Underoath - Survive, Kaleidoscope (2008)

Heavy music needs Underoath. They're one of the few bands to emerge from the metalcore scene of the early '00s with their own identity, image and ideology. The scene has become largely faceless. Most heavy bands rip off either Killswitch Engage or Hatebreed. Perhaps, the ever prevalent, down-and-dirty coupling of hardcore and metal is a reaction to nu metal's arena bombast and self-indulgence. That's justified to a degree, but it still makes for a lot of repetitive, faceless metallic garbage—just reference past lineups for the New England Metal and Hardcore festival for proof. 21st Century heavy music is just extremely boring.

In 2006, Underoath changed that with the release of Define the Great Line. It's sprawling concept gave MySpace junkies a sonic headtrip of a record in the vein of White Pony. Define is heavy, intelligent and often thought provoking. Its release saw Underoath become bona fide heavy hitters in the scene with massive sales. However, what cemented Underoath's status was their cathartic, primal and often hypnotic live energy.

Their new live CD/DVD Survive, Kaleidoscope chronicles and captures that energy artfully. The DVD features an explosive set from the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, shot on the band's 2007 headlining tour. The jaunt allowed Underoath to have the stage to themselves, with full production. Like any great live band, they make very good use of that giant video screen, for sure. The band sounds pristine on gnashing cuts like "In Regards to Myself" and "To Whom It May Concern." Everything translates in the live arena for Underoath, and they become even more dangerous on stage....

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