They're Only Chasing Safety by Underoath

Generally, I have always felt that Christian music has tried to emulate the styles of the world around it. Very rarely has it ever made any strides on its own. Most often, I have found that it ‘goes with the flow’ of whatever musical fashion is popular, seldom being viewed as trend setting. In fact, I recall my metal years when I was young, I listened to Sacred Warrior (a Christian band that ‘sounded like’ Iron Maiden), Living Sacrifice (who sounded like Slayer), and many other Christian artists that served as the Church’s ‘answer’ to the worldly expressions of teen angst and rebellion. But, fortunately times have changed. It is not too uncommon to find Christian bands not only on secular labels, but leading the way to new musical horizons that have been otherwise unexplored.

One such band is Tampa Florida’s Underoath. With vocals that range from brooding testimonials of haunting melody lines to gut-wrenching screams (that would rip the paint off of any typical hard rock club) and soothingly brutal guitar riffs, Underoath is clearly breaking new ground for not only the Christian scene but the music scene as well. Their newest release, They’re Only Chasing Safety (the fourth album from these rising stars) has a heart-felt passion coupled with an unleashed aggressive force that promises to deliver the goods for those who like good hardcore/emo music. It is indeed a must for any fan of Christian music with a hardcore edge, even if it does have a tender side. Indeed, with this album one may get confused as to the proper emotional response, not knowing whether to cry one’s eyes out or to beat one’s chests.

Vocalist Spenser Chamberlain does an excellent job of convincing the listener of his own emotional struggles and inner conflicts. In, It is Dangerous Business Walking Outside of Your Front Door, Chamberlain tells an elegiac tale of how love and tragedy go hand in hand. While, in, Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others escape, he offers a truly encouraging tear-jerker that could make one fall in love with Christ all over again.

All in all, with bands like Underoath at the forefront of Christian music, I can’t help but think that while gospel has many faces, it also has a bright future ahead of it. As a one of my friends who recently had the privilege of seeing this band live had to say, “one minute I was weeping the other I was screaming.� Heart and guts ala Christian style is what Underoath has to offer and I say it’s darn good.

Rating: 9/10

Send This To A Friend