Aaron Leaves Underoath!

Written by: Sean

After duking it out among the best names in melodic metal-core and post-hardcore for over ten years, the widely popular Christian band Underoath now sees the departing of it's drummer and clean vocalist Aaron Gillespie who is also coincidentally, the last remaining member of Underoath's original incarnation. Dated on April 5th of 2010 an official message from the band to the fans regarding Aaron's departure was published on their website. The original message reads as such:


"We are taking this opportunity to sadly inform you the six of us have decided at the end of the current European tour, Aaron will no longer be playing in Underoath. This was not a decision made in haste but a thought out and prayed upon group agreement. It in no way effects any of the shows left on this tour. They will still be our best efforts and enjoyable experiences for all. For the future, Aaron will be pursuing other musical and ministry endeavors. As for the rest of us we will continue to work hard on the new Underoath record. We appreciate the love and support from everyone in the past and hope that all of us will continue to receive your support on our future paths. We love you guys. Tim, Grant, Aaron, James, Chris, and Spencer"

Despite the fact that the initial shock that Aaron has said his goodbyes to Underoath caused dismay among fans of the band, many fans have been seen expressing views online that they saw these events foreshadowed when Aaron had established his side-project (now his only current project) The Almost with their debut Southern Weather in 2007. Whether or not Aaron's leaving was predicted, in February of 2010 Underoath had stated they were finishing up their newest album to date. With this news of the bands lineup changing it's not yet known for sure if Aaron will appear on the new album, if the band is looking for another clean vocalist to replace him, or if they'll decide to keep going with just a screamer.

This could be an exciting time for Underoath that will make or break the future of the band. Will the loss of the vocal skills that won over many of the bands fans cause them to take the route of former post-hardcore kings From First To Last after losing Sonny? Or will the future see amazing adaptation and new innovation in the band's sound?