Underoath
Tampa, Florida12 reviews across 3 releases
Underoath formed in Ocala, Florida, in 1997 and became associated with the Tampa scene during the late 1990s. The early lineup made Act of Depression a long-form blend of hardcore metalcore with black-metal texture, driven by double-bass drumming and a guitar attack under high, harsh screams; its six listed songs included two running longer than ten minutes, plus a hidden acoustic testimony. Critics repeatedly described an intense, uneven record whose subjects included suicide and sexual violence. After moving from Takehold to Solid State, the band added full-time keyboards to The Changing of Times in 2002, bringing electronic accents and melody into the attack. They're Only Chasing Safety moved further toward cleaner, hook-driven emo-core while retaining breakdowns and screams. Genre change became a recurring part of the sound.
Dallas Taylor left in 2003, and Spencer Chamberlain replaced him as vocalist while Timothy McTague joined on guitar. The transition preceded the release of They're Only Chasing Safety, whose move toward catchy electronic post-hardcore coincided with the band's acceptance onto Warped Tour. Aaron Gillespie left in 2010, and Underoath announced a breakup in 2013. The group reunited in 2015 with Gillespie back in the lineup, then resumed recording with Erase Me in 2018 and Voyeurist in 2022. The Place After This One followed in 2025.
3 releases reviewed
The Changing of Times
They're Only Chasing Safety