Underoath: 'Our Music Doesn't Make Us Any Less Christian'

Hardcore thrashers Underoath have always been putting out amazing albums and giving their fans shows to back up those albums. The band has been gaining popularity since the release of “They’re Only Chasing Safety” in 2004, but after they put out “Define The Great Line” in 2006, they gained a whole new group of heavier music lovers.

The band is releasing a DVD on July 17th entitled “777”. They also will be hitting the road on Warped Tour for a few weeks, then headlining a tour this fall with Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster, Poison The Well, and Every Time I Die supporting. Recently, Dylan Newell got to speak with James Smith, the band’s rhythm guitarist. They talked about the DVD, fall tour plans, a new album, the band’s unique music videos, and James’ guitar.

Ultimate-Guitar: First, I would like to talk about the new DVD the band is putting out entitled “777”. Why did you choose that title?

James Smith: Well, originally the idea came up that we would be able to put it out on July 7th, 2007. So, 777, which goes with our website, it’s something that is kind of old and always gone with the band. We thought it would tie in nicely with the release date of the DVD, so we thought it was a suitable title, but it didn’t quite work out.

What can fans expect from this new DVD?

It’s just a bunch of live footage of us hanging out and touring from the past year since the record came out. We’re just having fun and hanging out. It’s pretty much what it’s like to be around us on tour and at home and at other countries, and you can see what it’s like in other parts of the world. It’s pretty cool. It’s pretty entertaining I think.

The widely successful “Define The Great Line” has been out for a little more than a year. Is there plans for a follow up to it yet?

Ya, we’re starting to work on some new riffs, new song ideas, just starting to get that stuff together now. Over the next few months, we’ll start writing more and more. Hopefully by March or April, we’ll be able to hit the studios and get a new record going.

“Define The Great Line” was produced by Matt Goldman, Adam Dutkiewicz, and the band itself. Would you take the same approach with those producers in a follow up?

We’ve talked about going with Adam again. We’ll definitely be a part of the process as well. We’re not quite sure what we’re going to do yet, but we’re definitely interested in Adam.

Do you think that a follow up would be even closer to “Act Of Depression” and “Cries Of The Past”?

No.

The band’s music videos are usually very creative, as seen in the new video for “You’re Ever So Inviting”. Where does the band get the ideas for any of the music videos that have been done?

We really like this company, Popcore Films. They’re from Sweden. They just have a really good visual concept and just a good idea of what things should look like. Their picture is kind of like what we see accompanies our music. They come up with the basic ideas, and then we’ll throw some ideas back and forth and get the final product out.

"Hopefully by March or April, we'll be able to hit the studios and get a new record going."

Does the band have any plans for another video for a song off of “Define The Great Line”?

Ya, we’re going to be releasing another video, hopefully sometime in the next few months, for “A Moment Suspended In Time”, which is track two on the record.

The band is widely known as a Christian band, which you aren’t afraid to show in anyway, but your music tends not to be viewed as Christian because of its heavier sound. Do you see that as a problem for people who only listen to Christian music?

No, I don’t think it should be a problem. I think if people like heavier stuff, they’ll enjoy our band. If they’re Christian, I think they should be able to like something regardless. I don’t think our music makes us any less Christian. It’s a matter of taste I guess.

The band is known to pray before every show, do other bands tend to ridicule you for it at all?

No, as long as you’re respectful, other people will be respectful towards you. We’re always sure not to be intrusive or get in anyone’s way. It’s not like we make everyone in the room stop and shut up. As long as we’re not disrespectful to others, we get the same respect back.

The band will be on Warped Tour from July 23rd to August 9th. Last year, the band took an earlier leave from Warped. Is this the reason at all for the shorter span of dates?

Ya, we wanted to make sure all of the kids that wanted to see us last year got a chance to come and see us this year. So, that’s why we are playing the last two weeks of Warped Tour this year.

Warped Tour tends to be a time when bands meet other bands. Are there any certain bands that you like to hang out with on Warped Tour or any tour?

We always get along real well with other bands. We haven’t really met anyone we really don’t like to hang out with. It’s always just a real fun time. I think we’re pretty easy dudes to get along with, so it always goes really well.

The band also participates in bible study on Warped Tour. Does this also happen on regular tours?

We try to make it happen as much as possible, some tours more than other tours. Being Christian is something we try to do with other Christians as much as possible. It’s always open, and anyone is welcome so we try to make it cool and a fun time for everyone that’s involved.

You will be touring with former-Underoath singer Dallas Taylor and his band Maylene and The Sons Of Disaster. Do you expect any guest vocals from him?

No, we were just on tour with them back in May. It’s kind of like that was the past and that was then and now is now. We don’t really play those songs from back when Dallas was in the band. So, there is none of that really happening.

You recently toured in Australia with Emery, how did it feel to visit a whole other country of fans?

It was awesome. We’ve been there before. It was cool to go back, and we had a good time over there. The shows are awesome. It’s just a lot of fun.

Your music has been featured in a few different video games, how much longer til we hear it in music based games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band?

I don’t know. That would be awesome to get that going, but so far we haven’t been able to. Hopefully in the future, that will work out.

As most people know, Aaron now has a solo project known as The Almost. Is there any plans for any other side projects?

Tim produces and records bands by himself and also has a project of his own, just to get some ideas out. Grant plays around and messes around with some stuff, but no one else is the band is in the place now where Aaron is at where they have a side project from Underoath.

You joined the band in 2003, about the same time that vocalist Spencer Chamberlain did. Was the transition into the band rough at all?

No, not at all. Actually, me and Grant went to high school together, and I had known Chris and Tim for quite some time, so it was actually a very easy transition.

You began playing guitar in 7th grade. How did you learn how to play?

Basically just through other friends that knew how to play. I would just go hang out with them. When I bought my first guitar, I got a month’s worth of guitar lessons, and I just hated them. I decided just to hang around with other dudes and try and pick up stuff from them, and it went from there.

"As long as you're respectful, other people will be respectful towards you."

What is your current guitar setup for the band?

I’ve got a Les Paul Classic for main guitar. I also play through a Marshall Select C though an orange 4x12. And then I have a Fender Bassman through a Marshall 8x10.

Do you have any guitarist that really influenced you to play guitar?

Not guitar wise. At The Drive-In and Refused have always been two bands that I’ve liked what they’ve done their whole lives. We just kind of know what we like and what we don’t like, and we kind of work around that.

Do you have any current favorite guitarist?

I’m not a really a big guitar hero kind of dude. I’m more of a singer/songwriter dude, but my favorite singer/songwriter is Ryan Adams.

Do you have any favorite bands or albums you are listening to right now?

Ya, the new Ryan Adams, “Easy Tiger”, is freakin awesome. I love that, and then the new Poison The Well record I’m really enjoying as well.

What is your biggest hardcore musical influence?

I’d say Refused or At The Drive-In because they are two of the heaviest bands that I’m really into.

You are the only current Underoath member that has attended college. Do you believe that people should go to college or try and make music a full time job?

I think that it depends on the person. Honestly, if music is something you want to do, you should pursue it outright, and if school is something you want to do, you should pursue that outright. It’s whoever the person is. I don’t think that you have to go to college just to go to college, and that it’s just a big waste of money and time. I think that you should only be in college if that’s where you want to be, and I think you should be in a band if that’s where you want to be.

Do you have any regrets about quitting college?

No, not at all.

The line up of Underoath is always changing, having about 10 previous members before the current line up. Do you ever think that you may be out of the band in a few years?

No, I don’t think so. The line up hasn’t really changed much since I and Spencer have joined the band. It’s finally a line up where everyone is happy and where they need to be. It’s Underoath’s strongest line up over the years.

Do you have any other plans with Underoath or any other bands in the future?

We’re going out on a headliner in the fall, and the new DVD is coming out this summer. That’s about it for now.

Do you have any advice to guitar players?

Just have fun man. It’s something that is meant for you to enjoy, don’t take it too seriously.

Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2007

Comments

[MetalBassist93]

cant wait for the new video and record
UnderOath rocks

[KillCaustic]

Great interview, can't wait to see them at warped!

[green_day9]

wicked i'm gonna get that dvddd

[malashea_GTRST]

underoath ****ing kicks ass!!!!

[thrice07]

the best lineup theyve ever had on a tour and there not even coming to their home city st pete, or their home state florida

[FuneralOrgies]

He should have stuck with the guitar lessons and college...

[!normajean!]

Chris told me about the new record a few months ago at an Underoath show. i cant wait!

[Artisan_Bassist]

That's the most i've seen james say.....ever.

[ValenceElectron]

Eh, I don't really like them, but I respect them.
But I think I speak for everyone when I say they won't be in any Guitar-based video games any time soon.

[!normajean!]

dude...it would be SO amazing if they had guest vocals by Dallas.

[!normajean!]

they said that Underoath's music was in a few video games. what video games are they talking about?

[karmasabitch2]

i've heard underoath's music in a couple of racing games. but they better not make guitar hero. I like underoath and all, but def. not a GUITAR hero type of band.

[Murder Soul]

1st, Refused is Hardcore Punk, not "Hardcore". Funny a christian likes refused.

[Sonny_sam]

Murder Soul wrote:
Funny a christian likes refused.

Not really, I am christian and my favorite bands are guns n roses and led zeppelin, I also like metallica, megadeth and heavier stuff like machine head.

one of my mates is christian and he is a hardcore sex pistols fan

being a christian doesnt mean you have to listen to old hymns like amazing grace all the time

[adtthosa]

I laughed my ass off at the first three words.

I like Underoath though, and they seem like good guys.

[oli_parker@hotm]

adtthosa wrote:

I laughed my ass off at the first three words.

I like Underoath though, and they seem like good guys.

these guys are not hardcore thrashers, thats hilarious!

[Derickonfire]

Seems like a pretty cool dude - I totally dig their music, too.

[Noverion]

Murder Soul wrote:

1st, Refused is Hardcore Punk, not "Hardcore". Funny a christian likes refused.

Dear o'dear, im a Christian, my dads a vicar infact, and hes off to see Alice Cooper and Motorhead in November (although AC is known to be a strong christian so :/)

and i listen to a whole array of heavier music, from Metallica to Emperor, and dear old father doesnt mind them either!

Just saying christians dont listne to hymns all day, even if they kickass too!

[CapnKickass]

Sonny_sam wrote:

Murder Soul wrote:
Funny a christian likes refused.


Not really, I am christian and my favorite bands are guns n roses and led zeppelin, I also like metallica, megadeth and heavier stuff like machine head.

one of my mates is christian and he is a hardcore sex pistols fan

being a christian doesnt mean you have to listen to old hymns like amazing grace all the time

Me too actually listening to Master of Puppets right now

[thev90]

Underoath sucks, their albums aren't anywhere near amazing, they're all the same screamo bullsh*t, i tried to like them but i just can't, there's so many better bands out there, and they're also not christian douchebags either. I'm not saying i'm a big fan of this kind of music because i don't like hardcore screamo like these so-called "thrashers" are considered. The only good thing to come from this band was their drummer that has that band the almost, they're good because he actually sings and has some talent, he doesn't screams rubbish i can't even understand. that's all

[allchavsrgay]

Hardcore thrashers?

[The Spoon]

i love underoath!

[Sneak King]

thev90 wrote:

Underoath sucks, their albums aren't anywhere near amazing, they're all the same screamo bullsh*t, i tried to like them but i just can't, there's so many better bands out there, and they're also not christian douchebags either. I'm not saying i'm a big fan of this kind of music because i don't like hardcore screamo like these so-called "thrashers" are considered. The only good thing to come from this band was their drummer that has that band the almost, they're good because he actually sings and has some talent, he doesn't screams rubbish i can't even understand. that's all

Sorry, they aren't screamo. I don't even like the band and I know that.

[somosdel]

christian isnt a category.... i mean come on do you see the category atheist in music?? Bottom line is everyone likes different bands, if youre going to come on here and just bash a band, why waste your time? I like underoath and think they are very unique in a realm of music that has become the all too ordinary verse, chorus, then BREAKDOWN era. So leave the "christian" tag alone, being christian has nothing to do with what they sound like musically.

[grungeisdead312]

adtthosa wrote:

I laughed my ass off at the first three words.

I like Underoath though, and they seem like good guys.

dude i know,
they are not hardcore thrash
i think theyre an ok band
they dress like fags though

[withgunstoglory]

Artisan_Bassist wrote:

That's the most i've seen james say.....ever.

lol, he IS Underoath's token "quiet guy"

[imacutyou]

Underoath is a pretty good band. I liked their old stuff with Dallas more than their new stuff though. All around it's good stuff.

[Learn_to_fly]

im christian and... ok i dont really listen to underoath or that kinda music, to be honest im more a muse-radiohead-incubus sorta guy, but yeah like somones already sed, it doesnt mean we listen to hymns and that kinda boring crap

[Dobzilla]

Good band.

[ironman316]

allchavsrgay wrote:

Hardcore thrashers?

their first three albums you could call them that on but not the last two.

[XzX_Patrick_XzX]

this is my friends name but i wanna say that they have a chance to get in guitar hero (for example) because hell sum 41 did

[raymanbaracuda]

Classify Christian?

[!normajean!]

i hope that they get into guitar hero one day. cause GH2 had some REALLY gay songs on it. so they should make a guitar hero game just for bands like underoath, norma jean the devil wears prada, as i lay dying, maylene and the sons of disaster, the chariot...etc..

that would be sweet.

[jdhinds1234]

no if they put that crap in guitar hero it will become a window for even worse bands to come in like fam force 5 or the other million trying to tap into religion to sell albums

Lets not let this descent into religious argument...

Checked.

[edibledevilboy]

im christian, and listen to all kinds of music. faith and music are very different things, and they shouldnt limit the other. My friends a really strong christian and he listens to the heaviest stuff he can find.

[perilouspete]

Sonny_sam wrote:

Murder Soul wrote:
Funny a christian likes refused.


Not really, I am christian and my favorite bands are guns n roses and led zeppelin, I also like metallica, megadeth and heavier stuff like machine head.

one of my mates is christian and he is a hardcore sex pistols fan

being a christian doesnt mean you have to listen to old hymns like amazing grace all the time

i'm right with ya man i like pretty much all those bands and black label society and alice in chains and i'm christian too. i just like heavy music.

[tamer of horses]

all these people that say Christians cant be metal are relying to much on stereotypes. Just cuz we worship god and follow his teachings doesnt mean we cant listen to metal. Look at slayer. Their singer is Christian. SLAYER. Christian doesnt mean light pop music. It doesnt define the person by what religion they are. you should really think more before you insult an entire religion, especially one of the biggest in the world.

[Anarion614]

"Just have fun man. It’s something that is meant for you to enjoy, don’t take it too seriously."

Amen.

He seems like a pretty cool guy, i've never seen him talk this much before haha.

[rodgab3]

these guys put on a awesome show, i like their first stuff better tho. good band and cool guys too.

[Love is Insane]

Fuck yeah! He mentioned two swedish band, first time I'm not ashamed of being a swede.

[Negative_Creep7]

haha my girlfriend dosen't beleive me when I tell her Underoath is christian

[Jondy]

I'm a Christian and I just wanted to put my 2 cents in. I've never listened to this band, I don't know how they sound, but nobody is going to tell me what I should and shouldn't listen to. I mean, have you heard any Christian music lately? It... it sucks! It's a bunch of popish unoriginal overly formatted crap. (most of it) and I don't think I should have to listen to that crap. I like music, good music, and nothing is going to stop me from listening to good music. And if I like death metal, I'm going to listen to death metal.

[FluFighters]

i am a christian, but underoath is God awful (no pun intended) hardcore in general is just an awful genre

[MusicalMinority]

oli_parker@hotm wrote:

underoath blow, christians should stay away from punk and metal, they don't understand it

If you're ignorant about the subject, just keep your mouth shut. Really works wonders.

[Ad_Hominem?Nay]

I'm not much of a fan or anything but they do have some good songs I enjoy to listen to from time to time. I don't feel that they are varied enough sometimes or something... but anyways great influences. At the Drive-in and Refused are both amazing.

[rockr09]

I like them, even know I don't like the screaming. That is unless its like Pantera's screaming, I can actually make out the words when Phil screams. And yes i'm Christian, and I like heavy metal stuff, especially Metallica and Pantera. Mainly because almost all Christian bands it seems like are just poppy 4 powerchord acoustic songs.

[fluffylump2]

1) hardcore thrashers? please. get a dictionary.
2) "Underoath have always been putting out amazing albums..." got bias? Once I read that I knew this whole article was bullshit.
3) Underoath is generic crap. Listen to Rush.
4) This is my rant.

[punkbass481]

seriously what does this have to do with christianity. like 1/4 of the world is christian and im sure most of the people on this site are...the BS comments about christians should stay away from hard rock/punk music? wth is that...not all christians sit in youth rooms listening to relient k...

[giantllamadew]

come on ppl...these articles are for underoath fans... haters need to go chill and post on stuff they like...and plus im an asian girl that likes all kinds of music including this kind so u haters just back off.

[perko]

why does UG consistently do features on Christian bands, or at least bands that announce their Christianity? where are the Buddhist bands at? or the Jewish ones? i think UG has quite a degree of bias here, either feature all religions or keep it secular.

[Rebourne]

EXCUSE ME? I am in a hardcore metal band that is famous throughout Leeds and the whole band are christian. Now tell me F***er. Whos laughing now?

Everyone who listens to you.

Just kidding, but you left yourself wide open on that one.

[FluFighters]

perko wrote:

why does UG consistently do features on Christian bands, or at least bands that announce their Christianity? where are the Buddhist bands at? or the Jewish ones? i think UG has quite a degree of bias here, either feature all religions or keep it secular.

ok you have a halfway decent point, but tell me how many buddhist bands are out there?? seriously

Checked.

[IHSV_tc]

If you say someone suck you are referring to his skill and ability (to play music in this case). I am a musician, and although Underoath isn't the most hightech band you can't say that they play bad or something. They are skilled with their instruments, the singer can sing and so on. Before you say someone suck, think about how hard it would be to do what that person does.
Further, saying a whole genre suck like someone did above is just stupid. If you don't like listening to some music don't blame the music for that, idiot.

[PinkIsCool]

fluffylump2 wrote:

1) hardcore thrashers? please. get a dictionary.
2) "Underoath have always been putting out amazing albums..." got bias? Once I read that I knew this whole article was bullshit.
3) Underoath is generic crap. Listen to Rush.
4) This is my rant.

Underoath is not generic crap. Listen to the opening riff on the new album.

[fluffylump2]

i fail to see your point.

[Learn_to_fly]

punkbass481 wrote:

seriously what does this have to do with christianity. like 1/4 of the world is christian and im sure most of the people on this site are...the BS comments about christians should stay away from hard rock/punk music? wth is that...not all christians sit in youth rooms listening to relient k...

whoa whoa, dont start hating on relient k now mate, some people dont mind a little pop here and there

[oli_parker@hotm]

MusicalMinority wrote:

oli_parker@hotm wrote:

underoath blow, christians should stay away from punk and metal, they don't understand it
If you're ignorant about the subject, just keep your mouth shut. Really works wonders.

Ignorance?

[smp2_3]

Underoath are an emo/screamo band, if you actually look and listen to them and read their lyrics.
I didn't think christians were meant to be emo wrist slitters.
I thought it was about happiness
if this is the new christian image
everyone is going to hell!
they may as well call themselves satanists.
and plus...they just dont shut up about being 'christian' and 'br00tal' hahah
makes me think underoath are doing it for shock value or something...

[grungeisdead312]

smp2_3 wrote:

Underoath are an emo/screamo band, if you actually look and listen to them and read their lyrics.
I didn't think christians were meant to be emo wrist slitters.
I thought it was about happiness
if this is the new christian image
everyone is going to hell!
they may as well call themselves satanists.
and plus...they just dont shut up about being 'christian' and 'br00tal' hahah
makes me think underoath are doing it for shock value or something...

hey now,
being a Christian doesnt mean we cant like/make heavy music or write about how we feel...
I'm Christian and i listen to bands like TRIVIUM, Dragonforce, Metallica, just to name a few

[mr. riff]

smp2_3 wrote:

Underoath are an emo/screamo band, if you actually look and listen to them and read their lyrics.
I didn't think christians were meant to be emo wrist slitters.
I thought it was about happiness
if this is the new christian image
everyone is going to hell!
they may as well call themselves satanists.
and plus...they just dont shut up about being 'christian' and 'br00tal' hahah
makes me think underoath are doing it for shock value or something...

Since when was Underoath emo? At least it doesn't sound emo to me. They don't sing about girls leaving them or other bull**** like that. Their more about life struggles and getting through them(if you want happiness listen to pop music)and you don't have to be christian to relate to it. A lot of it doesn't seem to be christian influenced anyways.

[smp2_3]

well i dont understand how negative lyrics and being christian complement each other...

[metalupthe@$$]

yeah I'm Christan too :P

But I also like bands like DEICIDE and BELPHEGOR and DARK THRONE and SUFFOCATION and a bunch a other black metal and death metal. I love lyrics about gore and rape and the occult, but i still go to church and pray before eating ans stuff, its just a matter about how open your mind is.

thanks for reading, NOW GO PRAY!!! lol

[perilouspete]

FluFighters wrote:

i am a christian, but underoath is God awful (no pun intended) hardcore in general is just an awful genre

[quote]fluffylump2 wrote:
3) Underoath is generic crap. Listen to Rush.
quote]

amen to both of those.

[Dallen_007]

MusicalMinority wrote:

oli_parker@hotm wrote:

underoath blow, christians should stay away from punk and metal, they don't understand it

If you're ignorant about the subject, just keep your mouth shut. Really works wonders.

+1 The question is do you really understand punk or metal? Just because we are christians doesn't mean we can't understand a type of music. While I admit a lot of Christian music out there really sucks, there are some good bands out there. Yet this is the same situation with secular music as well.

[fenderuser93]

im not an underoath fan but my friends James smiths cousin so he turned me onto the band a while back. its amazing to see them on ug

[P_Titty]

[quote]perilouspete wrote:

FluFighters wrote:

i am a christian, but underoath is God awful (no pun intended) hardcore in general is just an awful genre


[quote]fluffylump2 wrote:
3) Underoath is generic crap. Listen to Rush.
quote]

if you hate it so much then why are you in this forum? dumbass

[A monkey]

I like underoath. they actually play music. it is good

a monkey

[fukkindoyle]

FluFighters wrote:

i am a christian, but underoath is God awful (no pun intended) hardcore in general is just an awful genre

i'm not even going to give a smart response to this. hardcore isn't awful, you are.

[fukkindoyle]

IHSV_tc wrote:

If you say someone suck you are referring to his skill and ability (to play music in this case). I am a musician, and although Underoath isn't the most hightech band you can't say that they play bad or something. They are skilled with their instruments, the singer can sing and so on. Before you say someone suck, think about how hard it would be to do what that person does.
Further, saying a whole genre suck like someone did above is just stupid. If you don't like listening to some music don't blame the music for that, idiot.

thank god someone has a brain!

[bananasislegend]

I don't like how Christianity and Christian music are turning into fads, what happened to good music and believing what you want to? Is that not what this country (U.S.A.) was founded on? Believing what you want to, and not having anyone bother you about it, making choices yourself; not influenced by the outside culture, and now media. I am an UnderOath fan, and I have been since I first got into music; but recently bands like UnderOath, The Devil Wears Prada, and countless other "Christian" bands have started to bug me. It lost it's meaning.

[bananasislegend]

smp2_3 wrote:

Underoath are an emo/screamo band, if you actually look and listen to them and read their lyrics.
I didn't think christians were meant to be emo wrist slitters.
I thought it was about happiness
if this is the new christian image
everyone is going to hell!
they may as well call themselves satanists.
and plus...they just dont shut up about being 'christian' and 'br00tal' hahah
makes me think underoath are doing it for shock value or something...

This in itself is the most ignorant an uneducated statement I have ever lain my eyes upon. Sorry for the DP.

[smp2_3]

This in itself is the most ignorant an uneducated statement I have ever lain my eyes upon. Sorry for the DP.

would you like to say which bit of my sweet statement you disagreed with?

[backtobasic]

i think it's funny how everyone argues over opinions on here.

[glowskulls]

that's shame.

[deNJi_RoCks]

well, being christian and praying before every show doesnt make u less cool.

so, **** those who **** them for being a good christian.

i am a christian, i listen to lots of heavy music, some of em are even cradle of filth, but im still the same..

being a christian isnt lame.

[GreekRockr9]

perko wrote:

why does UG consistently do features on Christian bands, or at least bands that announce their Christianity? where are the Buddhist bands at? or the Jewish ones? i think UG has quite a degree of bias here, either feature all religions or keep it secular.

Buddhist Band- Weezer
Jewish Band- Matisyahu

Meh, I kind of don't appreciate how they always have to mention being Christian. It's kind of hard to explain my point, but just let them be music, and not Christian music. If you're a musician and you're Christian, that's cool. If you're a musician and you're Satanist, that's cool. I judge you on your music. That being said, I hate Underoath's music.

[Poedx]

Adam Dutkiewicz...Enough Said.

[kjohnson08]

[quote]MusicalMinority wrote:

oli_parker@hotm wrote:

underoath blow, christians should stay away from punk and metal, they don't understand it.quote]

have you ever heard of dogwood? mxpx maybe? there's this metal band i believe is called stryper as well. and have you heard of alice cooper? you guessed it, he's a christian as well. so is dave mustane, and i have a dropkick murphys cd where they did a cover on amazing grace. me, one of my friends, and my youth leader and my youth leader's 40 year old friend that knows the bible really well and lives by it all listen to punk rock. just because we dont drink or do drugs or any stereotypical punk or metal thing doesnt mean we can't enjoy good music. i am also very fond of metallica, acdc, led zeppelin, pink floyd, ozzy, black sabbath, rancid, social distortion, bad religion, anti-flag, nofx, etc. now please, next time you want to bash on Christians because they don't know what good music is, please remember what i just told you. thank you. that is all.

[fluffylump2]

to point out a couple more things:
1) Underoath is not at all "hardcore," nor are they "punk." We can just call them screamo and end the discussion there.
2) I don't think people hate Underoath because they're christian. The music itself is just sucky.
3) Someone above wrote that some of the songs aren't influenced by christianity - then they're not a ****ing christian band.
4) What the **** is a christian band anyway? Would anybody listen to Underoath just because of their faith and not their music? Headline says: "Our Music Doesn't Make Us Any Less Christian." Well who the **** cares? Play your little songs and we'll tell you if you're good.

[Ktulu Master]

Why have about 20 people made the exact same point due to one users misguided comment?

The fact is I DON'T CARE, and I guess plenty of other users don't either.

Does ones religion dictate what music one should listen to? From my limited knowledge of the bible (I'm Atheist/Apatheist, but raised Christian,)I cannot recall anything saying you cant listen to certain forms of music.

That said, I'm also sick of christians making a big deal of their faith, you share it with 1/4 of the world, for the other 3/4s it's nothing special. I don't see the point in publicising your faith unless you are trying to specificly target a christian audience. Even then I disagree with it, is it not using God's name in vain to sell records with it?

In this I find one of the hypocracies in religion that makes me Atheist, it's just like the temple money changers in Jerusalem about 1970 years ago.

[Kirksheep]

Underoath are an emo/screamo band, if you actually look and listen to them and read their lyrics.
I didn't think christians were meant to be emo wrist slitters.
I thought it was about happiness
if this is the new christian image
everyone is going to hell!
they may as well call themselves satanists.
and plus...they just dont shut up about being 'christian' and 'br00tal' hahah
makes me think underoath are doing it for shock value or something...

1. Not emo no (although a life with emotion, would i be so bad? what i life without emotion isnt life!)
Lyrics about life strugle and getting through them. We all strugle and what there saying is that it doens mean your life is over you can move forward, there is a light. Where is the negativity in that?

2. Since when did being a christian mean you were perfect. Thats the things going to hell isnt based on actions only faith or lack there of. You cannot judge where a person is going! Thats between them and God.

[m1chael w0rkman]

I can't wait for underoath to put out a new CD.
Define The Great Line was great.
Adam D's doin' 'em up good, no doubt about that.
Plus their videos keep getting better.
underoath ftw.

[slash2005]

GreekRockr9 wrote:

perko wrote:

why does UG consistently do features on Christian bands, or at least bands that announce their Christianity? where are the Buddhist bands at? or the Jewish ones? i think UG has quite a degree of bias here, either feature all religions or keep it secular.

Buddhist Band- Weezer
Jewish Band- Matisyahu

Meh, I kind of don't appreciate how they always have to mention being Christian. It's kind of hard to explain my point, but just let them be music, and not Christian music. If you're a musician and you're Christian, that's cool. If you're a musician and you're Satanist, that's cool. I judge you on your music. That being said, I hate Underoath's music.

um... i think they only mentioned the christianity thing after being questioned. as they said they are respectful of other bands who arent christians and they let them be, and are respected in return. did you read the article?

[dfresh91]

hey im a christian, though i dont listen to underoath, i listen to alot of other good bands such as skynyrd, zeppelin and all that good stuff, i could go on forever, but just because im christian doesnt mean i cant to hardcore or any type of music besides hyms

[fluffylump2]

bottom line is: nobody cares if they are christian, nobody cares if you are. now lets talk about the music. and how much it blows.

[DarthKarth]

ok,

1. underoath USED to be good, but their new singer turned it into generic rubbish that is screamo.

2. any "christian" that listens to metallica, trivium, and dragonforce, please find better music to listen to...

3. any "christian" that listens/enjoys anything that doesn't glorify the lord is committing heresy against god. i personally won't hold it against you though. [god will]

4. i agree with fluffylump2, it doesn't matter about religion, its about music. and yes, i can play/scream 10x better than underoath...

[SOADrox429]

DarthKarth wrote:

ok,

1. underoath USED to be good, but their new singer turned it into generic rubbish that is screamo.

I agree with that.

DarthKarth2. any "christian" that listens to metallica, trivium, and dragonforce, please find better music to listen to...

What do you mean? Christians can listen to other music. I'm a Christian, and my favorite band is Children of Bodom.

DarthKarth3. any "christian" that listens/enjoys anything that doesn't glorify the lord is committing heresy against god. i personally won't hold it against you though. [god will]

No he won't. God will forgive people. Jesus died to give us that privilege. If you ask, and you truly believe, you will be forgiven.

[SL!!!]

Murder Soul wrote:

1st, Refused is Hardcore Punk, not "Hardcore". Funny a christian likes refused.

backtobasic wrote:

i think it's funny how everyone argues over opinions on here.

Ha, no kidding. This guy is lying though. They have DEFINITELY met a band that they didn't get along with and they have been hassled about praying. By whom?? The drunkard in NOFX called Fat Mike. He tried/got into a fight with their vocalist. And yeah, it was totally ALL Fat Mike's fault; he showed up and started harassing them at their bible study. Haha, he's a drunk anyway, he has his own problems. But that's why their Warped Tour stint was cut short.

I'm not really a fan of Underoath but NOFX is retarded for having to be such *******s like that.

PS - Refused is awesome.
PPS - so is At The Drive In

ppps - he doesn't listen to very heavy music.. i guess

[distortion4116]

im christian and i listen to dimmu borgir, lamb of god, etcetera. Also if we could all remember.. Slayer's frontman is Catholic. (sorry if someone has stated that i simply refuse to read the entire message board)

[LakeboDom]

Ktulu Master wrote:

Why have about 20 people made the exact same point due to one users misguided comment?

The fact is I DON'T CARE, and I guess plenty of other users don't either.

Does ones religion dictate what music one should listen to? From my limited knowledge of the bible (I'm Atheist/Apatheist, but raised Christian,)I cannot recall anything saying you cant listen to certain forms of music.

That said, I'm also sick of christians making a big deal of their faith, you share it with 1/4 of the world, for the other 3/4s it's nothing special. I don't see the point in publicising your faith unless you are trying to specificly target a christian audience. Even then I disagree with it, is it not using God's name in vain to sell records with it?

In this I find one of the hypocracies in religion that makes me Atheist, it's just like the temple money changers in Jerusalem about 1970 years ago.

Why target a christian group when theyre already christian? And people dont buy records because the bands are christian i mean do you? then how is it using religion for personal gain to be in vain? And if you DONT CARE you wouldnt be talking about a religion in which you have no interest in.

[The-13roken]

DarthKarth wrote:

ok,

1. underoath USED to be good, but their new singer turned it into generic rubbish that is screamo.
I kinda agree they're screamer isn't that good ( just watch he 777 dvd and you'll see)

2. any "christian" that listens to metallica, trivium, and dragonforce, please find better music to listen to...

I don't think it's wrong to listen to secular music aslong as your not praising it.

3. any "christian" that listens/enjoys anything that doesn't glorify the lord is committing heresy against god. i personally won't hold it against you though. [god will]

Who are you to judge what god will?
Therefore you are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge one another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. (Romans 2:1-2)

4. i agree with fluffylump2, it doesn't matter about religion, its about music. and yes, i can play/scream 10x better than underoath...

If you actually can then send me a link to your music?

That's all I got to say bout that...

[Bob Mcgraw]

Learn_to_fly wrote:

im christian and... ok i dont really listen to underoath or that kinda music, to be honest im more a muse-radiohead-incubus sorta guy, but yeah like somones already sed, it doesnt mean we listen to hymns and that kinda boring crap

well obviously, it doesn't mean that, one would have to be a doucebag of massive proportions to believe that...

But do you know what it does mean, it means that you are one of the main reasons the world is an awful place, and that we as humans are stuck in a rut in terms of progression into a free,true,pro-intellectual and truley spiritual society...

Take acid, free your mind, realise the true meaning of life...

[simonzwaan]

Sonny_sam wrote:

Murder Soul wrote:
Funny a christian likes refused.


Not really, I am christian and my favorite bands are guns n roses and led zeppelin, I also like metallica, megadeth and heavier stuff like machine head.

one of my mates is christian and he is a hardcore sex pistols fan

being a christian doesnt mean you have to listen to old hymns like amazing grace all the time

I'm a christian too I like hardcore and even punk but definetly not a fan of the Sex Pistols the 1st line in "Anarchy in the Uk" starts: " I am an anti-christ"

and he calls himself christian ?
Now thats hypocritical

[Entendu]

punkbass481 wrote:

...not all christians sit in youth rooms listening to relient k...

ha ha true that

[pyritmann]

Underoath is tottally amazing, and i think it is very cool that they are openly christian about it all, dont just hide being christian but throw in a few "jesus'" into theyre music so tooth and nail will be happy,underoath is the real deal and i love them, cant wait for the new record.

[operaterxrayter]

CHRIST CORE!!!!!... is ****ing lame. i wish i could say my band was a bunch of Christians so we could get signed. unfortunately we have dignity.. and dont cash in on peoples weaknesses.

[operaterxrayter]

oh and seriously, keep god out of metal, that shits retarded.

[nolanxxx]

they're a christian band? wheva, sound allright, i don't really give a **** as long as they don't shove it down peoples throats,

[nolanxxx]

and i agree with people, underoaths screamer kinda sucks, his lows are effing horible and he can just keep one sound, it's the easiest kind of screaming ther is, and screaming is easy as hell

[trendkill-]

BEING CHRISTIAN HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MUSIC!!

GOT THAT SO SHUT ABOUT ABOUT PEOPLE
some of the most ruthless death metal bands are christian

dip shits

[trendkill-]

DarthKarth wrote:

ok,

1. underoath USED to be good, but their new singer turned it into generic rubbish that is screamo.

2. any "christian" that listens to metallica, trivium, and dragonforce, please find better music to listen to...

3. any "christian" that listens/enjoys anything that doesn't glorify the lord is committing heresy against god. i personally won't hold it against you though. [god will]

4. i agree with fluffylump2, it doesn't matter about religion, its about music. and yes, i can play/scream 10x better than underoath...

christians can lisen to what ever the **** they want
religion has nothing to do with music so suck it up and have a nice ****en day

[trendkill-]

this shows how insacure people are about the faith they show it down eveyone else throwts to make them feel its okay to belive what they do

like who care what u belive keep it to your self and then we can avoid pointless shit heads lick such above tell us what to lisen to

have a nice day

oh btw im christian and i lisen to music heavy as **** and im perficly fine

[Brian Gelvin]

Honestly, people are saying stuff like "christians don't understand hardcore stuff". To be honest, not a big fan of Underoath but I can tolerate them, But religion is just guidlines and warnings for you to follow. You don't need a religion to have a relationship with God. I'm christian and I listen to stuff like Nile, It Dies Today, The Red Chord, Lamb of God, and other stuff like that. But that doesn't interfere with my relationship with God. Unless I'm listening to music that is ant-christ like Marilyn Manson, oddly he's one of my favorite bands. But if you think we don't understand hardcore then you need to go outside more often.