Underoath - Act of Depression (EP)

I first stumbled across this EP about five years ago after listening to 'They're Only Chasing Safety', one of Underoath's extremely popular releases. I have to say the first two weeks I started listening to it I could not stand it, it was nothing like their most recent music which adored at the time (five years ago)! Yet after those two weeks it became the most played music on my iPod at thirteen for one reason, it's awesome.

I distinctly remember emailing the band after their member changes telling them about how awesome I thought they were and how great it would be if they could re-realize this, I got a very blunt reply saying 'Download it'. (A little frustrating considering I sent them a page of praise to get that back.) I guess the new guys don't look back at this EP too kindly.

This EP is brutal, the recording which is rather rusty suites it so much, this is top un-black metal. Aaron Gillespie's drumming is fantastic, he consistently changes tempo, keeping it interesting. The guitarists really show some technical ability with their fast riffs throughout and Dallas screams are gut wrenching with pain and emotion.

'Heart of Stone' begins with one of the creepy laughs of all time, thus, becoming my psych up track for rugby. It's also the shortest track at 5:50 which is but a testament to a 6 track EP that lasts 50 minutes. 'A Love so Pure' is particularly strong with its consistent breaks into melody and finishing with the only singing of the album, there is a reason the singing was kept to a bear minimum and that made it all the more special. I can see some people being put off by the Christian message but you can barely make out what Dallas is saying, also, its not like listening to worship music like Mercy Me, you engage with the raw emotion of the lyrics and brutality as Dallas screams about controversial topics such as abortion and rape, therefore, relating to feelings of many, obviously not just Christians.

Much like 'The Changing of Times' this EP has a strong emotional element fuelled by the consistent belting messages of love powered by their own depression, really powerful. There is a lot more to this music than just chugging guitars and screaming.

This along with 'Cries of the Past' is the best stuff they ever did, hands down; it's no surprise they have changed their sound considering all the original members have now left, if only they would re-realize this. For those who love Dallas he's now in the Southern metal band 'Maylene and the Sons of Disaster' doing his thing. Downloading this, as they put it, is a definite must.


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