WRITTEN BY CHERRYLLE URBANO
Underoath’s newest release, “Generation No Surrender,” demands attention with a presence that simply cannot be ignored. As someone who experiences music as a vivid scene, I literally envisioned the band bursting through my front door, hoisting me onto a massive dragon to battle against the rulers of the world.
It’s an extreme talent to bring together instruments, each played with the highest intensity, without letting them drown each other out or fighting to take the spotlight. Amidst the chaos, Underoath finds a way to harmonize, creating a track that is both passionate and relentlessly intense. While many might struggle to strike such a balance, Underoath’s musicality deserves recognition for how seamlessly they channel this energy into their sound.
Lyrically, the band perfectly complements the unfolding story. Again, I interpret music through many perspectives. On one hand, the lyrics suggest that the God of this world has abandoned us, leaving humanity to fend for itself. On the other hand, they could reflect how those in power have ruined the world, leaving a generation with nothing but ashes to rebuild. Yet, despite it all, there’s a sense of defiance. When they cry out, “What the fuck do we do here? I guess we'll watch it all burn,” I take it as a call to fight—to resist until there’s nothing left. If the world is going to burn, they’re telling us to take the flames down with us.
If you haven’t yet, Underoath is a band worth paying attention to. I ended up listening to their other music and absolutely loved “Survivor’s Guilt.” Currently celebrating the 20th anniversary of They’re Only Chasing Safety with a sold-out tour, they continue to prove their revolutionary place in the metalcore scene. Don’t miss your chance to experience their electrifying energy live!
Photo Credits: Taken from @underoathband Instagram