"Define The Great Line" was probably one of the most important records of my upbringing. I had caught wind that the advances of the highly anticipated follow-up to "They're Only Chasing Safety" were sent out, so I sauntered over to my PO Box in Boulder, Colorado; a tradition I rarely took lightly. My anticipation was wavering to a point that I felt probably once every two or three months back then. Music was fresh, and this one was undoubtedly one of my most anticipated albums of that year.

I had probably spun "Safety" about a hundred times by the time I was walking to my PO Box that day, so you might imagine my excitement level was about as high as it gets. Could they do it again? Would they release another album I found myself spinning on repeat? Or would they sophomore slump? From the second the record opens with the now iconic tape sound effect and angular metal guitar riff, I knew I was in for a hell of a ride.

"It's all worth reaching for, the hand to pull you out..." might be one of the most memorable lyrics on the record, and it only goes up from there. Masterful in content as well as musicianship, the band wrestles with confusion in their religious identity, conformity, and the very meaning (or point) of life. The pop anthems on "Chasing" weren't completely left behind, but instead, buried amidst an album filled with chaotic, hard-hitting, and downright angsty riffs and breakdowns. They didn't recreate, I thought. They aren't repeating themselves! They're redefining themselves on this one!

The record has non-stop hit after hit. Pummeling, catastrophic riffs, emotive outbursts. Long, atmospheric interludes. Yes! I thought. This could be it. This could be the one. And I was right.

There are so many memorable moments on "Define The Great Line" it's hard to put them all in words. Whether it's the Deftones, electronic vibe of "Salmarnir," with its haunting chants, the double bass and thrashing percussion that kicks off "Moving For The Sake Of Motion," or the straight up punk-hardcore beats on "Everyone Looks So Good From Here," this record has it all. And it still does.

"Safety" was, easily, my favorite record in 2004; and it still holds up. Underoath had a lot to prove; could they follow up such a masterpiece? To this day, it (Safety) is still one of the most acclaimed records in the genre, and I really felt like they knew it. But, in characteristic Underoath fashion, the band refused to pay tribute to their fans with a predictable follow up. "Define" was, if anything, their defining record. If you are new to this genre, or haven't spent enough time with it, it's never too late to put "Define The Great Line" on. I know I still do. As I'm singing along to "It's not the end of the road...you'll find what you've been longing for" (the closing track "To Whom It May Concern") tonight, I'm eternally grateful Underoath are still making incredible music. Can't wait to see them on tour this fall.