With over twenty years and nine full-length albums under their belts, Underoath have continued to prove time and time again why they are one of the heaviest hitters and longest standing bands in their scene. With an energetic live set that has seemed to only get stronger with age and a sound that has constantly defied genres and kept fans on their toes, it comes as no surprise that the band has already sold-out many dates on their headlining tour in support of their latest album, Voyeurist. One such show was their stop at Denver’s Ogden Theatre on Saturday alongside Spiritbox, Bad Omens and Stray From The Path – a show, as fans would learn partway through Underoath’s set, that almost didn’t happen.
Colorado locals are used to blizzards stranding buses and forcing artists to cancel concerts, but as vocalist Spencer Chamberlain explained on stage Saturday night that’s nearly what happened to them. The band was determined not to let their fans down, despite getting caught in this week’s snowstorm just a few hours outside of town, though, and rather than accepting their fate and calling it a wash, they (alongside members of Spiritbox, Bad Omens and Stray From The Path) all piled in a passenger van with as much gear as possible to make it to the Ogden Theatre. Judging by the explosive show from every band, they were ecstatic to even be on stage.
The three opening acts, while all incredibly different, somehow felt right at home on a bill with Underoath, too. Kicking off the night was Long Island hardcore band, Stray From The Path, and they came out swinging. Although it seemed as if the band was forced to cut their set short due to their delayed arrival, it didn’t dampen their spirits, and their high energy set easily amped up the crowd. Taking a more theatrical approach with their set compared to Stray’s chaotic performance was Bad Omens, who relied on moody lights and a dramatic stage presence to set the scene. They felt like the perfect segue between a band like Stray From The Path and the direct support, Spiritbox, who wowed fans with their on-point sound and Courtney LaPlante’s spectacular vocal performance.
Underoath kicked their set off in a similar fashion to December’s Voyeurist livestream. A masked figure guided the crowd through a meditation before the band hit the stage to “Damn Excuses” and from there, they went on to perform one of their best sets that Denver has seen. Filled to the brim with hit after hit, Underoath launched into fan-favorite track, “It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door” only four songs into their set, and they kept the energy high from there.
Songs from Voyeurist, such as “Pneumonia” and “Thorn” sat perfectly alongside classics like “A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White” and “Reinventing Your Exit” before things came to an epic conclusion with “Writing On The Walls”. The night was filled with countless sing-alongs, a stunning production, and high energy that left fans crawling over one another for a chance to get closer to the stage. By the time the show let out and fans filtered out into the snowy night to make their own trek home, there was no doubting that Underoath certainly still have it.
VIEW A FULL PHOTO GALLERY FROM UNDEROATH AT THE OGDEN THEATRE HERE.