Underoath | Nashville, TN
When a band like Underoath celebrates the 20th anniversary of an iconic album, expectations are set high—and last night's show at Marathon Music Works in Nashville not only met those expectations but shattered them. The venue was packed with fans from all over the country that were eager to relive the raw energy of They're Only Chasing Safety, an album that defined a generation of post-hardcore fans.
The night began with a heavy dose of anticipation as Her Leather Jacket took the stage. The Nashville-based band offered a captivating mix of dark, atmospheric post-hardcore, and melodic elements. The crowd was immediately pulled in by their energy, and while they may not have had the same level of recognition as the headliner, their performance left a solid impression. Their punchy riffs and visceral delivery perfectly set the tone for what was to come. Lead singer Lani Jones had an undeniable stage presence, mixing grit with vulnerability, creating an atmosphere that felt at once chaotic and beautifully haunting.
Up next, Static Dress took the stage, and their unique blend of modern post-hardcore and emo-tinged sound immediately won over the room. The British band’s infectious energy and powerful vocal harmonies captured the essence of everything that makes the scene so vital: tension, release, and catharsis. Songs like "push rope" and "sweet." had the crowd diving into the pit, with their anthemic choruses carrying a powerful emotional weight. The chemistry between the band members was undeniable, and despite their relatively short set, they cemented their place as one of the rising stars in the post-hardcore genre.
As the crowd buzzed in anticipation, the lights dimmed, and the stage was set for Underoath. Aaron Gillespie walked on the dark stage and started singing “Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape” and was later joined by the entire band. They immediately tapped into the nostalgia of fans who had been with them since the beginning, while also reminding everyone of their status as one of the genre’s most influential acts. At one point Spencer Chamberlain invited a few fans in the crowd to sit on the couch located on the stage. He invited younger fans joined by their parents, highlighting how the band captivated fans from all ages throughout these 20 years. With each song, it became clear just how timeless They're Only Chasing Safety remains. From the crushing breakdowns of “A Boy Brushed Red...Living in Black and White” to the haunting melodies of “Reinventing Your Exit,” every track resonated with fans who sang along at the top of their lungs. The chemistry between the band members was unmatched, with Chamberlain and McTague engaging in a back-and-forth of high-energy, intense moments before the quieter, more reflective passages of the set. Underoath’s ability to balance their chaotic, visceral moments with their more melancholic soundscapes gave the show an emotional depth that made the whole experience feel like a journey. For those who had been following Underoath since 2004, it was impossible not to feel a sense of reverence for the sheer power of They’re Only Chasing Safety. The album was, and still is, a snapshot of a moment in time—one that captured the anxiety, the frustration, and the hope of a generation of fans who were still figuring out their place in the world. Watching Underoath play those songs two decades later, it was clear that those feelings hadn't gone away. Instead, the band had grown with their audience, evolving into the respected veterans they are today, but without ever losing the raw intensity that made their early music so compelling. Underoath’s They’re Only Chasing Safety 20th Anniversary tour is a reminder of the enduring power of music to connect, heal, and transcend time. With incredible support from Static Dress and Her Leather Jacket, this was a night for the ages—a celebration of youth, angst, and the bands that helped us process it all.
