Ok, this review might be a LITTLE biased, but that's only because I like metal. This disc is very good. Embodyment pulls off the emo-core thing very well. The singing is top-notch, as is the instrumentation. Of course, there is no need to worry about production because they are on Solid State, and if that doesn't impress you, the fact that the album was produced by Barry Poynter and Jason Magnusson. One problem with the music, though. Mark Garza never uses his double bass. In the last album, he never stopped. Other than that, everything is worth the money you spend. I agree that they should have changed their name because this is truly NOT the Embodyment that we have grown to love. Why the low rating? Embodyment has done something that all music lovers should shake their heads at. They have become copy-cats. They tried to be Deftones wannabes. They pull this genre of music off very well, however. Maybe even better than the Deftones. But, good bands don't sound like anyone in particular. The Deftones don't sound like anyone because they have created their own unique sound. That's how Embodyment was, but they changed to something that is already existing. Why listen to a wannabe when you can just listen to the original? Just on principle alone, this album deserves nothing better than a 7. My associates who have made this rating higher probably have a more open mind than I do. So, if you have an open mind and like the Deftones, then get this. If you liked the old Embodyment and don't like the Deftones, then don't waste your time or money.
6/10
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #83Reviewed by Doug Van PeltAre you ready for a shock? Embodyment has rewritten their entire sound. Instead of extreme metal, they're closer to emo or indie rock. What?! You did read correct. The first four songs plod along in indie rock / emo land before we ever hear that shrill and fierce shrieking scream we've come to know Embodyment by. Those who were shocked by the transformation Mark and Jeff made from The Crucified…Art for the Ears 2000Reviewed by Marco PovervestWhen I started the Art For The Ears radioshow in January 1999 Embodyment's Embrace The Eternal was the first CD of the Month release. You can understand that I was anxious to hear The Narrow. I was told that it is a different disc. A change of direction like the change it was for Brett Detar moving from Zao to The Juliana Theory. Now I listen to the CD I have to admit there's truth in that. This…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Michial FarmerThe band's name and their home label were all I needed to make up my mind. "Great," I thought, sliding the CD into its slot in the player, "more hardcore." So you can imagine my surprise when, several measures into the first song, Sean Corbray, Embodyment's lead singer, greeted me with a well-crafted and performed melody. With the addition of Corbray, the band has abandoned the thrashy hardcore…Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by SORGMan this cd is annoying! Not that it sucks per se, but it is SO disjointed and difficult to describe! This is music coming from a band with a mountain of potential as they have proved their many talents in the past. Embodyment started out back in 1993 as a straight death metal band akin to bands like Cannibal Corpse and Crimson Thorn. Then in 1998 they released Embrace the Eternal with influences…Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by thOrNAll hail the passing of the greatest metal band, embodyment. All hail the arrival of the greatest emo-core band, embodyment. Yes I know what you ALL think... Yes embodyment wussed out but they are SO GOOD!!!! I don't want to hear, "but it's not metal!!" cause it's so freaking good. Yes I agree with you, they shoulda changed their name but it's cool that they are still embodyment. Oh and don't…Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by D_ListerEmbodyment fans BEWARE! Enjoyed the Embodyment Demos CD? Found some real comfort in the brutality that was Embrace the Eternal? Expect NOTHING like that here. Rather with this album Embodyment offers us nothing less than a full style change. From Metalcore to Emocore. Sure there are a couple of breakdowns that are nice, and once in awhile a song will break out into a hardcore piece, but the…Similar sounding releases
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1994Corrosion of the Flesh
2001Hold Your Breath
1996Embodyment
1998Embrace the Eternal
19991993-1996
2002Songs for the Living
