Since their rebirth, Underoath has become one of the most discussed bands over the past two years. From opening for Bring Me The Horizon on The American Nightmare Tour and signing to Fearless Records, to returning to the stage with a new album, the six-piece has lived in the headlines – and rightfully so.
From 2004 to the end of the decade, Underoath flourished as one the most significant post-hardcore bands in the genre. With acclaimed releases They’re Only Chasing Safety, Define the Great Line and Lost in the Sound of Separation, the Florida natives were on top of the world, which is why it’s no surprise they’ve returned to the limelight with 2018 release Erase Me.
Charlotte is no stranger to Underoath. Frontman Spencer Chamberlain was born two hours east in Chapel Hill and was raised one-hour north in Greensboro. With his family in attendance, it feels like a hometown show. Over the past two years since the band has returned to the stage, they’ve visited the Queen City twice.
Photos by Benjamin Robson
Yet each show left fans wanting a little more and Chamberlain always promised the band would return to Charlotte soon with more Underoath. The vocalist carried through with his promise and on this night gave the sold out Fillmore crowd the longest set list the band has ever played in the state. And with Chamberlain’s family in attendance, it felt like a hometown show.
From six songs off the newest Erase Me to 15 more from previous records, Underoath performed nearly their entire catalog. The unrelenting energy and urgency the emanated from the band seemed to carry the audience’s engagement through the 90-minute set. Every band member acts as the frontman.
Sure, Chamberlain is the one running back and forth, swinging his mic from stage left to stage right, but in the back keyboardist Christopher Dudley is the epitome of enthusiasm as he taps the electronic keys with unceasing vigor. The band is as lively as ever and accompanied with the vibrant visual projections, it’s impossible to look away. The band finished the night with a rowdy rendition of “Writing on the Walls” before bidding the crowd farewell. However, if history has taught us anything, it’s the Underoath will be back soon enough.
