Define The Great Line
Underoath
January 1, 2006News updates for 'Define The Great Line' by Underoath
Old Waves: Looking back at "Define The Great Line", the quintessential post-hardcore album of my lifetime
"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.
Define the Great Line is the fifth studio album by American rock band Underoath. It was released on June 20, 2006, through Tooth & Nail Records. Five months after the release of their fourth studio album They're Only Chasing Safety, the band were already in the process of working towards its follow-up. Recording took place between January and March 2006 at Zing Recording Studios in Westfield, Massachusetts, and Glow in the Dark Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, with Adam Dutkiewicz of Killswitch Engage, Matt Goldman and the band as producers. Define the Great Line is predominantly a metalcore and emo album, which has also been tagged as post-metal and post-hardcore. The variety of styles was an unintentional move by the band, who took influence from At the Drive-In, Beloved and Cult of Luna, among others.
Preceded by festival appearances and a headlining tour in the United States, "Writing on the Walls" was released as the first single from Define the Great Line on June 27, 2006. Underoath headlined the main stage of Warped Tour, though dropped off because of tension within the band. They toured Central and South America and Canada, prior to joining the international edition of the Taste of Chaos tour. "In Regards to Myself" appeared as the second single in the midst of this on November 27, 2006, followed by the third single "You're Ever So Inviting" on January 23, 2007. Underoath spent the first half of the year touring the North America with Taking Back Sunday, Norma Jean, and Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. They appeared on Warped Tour again, and closed the year with another headlining US tour, which saw drummer Aaron Gillespie temporarily replaced by Kenny Bozich.
Define the Great Line received generally favorable reviews from music critics, many of whom highlighted the various musical styles, and praised Spencer Chamberlain for his growth as a vocalist. The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, becoming the highest charting Christian release on said chart since 1997. It was certified gold in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America by the end of 2006; the music video for "Writing on the Walls" was nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video. Define the Great Line has been re-pressed on vinyl and performed in its entirety over the years.
