Ø (Disambiguation) hits stores Nov. 9
Last week, I sampled Underoath’s upcoming release Ø (Disambiguation) at a listening party hosted by the band themselves. Members of the press hung out at Swing House Studios in Los Angeles Tuesday evening to hear the 38-minute album, which will be released Nov. 9.
This time around for their fifth album, Underoath took their sound to a new level, graduating from a younger metalcore sound that we’ve heard over and over to a darker, more experimental and mysterious sound that makes me want to hear more.
The first couple of tracks, “In Division” and “Catch Myself Catching Myself,” grabbed me with some catchy melodies, engaging guitar parts, and heavy, clean vocals. Spencer Chamberlain definitely beefed up his vocals for this album and set aside the high-pitched, trendy metalcore screaming that we’ve heard on some of their past albums.
Underoath
Even though Ø (Disambiguation) is overall more laid back than past releases, the songs don’t drag on at all. They also blend together in a sort of continuum, like one flowing track the whole way through.
Toward the middle of the record, more electronic influences and sampling come through, adding additional color to the darkened mix on this record. The closing track of the album “In Completion,” was one of my favorites, reaching an awesome pinnacle from a slow start to a heavy finish.
Ø (Disambiguation) was a refreshing turn of the leaf for Underoath; a true mark that the group has grown. If you liked them already, prepare to love this album and gain a new respect for their music. And if you don’t like them, this may be the album that converts you.
Check out the track list for Ø (Disambiguation) here: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=433296403580.
By Mary Waldron
