It’s not easy to describe Umphrey’s McGee. They’re certainly a jam band, but they don’t really sound like any other jam band out there. Their mixture of guitar harmonies, heavy metal-inspired riffs and interesting rhythms have made them a popular college band for 13 plus years, and they will hit the stage at the Bama Theatre for the second time in two years on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m.

Umphrey’s, as fans call them, played at the Bama Theatre in April 2009 to a nearly sold out crowd and are back touring in support of their newly-released album “Death By Stereo,” their first album to be released on ATO Records.

“I’m really excited to hear some of the new songs live,” said Dale Fudge, a fan of the band who was at their Bama Theatre show in 2009.

Umphrey’s is known for having a harder edge than most of the jam bands around right now. They play a little bit heavier than the fusion-oriented Phish and the southern rock-oriented Widespread Panic.

Chris Honeycutt, another fan of the band, describes them as “progressive jam-rock” and says the crowd at previous shows he’s been to is mainly what you see at most jam band shows.

“The shows are really energetic—lots of head-bobbing and dancing,” Honeycutt said.

Umphrey’s started playing together during college at Notre Dame in 1997, and their fan base and reputation for an exciting show has grown ever since. Known for their marathon shows and blend of musical genres infused in their songs, they make their living on the road, playing more than 100 shows a year.

Fans here at Alabama are hoping for the same long-winded sets that they’ve grown accustomed to.

“I’m always tired and worn out after an Umphrey’s show, but I don’t mind it a bit,” Fudge said. “The longer the show, the better deal the ticket is. That’s how I look at it.”

The show will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the show, and they can be purchased at bamatheatre.org.