Ø (Disambiguation)
by Underoath
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. AllMusic
    Nov 15, 2010
    80
    Darker and more immersive than previous outings, Underoath treads familiar ground, though each step holds the promise of a land mine.
  2. Consequence
    Jan 10, 2011
    80
    That framework [on 2008′s Lost in the Sound of Separation] is largely in tact on the new effort, except it's decidedly richer and more vibrant, showcasing each member's strengths in ways not realized before in Underoath's decade-old career.
  3. Alternative Press
    Nov 8, 2010
    90
    O (Disambiguation) is the first Underoath album in years that you'll walk away humming--even as you pick shrapnel out of your ears. [Dec 2010, p.118]
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  5. Sputnikmusic
    Nov 12, 2010
    80
    Disambiguation clearly shows that Underoath are still very much the same well oiled machine that brought us Define the Great Line back in 2006 when they firmly established themselves as the kings of the scene, even if that title is somewhat constricting and misleading as their music transcends its given tags and connects with their fanbase at a deeper level, regardless of belief structure.
  6. Kerrang!
    Apr 5, 2011
    60
    Less encouraging is that while the album is unmistakably brutal, it's also remarkably unmemorable. [2 Apr 2011, p.52]
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  7. Billboard.com
    Dec 2, 2010
    80
    By using the lineup shift as a chance to explore different terrain-namely, eschewing pop choruses and traditional vocals-Underoath's sprawling, at-times disquieting music is newly realized.
  8. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Nov 8, 2010
    94
    The elements of the band complement each other instead of over-powering, thus making Ø (Disambiguation) brutally beautiful and instantly memorable.
  9. Rock Sound
    Apr 6, 2011
    90
    To fans it'll undoubtedly shine as their best record yet, while the uninitiated may be about to find their new favourite band.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Album of 2010
71
#71 Most Shared Album of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. seantech
    Jan 5, 2011
    7
    This album presents the same message with a different lineup. This band has changed so much over it's existence and for them to manage to keepThis album presents the same message with a different lineup. This band has changed so much over it's existence and for them to manage to keep the message consistent is pretty cool. Even when you see them in concert they put the message above all else. I was more of a fan of the last two albums and not as into the loss of Aaron as the drummer/singer. I feel they balanced the singing and screaming better in the last albums. I also think that the Spencer Chamberlain matched with Aaron was a better combination than him singing on with the accompaniment of the other band members. I feel like they lost that uniqueness. Aaron added a certain powerful emotion that is missing in this album. The drums however, picked up by former Norma Jean drummer Daniel Davison are a lot more involved than in the last two albums and there are less electronic fills which makes them sound more "rock." But Underoath definitely become less identifiable for me.… Full Review »
  2. alexrobertsteac
    Nov 12, 2010
    8
    This is a really solid album from a band that has slowly become more of a "rock" band then anything resembling metal (I am still hesitant toThis is a really solid album from a band that has slowly become more of a "rock" band then anything resembling metal (I am still hesitant to call the band metal... bands like Wretched, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Between the Buried and Me are more so). After losing interest in the band following their last two releases, Disambiguation finds them losing Aaron Gillespie (the drummer/singer currently fronting the band The Almost) and gaining an identity. This album is heavy. Not in the sense that there are a lot of technical or mathematical guitar riffs or breakdowns, but in the sense of pounding, down-tuned (yet still audible), rhythmic, music that drives and grooves. That isn't to say there isn't any softer parts... in fact, the singer of Underoath now gets to truly shine... and shine he does on this album. Overall, this is a well put together, frantic, and heavy album for fans of heavy music. Jaded metal fans may hate it due to its lack of technicality, but fans of solidly written heavy music (with the added plus of excellent vocals) can really get into this.… Full Review »
  3. arostislavna
    Dec 21, 2021
    9
    Unfortunately, this is not where you're supposed to go for music reviews because of how limited and selective it is because of "criticUnfortunately, this is not where you're supposed to go for music reviews because of how limited and selective it is because of "critic response"

    All I will say is that Define the Great Line is a perfect 10, and this album is a close second.    … Full Review »
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