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Embodied, The: The Embodied

Heavy/Thrash/Power Metal

3.5/5.0

Pure Legend Records
Website Facebook MySpace
by Craig Hartranft,  10.17.2011

The Embodied are a young upstart band from Sweden trying to offer something new to the venerable metal scene. Generally, their metal is an amalgamation of traditional heavy, thrash and power metal with a current of melody, noticeable in the chord and vocal arrangements, and a dose of modern nuances. The latter come in more coarse vocals, without succumbing to death vocals, a heavier metal motif, and breakdowns to temper them. How much of this is novel is likely in the ear of the listener.

Yet, The Embodied start strong. The first four songs find the band easily blending the modern harsh heaviness with equally rich and lively melody. Shedding Skin and Born from Shadows do well at this. With the latter balancing light and heavy movements surprising aplomb (also notable in the vocal arrangements.) What follows, however, seems suspicious. Flawless is simply fast and heavy, sometimes confusing the listener between thrash and speed metal. Northern Lights, Deception, Light Up the Storm nearly follow the same motif: more big thrash riffage in a heavy fast context. Heaven Burns Tonight, with a solo from Andy La Rocque (King Diamond, also co-producer), returns the band to the intrigue of blending relentless thrash heaviness with milder melodic breakdown. Excluding the short segue Prometheus Flame, the final count is five out of nine most interesting songs.

The Embodied's debut is a sound one with a solid infusion of classic thrash and a dash of modern harsh heaviness. Is it particularly novel or extraordinary? Likely not. But the band is on a fine course for future success.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

The Embodied's debut is a sound one with a solid infusion of classic thrash and a dash of modern harsh heaviness. Is it particularly novel or extraordinary? Likely not. But the band is on a fine course for future success.

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