Underoath: ‘The Making of Voyeurist’

Great first episode. I was happy to hear them reflect on Erase Me and give an explanation for, um, why that record is the way that it is.

 

Actually really interesting. Especially to hear their take on Erase Me and why it turned out the way it did. Explains why the new album is so much better!

 

I'm not really feeling the new album either. It's definitely closer to lost in the sound which is my favorite by them, but it still doesn't quite hit for me. Erase Me was not good in my opinion besides a few tracks. On my teeth is great but I hate rapture as I think the melody choices are just weird. I don't think it was a sell out album or anything, it's still plenty heavy and still their style, but it definitely is different in a lot of ways (songs like wake me don't work in regards to what I want to hear and expect from underoath).

I know people either love or hate to rank albums but I think their last 3 are the worst 3 with Disambiguation last and Voyeurist better than Erase me. I'm not going to do a full ranking but I'm 100% sold that those 3 sit at the bottom.

 

I'm about halfway through the episode and it's incredible these guys are actually still in a band together. The way they describe their writing style and even relationships to one another sounds torturous. Happy it works for them though and they are seeing success with it.

 

Disambiguation is an amazing album.

 

Just got off a Zoom call with Spencer today for an upcoming article/feature for this site. He provided really cool insight on Voyeurist as well as how the band is prepping for the upcoming tour. Stay tuned...

 

I don't think it's a 'bad' album, it's just my least favorite, especially when taken in the context that it's underoath album. In my opinion, they need the combo of Aaron's and spencer's vocals to work for me. It's also just less urgent and a lot of the songs are kind of atmospheric and plodding and don't have the energy that their favorite tracks of mine have had.

 

I guess I get that. Personally I feel like Spencer did a great job doing both screams and singing. And the drums were still amazing. And I like when the atmospheric stuff happens. I love the experimental vibes. One of my favorites!

 

100% agreed! Disambiguation is absolutely so good. The only thing I'll say about it, is sonically it is so dark, I need to be in a certain headspace to really vibe with it. But yeah, absolutely killer record.

 

any time they do these videos i think this.

 

I agree with you. The style change from chasing safety to define the great line to lost in the sound is my favorite era of this band. The newer 3 haven’t been the same. Erase me didn’t do anything for me.

the newest album has some moments that really bring it together, but there are several times the guitar tones don’t sit right with me.

It could be modern amp sims/IRs or maybe I’m just getting old, but I don’t dig the trendy djent sound. I feel like the heavy tones of the 2010s hit harder in the mix

 

I'll tell you what, I'm not sure if it's whether it's IR/Sims or not - some of the songs just don't sound finished. Cycle, Take a Breath, We're All Going to Die just sound messy and not fleshed out. Where as Hallelujah, Damn Excuses, Numb all sound pretty well conceived. Hallelujah might be one of my favorite UO songs of all time!

IDK if this came from combining multiple recording sessions into one album but it just doesn't sound cohesive. I'm happy they made the album they wanted and they picked an Engineer who "know their sound" but I can't help but feel someone with a more trained ear would have made this album really pop. Vocals are generally great. Drum tones and parts are good even with Aaron's signature overplaying. My issue is that the rhythm guitar is non existent on 75% of the album (I always loved the lead/rhythm dynamic in UO songs) and the lead guitar is so down-tuned it eats into the bass guitar's range causing it to not be audible. Both issues just seems like amateur recording mistakes.

Even Chris's parts get eaten up. One thing I loved with Erase Me was that his parts really shined and had room to breath throughout the album. Here, he's pretty much regulated back to his one and a half interlude tracks like past albums and a couple features here and there.

I do like this album and think it's a great addition to the UO cannon. Just didn't hit the mark for me.

 

I agree. I never post anything online, but I felt compelled here, because Disambiguation to me is a gem. It's so insanely heavy.

 

100% Agree. Daniel is a beast of a drummer and was a great addition for that album. I love each UO album in its own way and Disambiguation ranks pretty high for me.

It seems after ever album, the scene tries to crack to code and remake UO albums. Dis has a style I've just never heard repeated.

EDIT: I understand why they don't but I wish they'd play some more tunes from this record live. Really deserves the live treatment. (Also, selfishly, I missed the tour for this record and have never forgiven myself).

 

I hope it grows on me. Honestly, from the sound of the last few albums since Aaron’s return it does sound like he’s taking a backseat. It does seem like spencer wants to show that he can do clean vocals very well. I personally really like when it’s 50/50 Circa Moment suspended in time, I’m content with losing, and you’re ever so inviting.

 

I worked for Underoath a few years ago on a European tour, and shared a bus with them for a few weeks (this was during 'Erase Me'). It's great to hear them be so forthcoming + communicating with each other, because my recollection of that tour environment was a little toxic and tense at times honestly, as the British stranger/wallflower jumping in on the road with an already tight-knit family + crew (it didn't help that the tour itself was logistically difficult + exhausting for everyone). They're all so damn talented, and clearly have a deep affection for each other despite the strong & clashing personalities.

Great to also hear JJ being so involved with this album's process. Wish this band nothing but success.