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Home , Aaron Gillespie, Daniel Davison, Deftones, Fear Before, Glassjaw, Spencer Chamberlain

UNDEROATHUNDEROATH:::: Critical Soundbites for “Ø (Disambiguation) ” Solid State/Tooth & Nail

Cover artwork for Ø (Disambiguation) .

“The word “Disambiguation”-the title of ’s seventh album-refers to the clarity that occurs after a source of ambiguity is removed. It would be wrong to interpret the title as a jab at departed drummer/co-vocalist , for the ’s earnest mash-up of shouted and cleanly sung vocals (of which Gillespie provided the latter) never lacked perspective or style. But by using the line-up shift as a chance to explore different terrain--namely eschewing pop choruses and traditional vocals-- Underoath’s sprawling, at times disquieting music is newly realized. Flashes of U2, and Dillinger Escape Plan are evident throughout the album, whose free-flowing grace is apparent even during throbbing slightly off-kilter cuts like “In Division,” “Illuminator” and “A Divine Eradication.” That ambience becomes more striking when the sextet lets itself completely unfurl during the gentler “Paper Lung” and prog-jam closer “In Completion.” --Christa Titus, BILLBOARD (CD Review, December 4, 2010)

“For all the noisy, atmospheric experiments Underoath's past two albums showed, Ø (Disambiguation) finds the band returning to the far more challenging process of simply writing great songs . Electronics still burble beneath the surface (the -gorgeous ‘Paper Lung’), and dissonant still carve huge swaths (the Botch-in-a-blender ‘Illuminator’), but these touches serve the music, rather than dominating it. Ø (Disambiguation ) is the first Underoath album in years that you'll walk away humming--even as you pick the shrapnel out of your ears.” --Aaron Burgess, ALTERNATIVE PRESS (4.5 out-of-5 stars review, December 2010)

“After a sudden split with lone founding member, UNDEROATH emerge a leaner, meaner machine ……The proof is Ø (Disambiguation ) (Solid State), at once Underoath’s most experimental and primal album, their most raw and mature . The band was catapulted into gold-selling staples by juxtaposing Gillespie’s glossy, Journey-ready arena-rock ‘clean hooks’ with Chamberlain’s blood-splatter barking. But with Chamberlain now the band’s lone vocalist, his performances are more personal, unpolished, intimate, and ugly. The tug-of-war between Gillespie’s pop aspirations and the other members’ headbanger hearts has been won in the name of metal --sure, they’re still good Christian boys, but it’s achingly clear that the dark side of the force is strong .” --Christopher Weingarten, REVOLVER , (Feature, March 2011)

“UNDEROATH sound like a band reborn, unleashing their sonic turmoil with punishing new energy and sinister focus . ...Disambiguation comes laden with a darker, brooding palette of sounds. It’s one that sees Chamberlain backed by an ever dexterous soundboard of molten riff disorder that has assimilated the heavier moments of the Deftones back cat-try the melancholic chorus surge on ‘Illuminator’-without making it too obvious. And even when it is on ‘Paper Lung’s’ dreamy gloom mantra, their ability to wrap beautiful melodies around a saturated heave of riffage and summon a field full of burning amps is a pretty neat trick. The tantalizingly short Aphex Twin-style e- clatter introducing opener ‘In Division’ gets embraced so completely on ‘Driftwood’-a shuffling Kid A tribute and one of UNDEROATH’s most experimental moments-you wish they’d do it immediately again . And given the sheer sense of rejuvenation on the record, there’s every chance they will .” --Catherine Yates, DECIBEL (7 out-of-10 stars, CD review, January 2011)

“…it comes as a welcome surprise that Ø (Disambiguation is a solid, exciting release that stands proudly on its own . Part of the record’s draw is the palpable sense of eeriness and foreboding shot through the whole thing-- an apocalyptic feel pervading each track with little respite . There’s an agitated snarl driving the likes of ‘Illuminator’ and ‘My Deteriorating Incline,’ and their viciousness is potent , through the lower key. ‘Driftwood’ which slowly uncoils itself with a sense of deep unease that brings to mind or , is every bit as intense—the band in absolute control at all times . Vocalist equally steps up and makes sure there’s little chance to miss Gillespie, and his performance here is stunning . Whether he is screaming his lungs out or opening up into a widescreen melody, he has the listener by the throat . Powerful stuff .” --Dan Slessor, OUTBURN (9-out-of10 stars review, January-March 2011)

“…an awesome uncompromising collection of proper metal .” --James Gill, , (December 2010)

“When you hear ‘Grammy-nominated,’ ‘Billboard Top 10,’ and ‘Gold-certified,’ your mind probably doesn’t leap to heavy music, but all three of these accolades have been imparted on the post-hardcore band UNDEROATH . It doesn’t take much exposure to the sextet to understand why, though; Arguably, , metal, and experimental music have never been married with such earth-quaking dexterity, only to, ironically have the finished product feel so accessible . …Strip away UNDEROATH’s beliefs and you’re still left with some of the most sophisticated mind- bending, labored-over heavy music that’s ever been written. Ø (Disambiguation ) is a heavy music triumph .” --Ryan Burleson, CONSQUENCE OF SOUND , (4 out-of-5 stars review, December 9, 2010) “[Ø (Disambiguation ) is] Leaner, groovier and surprisingly focused in structure , the album ushers in a new era for the band .” --Brendan Manley, ALTERNATIVE PRESS (Feature, December 2010)

“You might want to order a new pair of ears before you listen to UNDEROATH’s blistering new track [‘Illuminator’] because they’ll never work again once you’ve heard it.” -- KERRANG! , (November, 2010 )

“Ø (Disambiguation ’s first track ‘In Division’ offers up a perfect representation of everything I had hoped for -a thick, driving tone , diverse vocals and an infinitely catchy hook that’s completely void of ‘.’ --Jen Rochester, THE NEW REVIEW (4.5 out-of5-star review, November 2010)

“…Underoath's latest incarnation sounds confident, brutal, and cohesive . …[Chamberlain] plays a large part in Ø (Disambiguation)'s success, applying his well- honed guttural and clean vocal styles with deadly accuracy. Darker and more immersive than previous outings , Underoath treads familiar ground, though each step holds the promise of a land mine (opening track “In Division” initially presents itself as a -fest before launching into a dense, sludgy, -inspired chorus ), and when the band is firing on all cylinders (‘Paper Lung’, ‘In Completion,’ ‘Divine Eradication’) there is little in the way of competition that offers even a vague threat.” --James Christopher Monger, ALL MUSIC , (4-out-of-5-stars CD review, December 2010)

“With Ø (Disambiguation ) the band seems to collectively be in that ‘hungry’ and ‘out to prove something’ mindset that usually produces great music and even greater live shows.” --Doug Van Pelt, HM MAGAZINE , (Cover story, December 2010)

“The stunning ‘Paper Lung,’ which is one of the best songs the sextet has ever created , floats along like it’s lost at sea--until it is brought to its knees by an absolutely crushing breakdown that hits like a tidal wave over the course of the final minute.” --Drew Beringer, ABSOLUTE PUNK , (9-out-of 10 stars CD review, November 2010)

“UNDEROATH’s Ø (Disambiguation is a coalescence of melody and ferocity.” --Andrew Hard, OREGON MUSIC NEWS (November 13, 2010)

“…growling vocals, militant guitars, and unrelenting percussion, there’s no shortage of pummeling power .” --Andy Argyrakis, CHRISTIANITY TODAY , 3-out-of-5-stars review, November 2010)

“…a roller coaster of emotional songs that conveyed melody and angst . Spencer Chamberlain's vocals succeeded in relaying to listeners a balanced duality between a heavy hitting aggro style, and melodic interludes of clear harmony through an assortment of distorted guitar riffs . This is for fans of , As I Lay Dying, Zao, Deftones and .” --Alex DiStefano, LA WEEKLY.COM (September 16, 2010)

“Gillespie has been replaced with the equally capable (ex-Norma Jean), whose rhythmic dexterity recalls that of Botch’s Tim Latona or Fugazi’s Brendan Canty . Indeed, Davison’s addition has been credited by his new bandmates with helping them unleash a sound they’ve been hunting for years: a more visceral, encompassing marriage of atmosphere, punk rock and metal that comes together swimmingly on their latest effort, Ø (Disambiguation ).” — Ryan Burleson, NASHVILLE SCENE (November 27, 2010)

“UNDEROATH’s new sound is a change for the better . ‘Paper Lung,’ easily the best song on the record is the closest to post-metal UNDEROATH has come. The song is three minutes of slow, thick, atmospheric music before exploding into the heaviest minute of the album.” --Allen Baldwin, THE SHORTHORN (4.5-out-of- stars review, Univ. of Texas, Nov 10, 2010)

“Disambiguation leaves a powerful emotional imprint on the listener in very much the same way that Underoath’s last album did. In my eyes, good music is all about its ability to put you into another place. As long as Underoath is still making blazing hardcore, steeped with experimental walls of sound , I can’t foresee their end- especially since Chamberlain is more than apt at singing.” --Dane Jarvis, THE STATE (Arizona State University, 4.5-out-of-5 star review, Nov. 14, 2010)

“Tearing down the limits, Ø (Disambiguation ) silences doubts with an anticipated progression in music .” --Joshua Khan, BLARE MAGAZINE , (4.5-out-of-5 stars review, Nov 5, 2010)

“’In Division’ is a beautiful chaotic, neck-breaker of a song . New drummer Daniel Davison steals the spotlight, showcasing the best drumming on an UNDEROATH song to date.” --Jack Appleby, MIND EQUALS BLOWN , (November, 2010)

“Regardless of what they’ve done before, the band took everything in stride and created another behemoth of sound with Ø (Disambiguation ), an album meant to stand as a testament to the layered, atmospheric and often heavy sound this band has nurtured over their past few records. More often than not, bands are watering down their sound to attract more fans and radio play. UNDEROATH is not one of those bands. Further challenging listeners with jarring time signatures and a chameleon-like songwriting approach , UNDEROATH stands atop the mountain not only for their willingness to push the envelope, but for their unwavering desire to carry on.” --Jason Gardner, REVIEW RINSE REPEAT (CD Review, November 2010)

“Lethal, mortal, incredible, a piece of art are words that could well define the new album by Underoath. With quiet sounds that change to become heavy or vice versa: Disambiguation is the before and after, the metamorphosis , the returning of something almost left behind. In a word , masterpiece ...” --Bre Steele, THE VENT (CD Review, December 2010)

Photo by Travis Shinn.

www.underoath777.com

For UNDEROATH publicity, contact: Libby Coffey (818) 380-0400 ext. 224 [email protected]

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