UnderOATH - Lost in the Sound of Separation Album Review

On the week of September 2nd, 2008, the Billboard 200 chart was rocked with a Christian album that premiered in the number eight spot. The name of the band is UnderOATH and their new album is called, Lost in the Sound of Separation.

In 2006, UnderOATH released a monumental album titled, Define the Great Line, which was their highest-rated and highest-selling album they’ve ever created. It premiered at number two on the Billboard 200, tying with DC Talk’s Jesus Freak as the highest position on the chart that a Christian album has ever had.

UnderOATH had a lot of hype to live up to when they announced their newest record, Lost in the Sound of Separation, and I can honestly say that it hugely surpassed the hype! This album is one of the most perfect hardcore/rock CDs that I have ever heard; if not just one of the most perfect albums I have ever heard, period. Lost in the Sound’s opening tracks wake you up with some crushing breakdowns, rhythms and some of their best lyrics they’ve ever written. One of my favorites is, “A Fault Line, A Fault of Mine” because of the harmonies and variety of music that goes into the song. Every instrument has a key part of the song. The middle section of the record has a more familiar UnderOATH sound with songs like “The Survivor was Miraculously Unharmed” and “We Are the Involuntary” packing in the some of the hardest tracks on the CD. The last few songs though, are the songs that make this album truly epic. After a more upbeat rock song, “Desperate Times, Desperate Measures,” which has a reminiscent sound to their They’re Only Chasing Safety CD, the album shifts gear into two highly melodic ballads that are what I think the biggest highlight of the album and possibly the greatest songs they’ve ever made. They bring a soft but, well-placed close to the CD.

The general lyrical theme of the album is about being far away from God, even after you accept Him as your savior, and the struggles that happen trying to get back to Him. The lyrics are very deep and truly their best work. Spencer’s screams and Aaron’s singing add the much needed emotion that brings the lyrics to life.

UnderOATH has done it bigger than ever this time! This is a job well done for the band, and is for sure going to give them more attention in both the Christian and secular music market. If you are a fan of any Hard Rock/Screamo/Hardcore-type music, please do yourself a favor a buy this CD. It gets a superior 10 out of 10 from me.

UnderOATH's MySpace