Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Underoath - Voyeurist (2022)
Long ago, Underoath were once an underground dark extreme progressive metalcore band, then they simplified their sound to just post-hardcore with a couple albums making their return to a more mainstream while still heavy and cathartic metalcore. After that lengthy part of their career, the band went on hiatus for a few years before welcoming themselves back with an album of unwelcome stylistic changes, 2018's Erase Me. They regained their heavy crown with their newest modern album Voyeurist!
Underoath continues to evolve in progressive development, while being mindful of their past sounds. Despite some sparked debate about that, the band knows how to push the envelope in a healthy kind of way. Voyeurist is an intriguing album worth constant listening.
"Damned Excuses" kick-starts the raw metalcore right there with furious energy. After that heavy groove impact, "Hallelujah" has more refined melody. The visceral vocals edge on emotion. The guitars help with the reverbed atmosphere. "I’m Pretty Sure I’m Out of Luck and Have No Friends" begins with an unanswered 9-1-1 call over an atmospheric post-rock intro. There isn't any building of pace until the heaviness shines in literally the last minute, as the band's rules continue to be rewritten. Also rewriting the band's rules is the stunning "Cycle" in which the heavy heat wastes no time. There's heavy riffing, thunderous drumming, breakdown impact, and even a scream-rapping bridge by Ghostemane, all that to mash your eardrums like potatoes. RESET THE CYCLE!!!
"Thorn" is another melodic return to the post-hardcore basics of bands like Circa Survive and I See Stars in flowing emotion. It's a special delicate song to make a nice break from the heavier metalcore anthems. "(No Oasis)" is an ethereal interlude/ballad as part of the band's inspirational search. It's basically haunting dark jazz with gentle drums and singing from Gillespie. This kind of organic vibe would leave you determined for the rest. "Take a Breath" is another unique standout, bashing through one of the most unique songs by the band. "We’re All Gonna Die" follows a similar path. "Numb" kicks up the electronic course with adorned background synths.
The closing finale "Pneumonia" shall have its own paragraph. It is the band's first 7-minute epic since the one at the end of Define the Great Line (still not as long as any of the songs from Cries of the Past). Basically it's brooding drone/post-metal that really emphasizes the first part of the post-hardcore name. Things start to build up to a final phenomenal climax. All in just that last minute, you hear more energy exploding than a supernova before it's all over. It's Underoath's "Nighttime Disguise"!
Voyeurist is not the most perfect Underoath album, but it has the most ambitious diversity. You can never underestimate how much this defines the band's brand-new era, once again keep their reign as one of the most prolific modern metalcore/post-hardcore bands. Some flaws aside, this work of art deserves the greatest appreciation!
Favorites: "Damned Excuses", "Cycle", "Thorn", "Take a Breath", "Pneumonia"