Code Orange is an American hardcore band that formed in Pittsburgh in 2008. Since formation, the band's punk style has gradually grown more abrasive and heavy metal-influenced. I Am King (2014) is considered their breakthrough LP but it was the even better Forever (2017) that pushed their sound to new and interesting places. Forever, being referred to as a "modern classic", was considered one of the top album of 2017. Therefore the expectation for their fourth album Underneath were quite high.
Despite being generally classified as hardcore, it's difficult to define Code Orange's sound. Since Forever, the hardcore sound is heavily fused with Nu-Metal (e.g. Slipknot and Deftones) with a touch of industrial. But while still aggressive Underneath also adds a bit more of alt rock with some moments even reminding me of Alice in Chains. The new endeavor brings 14 tracks in 48 min. After the intro track featuring industrial samples, we get the second single "Swallowing the Rabbit Whole". It's a heavy and yet groovy track that can resemble early Machine Head. The next couple of tracks follow similar style. Another groovy headbanger is "Last Ones Left". "Sulfur Surrounding" is the third single and it's a good choice as it blends the more melodic clean vocals side with the aggressive sound from the early albums. But the album is full of interesting turns. Bringing their sound way beyond noisy hardcore. "Who I Am" is pure Deftones, a mid-tempo song with a sing along chorus, it works for me! This is certainly a more accessible song without getting lame. On that note "The Easy Way" features such a catchy chorus that I challenge you not to sing along. They have more rabbits in their hats, "Autumn and Carbine" is borderline grunge in the lines of Alice in Chains. Actually the album looses me after this track. Underneath is a bit too long, 35 min would've been a more appropriate length for me.
I appreciate the tasteful use of industrial samples, it gives a modern feel to their music without distracting us from the music. Don't know why they like to add those complete stop of a song in the middle of it for a fraction of a second, it's really irritating. (e.g. "Fear"). But maybe that's what they are going for. The production is dynamic, uncomfortable, noisy and scary. This all fits very well with the current state of the world. I also like the artwork even though looks too familiar (Scorpions' Blackout?).
There's enough heaviness and aggressive short tracks to keep the old fans satisfied but at the same time Code Orange expanded their sound to a more accessible alt rock territory that will certainly bring new fans. Overall it's an impressive accomplishment to perfect this blend and help defining modern extreme metal. While I personally have some small issues with the album, I can understand why and foresee Underneath topping the year-end lists again.
SCORE: 80/100
Genre: Hardcore
Released by Roadrunner Records on March 13th, 2020
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Rating System
96 - 100 Perfect
88 - 95 Excellent
84 - 87 Great
80 - 83 Very Good
75 - 79 Good
69 - 74 Mixed
58 - 68 Bad
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