dynamic the band’s sound has become over the course of their career. With a strong mixture of intense, brutal metalcore tracks to ones with more electronic elements that give the music an almost cinematic feel, the band really plays to their strengths while delivering something totally unique at the same time. The record opens with the explosive and aggressive “Generation No Surrender.” The listener is immediately thrown into the mayhem with fast drum beats accompanied by the song’s fierce lyrics; it sets the stage for what is going to be a very high-octane addition to the band's discography.
Some standout tracks for me were definitely “Devil,” “Survivors Guilt,” and “All the Love is Gone.” My personal favorite track, “Devil,” had immaculate sound production, and the pacing of the song was very well done. With the perfect balance of the song’s electronic elements along with sick guitar riffs and melodic vocals, this song really stands out on the record. “Survivor’s Guilt” also stood out as one of the most original tracks on the album. The song structure is very technical and has an attitude to it, making for a very exciting listening experience. It has one of the catchiest choruses of the whole album, and I’ve been humming along to it since I first listened to this record. “All the Love is Gone” was another heavy hitter for the band. Previously released as a single, this metalcore banger opens with an industrial synth intro that helps to build the anticipation for the soaring chorus that follows. With how catchy this track is, I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes a fan favorite in the months to come, especially if they plan on playing it live on their spring tour this year.
Another track from the album that I think deserves the listener's undivided attention is the song “Vultures.” Joining forces with Mastodon’s own Tony Sanders, Underoath delivers an energetic rock track with an anthemic chorus that will surely have fans singing along in the concert venues when played live. In addition to the catchy chorus, the song also gives fans one of the juiciest breakdowns on the album, leaving the fans on a high note once the song comes to an end.
After 11 powerful, high-energy songs, the band takes a step back from the breakdowns and pulsing drum beats, transitioning to the chiller, more synth-heavy closer, “Outsider.” Being the most laid-back song on the record does not mean it is in any anyway boring, however. In fact, it’s anything but. The instrumentals on this track are some of the most unique and emotional on the album, swaying between electronic rhythms and moving guitar sections. This song reminded me a little bit of some of the tracks off of Periphery’s Periphery III: Select Difficulty album with the way it was able to pack an emotional punch from just the instrumental alone. As it went on, more and more layers were added to the mix, including a soothing piano section and accompanying background vocals, making for a very elegant end to this powerhouse record.
Overall, The Place After This One is a very strong comeback album. It is heavy when it needs to be heavy, eases up when there needs to be a bit of a breather, and all of the elements of the band that fans loved are still present while adding a more modern twist to some of the songs. For fans wanting to hear these new songs live, there will thankfully be multiple opportunities to do so this year. With a handful of headlining shows, a full supporting tour with Papa Roach, along with appearances at music festivals such as Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple, Underoath fans are really in for a treat. So pick up your copy of the new album or start streaming it today, because you’ll want to be able to sing along when the band makes a stop through your city this year.
