When Underoath played their “final” show a few years ago, there was a sense of finality surrounding it. They played that show in front of friends, family, and the hometown fans that have supported them for over 15 years. Personally speaking, it was the right way to go out – it’s always better to burn out than to fade away.
Perhaps it’s only fitting that Underoath has embarked on the Rebirth Tour – a tour that will see them playing packed venues across the USA, while playing their albums They’re Only Chasing Safety and Define The Great Line in their entirety each night. Some may scoff at the lack of late-period Underoath in the set, but I digress – this is a special event.
Anyhow, Underoath’s plans after this tour have been intentionally vague. But judging by statements vocalist Spencer Chamberlain made tonight at their hometown show in St Pete, their activities are fairly clear. Read on to find out exactly what Spencer had to say.
The show itself was pretty on point tonight. The energy was certainly there both from the band and all the fans – one of the big things you look for on a “comeback” tour. They especially owned the Define The Great Line material, especially on tracks like “Returning Empty Handed”. But Spencer said what I think most people were all hoping to hear – our friends at DC Noise came through with the official statement.
Chamberlain explained, “Three and a half years ago we left a piece of ourselves on this stage, and tonight we intend to pick that piece back up and move forward. How do you guys feel about that?” Later in the show, Chamberlain stated that the only reason that they were back together as a band was because of the non-stop petitions for Underoath to reform through Twitter and YouTube comments.
It’s often said that bands need fans, just like fans need bands to latch onto. In Underoath’s case, they’re a Tampa Bay institution that have gone far beyond their hometown – they’re one of the biggest metalcore bands in the scene. What the future holds for them is still somewhat unclear – but what is known is that they’re back, and here to stay in some capacity. And for longtime fans of the band, what more can you ask for?
Oh, and here’s a full set of the band playing at Crowbar, a 400 cap venue in Tampa.
