Review: Code Orange’s ‘Underneath’ Is The First Metal Masterpiece Of The 2020’s

Code Orange have unequivocally become one of modern metal’s most aspiring young bands. Now four albums into their career, their cacophony of metal, hardcore, electronic, and alternative genres is pushing boundaries for heavy music. With their critically acclaimed and Grammy nominated 2017 album, Forever, Code Orange were able to carve their place into the metal scene, as well as introduce listeners to the amalgamated sound that is Code Orange. With the band’s latest release, Underneath, they continue to push their own sonic boundaries, but successfully do so in a way that not only elevates themselves but the genre of heavy music entirely.

Code Orange grew up as hardcore band and over time molded into what many consider a metalcore band; a subgenre utilizing elements from both metal and hardcore. Underneath certainly has them preaching a metalcore aesthetic, but with the added mixture of industrial and electronic elements, Code Orange are wielding an unrivaled version of the metal subgenre. From the first track alone, “Swallowing The Rabbit Whole,” more than half the album’s mission statement is laid out in front of the listener; puncturing odd time breakdowns, industrial percussive and rhythmic motifs, and cinematic-like transitions. However, the execution of this sonic cocktail is really what makes Underneath and Code Orange stand apart from just about every modern metal and hardcore band.

From a lyrical stance, vocalist and frontman Jami Morgan spouts intricate passages of generational disconnect, toxic idolatry, and general quarrels with modern day society. It’s no joyous matter, and while the lyrics are very much interpretive they’re written with the same intent and determination as the instrumentals, only reinforcing Underneath’s ambitious vision. However, once the track “Who Am I” is unleashed, all the ground work gets laid out for the album. This track showcases one of the many melodic mid tempo breaks Code Orange take throughout Underneath. Tracks “The Easy Way,” “Autumn and Carbine,” “Sulfur Surrounding,” and the closing/title track “Underneath,” all provide a much needed hiatus from the majestic chaos. These melodic songs make room for even more nuances in the band’s sonic palette and album altogether, with several instances of grunge and nu-metal vibes crawling about.

Underneath intensifies all of the superb elements that made 2017’s Forever intriguing, all while adding a fistful of new sonic twists that take Code Orange to the next level. This record showcases such strong song-craft from a multitude of sub-genres, with the end result being refreshing at the very least. There’s so much going on from the instrumentation, musicality, and terrifyingly good production that often it can feel like sensory overload. In fact, that might be what turns some listeners off most with this album; Code Orange are running on all cylinders, 100% of the time. This not only comes with the mere fact they’re a metal/metallic hardcore band, but rather the direction and ambitions they take with Underneath.

Code Orange have the guts to actually try something bold and different in a wildly overcrowded genre, be it metal or hardcore. Underneath is by far the band’s best work to date, and truly a metal classic in the making. However, depending on one’s willingness to experience something apart from typical heavy music, Underneath is either a masterpiece or a difficult pill to swallow. In general, change can be a difficult pill swallow, especially in the metal and hardcore communes. Despite that, change ultimately leads to innovation and new genre leaders like Code Orange. In the case of Underneath, change is metaphorically a rabbit, one that Code Orange are swallowing whole.