Young Florida metallers Underoath spoke about their new album.

You did a couple of albums, 'Act Of Depression' (1999) and 'Cries Of The Past' (2000), for Takehold Records. How does 'The Changing Of Times' compare?

(Tim McTague, guitar) The new record is much different and adds influences from many different genres, while maintaining the original Underoath sytle. The best way to describe the new record is, it's honest. We didn't sit down and say, "We're a metal band, so we have to write a metal song." We just played what came out and if we liked it we kept it. I think this record reflects different moods and emotions and is a very musically diverse project.

What are the songs "Alone In December" and "The Best Of Me" about?

(Dallas Taylor, vocals) These songs are pretty much about people playing with other people's emotions and how it can leave you bitter. Also, about struggling through life's hardships and tyring to find God in all of it.

What's been the big influence on your music?

(Aaron Gillespie, drums) I really think life influences our music - our every day lives as people, our Christian walks, the way we treat people and relationships.

Where have you been gigging lately?

(Tim McTague) Everywhere and anywhere. We are on tour right now. Our future is extremely full. We have several tours planned for the next few months.

What was Underoath's original focus?

(Aaron Gillespie) The original focus of our band was to simply spread the love of Jesus. The focus has definitely not changed, just become more mature, I guess. We have seen a lot over the past few yeas and our vision has just become to understand people and accept them for who they are and to not shove things down throats, but to learn about hearts and to simply love.