Underoath THEY'RE ONLY CHASING

Underoath: Spencer Chamberlain (vocals); Tim McTague, James Smith (guitar); Christopher Dudley (keyboards); Grant Brandell (bass guitar); Aaron Gillespie (drums, background vocals).
Any listener still under the impression that Christian music is strictly light and positive need only listen to a few moments of Underoath's THEY'RE ONLY CHASING SAFETY before realizing that the Lord works in mysterious, and in this case, uncompromisingly rocked-out, ways. The first and most obvious clue that indicates a break with the original CCM soft-pop sound is frontman Spencer Chamberlain's throat-shredding vocal style. With most lyrics emitted in a manner more reminiscent of Morbid Angel than Margaret Becker, the singer makes even Christian-metal masters Pillar and P.O.D. sound tame in comparison. The remaining members of Underoath deal in powerfully direct emo-core, replete with dissonant guitar chords, hyper-speed drumming, and complex rhythmic patterns. Even close examination of THEY'RE ONLY CHASING SAFETY's lyric sheet provides few obvious signs of the band's religious inclinations. That said, the intensity with which Underoath imbues its music is a perfect reflection of the unwavering commitment necessary for an active faith.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Rock