Since their inception, Florida's Underoath has evolved from a run-of-the-mill Christian metalcore band into a fluid, dynamic, and energized
ock group that adeptly blends emotive melody, charged punk rock rhythm, and chunky, engaging bottom end. Underoath formed in 1998 in vocalist Dallas Taylor's bedroom. Within a year, the group -- with guitarist Tim McTague, drummer Aaron Gillespie, and keyboardist Christopher Dudley -- had inked a deal with Alabama's Takehold record label. In July 1999, Underoath released the six-song Act of Depression CD, which sold over 2,000 copies. The five-song Cries of the Past followed a year later, selling over 3,000 copies.
In 2002, Takehold licensed all of its bands and releases to Seattle's Tooth & Nail/Solid State label. Underoath hit the studio and recorded the ten songs that would comprise their first album under the new partnership, appropriately titled The Changing of Times. Taylor abruptly left the group in the middle of 2003's Warped Tour, leaving distressed fans contemplating the band's uncertain future. Underoath -- which also included bassist Grant Brandell and guitarist James Smith -- continued on, however, enlisting ex-This Runs Through member Spencer Chamberlain as their new vocalist.
A year later, the new lineup released They're Only Chasing Safety and supported it on the road with bands like Thrice, the Bled, Hopesfall, and Fear Before the March of Flames. A special edition of the album was next released in fall 2005 that included four bonus tracks; touring continued with a spring 2006 headlining tour alongside Poison the Well, As Cities Burn, and others. Deciding to stick with Tooth & Nail instead of jumping to a major label, the sextet showcased substantial growth and maturity on their next effort, Define the Great Line, issued in June 2006.
A heavier, more emotional album than the breakout success of 2004's Chasing Safety, the record sold close to 100,000 copies in just its first week of release and was certified gold by the year's end. Embraced by fans and critics alike -- considered the band's masterpiece by many -- the group supported it on Warped's main stage that summer. But with a month of dates remaining, tensions within Underoath's ranks suddenly came to a head, causing them to drop off the traveling festival. Rumors swirled of their impending breakup, but the guys remained adamant that a much-needed break was merely due to sort things out. They proved themselves by returning in 2006 with Define the Great Line. Climbing all the way to number two, the album became the highest-charting Christian album on The Billboard 200 since 1997 when LeAnn Rimes took the number one spot with You Light Up My Life. ~ Ryan J. Downey, All Music Guide
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