Embodyment Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
Furthering the band's evolution away from a heavy metal clamor towards a cleaner, modern rock sound, Embodyment's Songs for The Living makes a convincing pitch for mainstream success. Guitarist Andrew Godwin's six-string work dominates the material, laying the groundwork for Sean Corbray's soaring vocals. The band's Christian leanings are only hinted at in these songs; the obtuse lyrics instead exploring the many facets of romance and human relationships. "Reaching Out" sounds a little like R.E.M., even as it reasserts a grab at faith, while "She's There" revisits the memory of a lost love with Wall-of-Sound instrumentation and powerful vocals. A red-hot riff and recurring rhythm sends "Segue Station" into the stratosphere, glimpses of lyrics passing by underneath a shimmering melody and sonic overkill. Altogether radio-friendly and ready for the major leagues, Embodyment discarded a large part of its past in favor of a brighter future with the slickly-produced, chart-rock of Songs for The Living. Although the band has done little to distinguish itself from, say, Creed and its many doppelgangers, ten years down the road finds Embodyment still reaching for the stars, adding various disparate elements to their sound, and seeing what works. ~ Rev. Keith A. Gordon, All Music Guide
'Hold Your Breath'
Release Date 10/9/2001
Tracks 10
Label Solid State
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What The Critics Say
Embodyment has found themselves evolving drastically since their debut, Embrace the Eternal. On Embrace the Eternal, Embodyment brought forth a version of hardcore/metal that was familiar to many and was arguably mediocre. The band made an astonishing transformation with 2000's Narrow Scope of Things, an album that captured pure emotion alongside hardcore testosterone brilliantly. Embodyment's 2001 release, Hold Your Breath, finds the band evolving once more, losing almost all aggressive undertones and instead directing their sound toward passionate alternative rock. Vocalist Sean Corbray bursts with heartfelt emotion, and musically Embodyment targets a much more mainstream version of heavy rock, as compared to past releases. Unfortunately this new direction also leaves the band sounding somewhat empty, a problem that did not arise on Narrow Scope of Things. Lyrically Embodyment has expanded their views to take on more personal feelings, and songs like "Decade" and "A Season's End" are quite spectacular. Hold Your Breath just is missing that extra something to claim it is an outstanding album, and honestly it is a major disappointment as a follow-up to Narrow Scope of Things. While it is obvious Embodyment is looking for more of a widespread fan base that just would not come to be within the restrictive boundaries hardcore places upon itself, Hold Your Breath fails to meet expectations. ~ Jason D. Taylor, All Music Guide
'The Narrow Scope of Things'
Release Date 4/25/2000
Tracks 12
Label Tooth & Nail
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What The Critics Say
The Narrow Scope of Things came as a shock to fans of Embodyment, as in place of the slight death metal approach found on their debut came a more passionate emotional direction accompanied by raw hardcore crunch. Embodyment did embrace the more expansive talent of frontman Sean Corbray on this album, allowing the band to explore new dimensions musically, and these new directions also allowed the band to spread their faith-inspired message to larger audiences. "Winter Kiss" practically bleeds emotion, as Corbray seduces the listener with heartfelt lyrics while the guitars of Andrew Godwin and Jason Linquist weep with touching dynamics. "Pendulum" is one of the most aggressive songs captured on disc, as Derrick Wadsworth, dominating bass, bludgeons the listener into a emocore coma. At times Corbray's vocals are haunting in their ability to linger in one's memory much longer than they rightfully should, yet one of the only downfalls of this impressive effort happens to be the monotone delivery of these powerful lyrics. Overall, The Narrow Scope of Things was the turning point for Embodyment, and as it stands is their best record as well. ~ Jason D. Taylor, All Music Guide
'Embrace the Eternal'
Release Date 1/1/1998
Tracks 10
Label Solid State
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