(photos and article by Sierra Potts)
On October 30th, Underoath wrapped up the first leg of their 20th anniversary tour with a high-energy performance at Southside Music Hall in Dallas, Texas. For both the band and their dedicated fans, this show was more than just another tour stop — it was a celebration of two decades of music, milestones, and a deep connection with the audience. The night also featured emotional moments that brought fans back to the early 2000s when Underoath first started making waves in the rock and metalcore scenes.
Static Dress: A Powerful Opener
The evening began with a fierce set from Static Dress, an English rock band from Leeds, West Yorkshire. Since forming in 2018, Static Dress has gained attention for their gritty blend of post-hardcore, punk, and emo influences. With frontman Olli Appleyard at the helm, the band’s raw intensity and passionate performances have earned them a growing fanbase. Their debut full-length album, Rouge Carpet Disaster, released earlier this year, showcases their knack for emotionally charged, high-energy songs that evoke the spirit of early 2000s screamo and hardcore.
In Dallas, Static Dress delivered a performance that energized the crowd and set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.
Underoath: Two Decades of Sound and Evolution
When Underoath took the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Celebrating 20 years of music, they embarked on a setlist that spanned their entire career, offering both nostalgia for long-time fans and an introduction to their evolution for newer listeners. Over the years, Underoath has constantly evolved, experimenting with new sounds while staying true to the raw, emotional core that made them a staple in the metalcore and post-hardcore scenes.
This 20th anniversary tour was a unique opportunity for the band to revisit older tracks from their iconic 2004 album They're Only Chasing Safety — a record that defined their sound and helped establish them as one of the most influential bands of their genre. For many fans, hearing songs from this album live again felt like a trip back in time.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came when Spencer Chamberlain, Underoath’s lead vocalist, invited fans onstage to share in the celebration. A father and his 12-year-old son were brought up to join the band, with Chamberlain joking that the son was "negative 8" when Underoath first started playing these songs. The moment was both humorous and touching, highlighting the way Underoath’s music has transcended generations.
For many fans, the highlight of the night came when Underoath played "When the Sun Sleeps". Chamberlain took a moment to acknowledge that this was the first time in years the band had played the song live, not having performed it since Warped Tour 2004. For fans who’ve followed the band since the early days, hearing the song live was a rare treat and a powerful moment that brought them back to the music that first connected them to Underoath.
The End of Leg One, But Just the Beginning
Although Dallas marked the end of leg one of Underoath’s anniversary tour, it felt like the start of something even bigger. The energy in the venue was undeniable, with the crowd singing along to every word, reliving memories of shows past, and embracing the new chapters of the band’s journey. The night served as a reminder that Underoath is a band that continues to evolve, while never losing touch with the passionate fans who’ve supported them throughout the years.
While Underoath had recently appeared at the So What?! Festival in Fort Worth earlier in June, this final stop in Dallas brought the first leg of the "They're Only Chasing Safety" Tour to a close — but with more dates still to come. Whether revisiting old favorites or introducing new material, Underoath continues to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene.
As fans left Southside Music Hall, it was clear that Underoath’s 20th anniversary tour was a truly special event, one that not only celebrated the past but also set the stage for the future. With their unrelenting passion and dedication, Underoath’s journey is far from over.
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