Spencer Chamberlain (Underoath)
Cory Brandan (Norma Jean)
Cory Brandan (Norma Jean)
After traveling 2,786 miles in 11 days, the “Dirty South Tour” had reached its final destination: South Florida's Club Revolution. Boasting three of the biggest names in Christian metal-core, the tour brought fans of all ages and beliefs to see Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Norma Jean and headliners Underoath.
I got a chance to sit down with Underoath guitarist James Smith and keyboardist Chris Dudley to find out why they decided to name it the “Dirty South Tour” and bring along the bands they did.
“Well, all the dudes on the tour are from the South and we're all dirty, so we figured why the heck not?” he said. “We've been friends with all the bands for years. It's been a really fun tour.”
While making my way off Underoath's extremely dirty and malodorous bus, I could hear openers Maylene and the Sons of Disaster begin to rip through songs off their latest album II and old favorites off their past releases. Filled with riffs reminiscent OF Southern rock legends Lynard Skynard, guitarist Josh Cornutt later explained to me the concept behind their band name and recent albums.
“It's based on the legend of Ma Barker from Ocala, Florida. She was a Bible thumper and raised her sons to rob banks, which really made no sense,” he said. “So the whole preface of this band is what comes around goes around.”
Next up were Georgia natives Norma Jean. With a distinct sound classified as metal-core, hardcore, and an array of other ridiculous “core” genres, I approached bassist Jake Schultz for his definition of the band.
“I would say noisy and straightforward would be a good way to describe our music even though those are totally opposite ends. If not, I think our genre should simply be really good,” Schultz joked.
After playing a 45 minute set packed with brutal breakdowns and thunderous growls Norma Jean walked off stage and the anticipation for headliners Underoath began. A long half-hour later a video of a bemused young girl began to play on a screen overhead. As the girl approached the screen, the band began to take stage. Underoath kicked into the first track off their latest album Define the Great Line titled “In Regards To Myself.”
Needless to say, the near sold out crowd at Revolution went crazy, many of whom had been standing in line since the early morning finally got what they waited for: an intense set filled with energy from start to finish. Performing fan favorites “It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door,” “Writing On the Walls” and “To Whom It May Concern,” Underoath set a new standard for what will be expected of bands making the trek all the way down to South Florida.
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Jake Schultz (Norma Jean)
Timothy McTague & James Smith (Underoath)
Spencer Chamberlain (Underoath)