And that sense of replenishment through devastation really marks the theme for Lost in the Sound of Separation. Spencer’s yelling and coarse shouting comes off as a grand form of catharsis and we’re along for the psychotherapy, experiencing rare moments of stability in the weariness of self-torture.
That sense of balance comes in the form of Gillespie, who offers moments of remarkably gentle singing to offset to Chamberlain’s angst-ridden boulevard. There is odd frailty, such as when Gillespie balances Chamberlain on the potent “A Fault Line, A Fault of Mine.” Witness: “Bear with me, this is all I have left” as Gillespie’s offering to God, perhaps on Chamberlain’s behalf.
“Emergency Broadcast: The End is Near” is the album’s best track, a driving rock track with nice pace and solid construction. “At the end of it all, we will be sold for parts,” Chamberlain posits. The tune features a tremendous breakdown as well, as the band plays lightly (for them, anyway) over Gillespie’s drums.
Lost in the Sound of Separation works because it goes beyond what a metalcore record should do and turns into a full-on confessional of sins. It is Underoath’s most deeply personal record, built in the fires of ache and self-torture with the ultimate goal of refinement never far from view. It is genuinely spiritual, yet avidly relatable to those among us who may not share the band’s views. There is more substance here than I expected and the band is willing to take risks, proving their worth in an ocean of Christian metalcore sound-a-likes.
Plus, when a metalcore band has the balls to wind things up with a track (“Desolate Earth: The End is Near”) that sounds like it belongs on Kid A, you gotta freaking give it up to them. Amen?
Article comments
1 - Brendon
Amen! Love this album, takes underoath to a new level with some awesome lyrics and arrangements. Christians can really rock too!!