The third album from Underoath is undoubtedly their most mature and experimental record to date as they dabble in hardcore, melodic indie rock and incorporate it with their black/death metal elements of old which have become less and less prominent with each release. With the primary songwriter exiting the band it should come as no surprise of the shift in Underoath's direction which should open them up to a wealth of new fans.

One notable fact is that whilst previously all of Underoath's songs exceeded seven minutes, now they peak at no more than five. This isn't to say the songs are any less epic though as they still pull off vast sounding song structures only now without alienating hordes of listeners with over indulgence. When they are at their most uplifting and melodic they aren't too far away from the likes of Get Up Kids and Rival Schools but when they uncover their darker more menacing guise they are galaxies away from those spectacled bands with brutal riffs, shrieks, hardcore breakdowns and double bass drumming being the menu of the day. Listen out for the beginning excerpt from 'The Changing Of Times' and you'll come to the conclusion that an 80's computer game soundtrack never sounded so good. Likewise some of the keyboard emanating sounds underpin the records epic nature with subtle effects scattered throughout that fit like a glove within the loosely played hardcore style.

For a band that are treading new waters they should be commended for making such a brave move which ultimately should please old and garner many new fans. Although they inject enough of everything to keep it fresh and innovative a couple of songs are simply album fillers which on a record of such short length is not so forgiving. However, extreme metal with such rock 'n' roll acuteness have never been as good bedfellows as demonstrated here and this record does it gracefully and emphatically and for that reason alone is worth checking out.