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Embodyment > The Narrow Scope of Things > Reviews
Embodyment - The Narrow Scope of Things

A Successful Change in Musical Direction - 95%

User16533, May 14th, 2007

“Death, heaviness, and grind. Bring it on Embodyment!” This is the feeling that may have ensued through fans’ minds as they placed this disc in the stereo to hear some truly heavy music, only to realize that just about all traces of extreme metal are now gone.

So almost overnight, Embodyment changed musical styles with the addition of Sean Corbay and the departure of a few members. The Narrow Scope of Things is an entirely new entity from their death and grind roots and welcomes the hardcore sound. Actually, there is more than just hardcore here, as hardcore is only a fraction of any description for this music. One thing is certain, however: Embodyment are gifted at creating melody, varied atmospheres, and making due with a line-up void of some talents of old. Actually, the band challenge even their prior efforts with this release and succeed in making music just as good, or even better than their previous material.

For one, this is the first album to feature actual singing – and a lot of it. Aside from growls, Corbay puts aside what Kris McCaddon, one of the old vocalists, had accomplished before and shouts and sings, and does a great job incorporating both.

Another interesting item is that the entire album was recorded with only one guitarist as opposed to the duo of before. The many effects he uses sound perfect for the music and are used in a very clever manner. Props to the guitarist, because the riffs are truly amazing and could not have been executed better.

The rhythm section is just dadgum powerful. Easily, the prominent bass is a welcomed feature to The Narrow Scope of Things and essentially gives much of the album its heavy low end and malicious vibe. Mark Garza is a steady force behind the kit, pummeling his way through the album with a more sedate, yet relevant style of drumming.

With this release, Embodyment have managed also to incorporate a few ballad-like songs among the somewhat heavier, sporadic structure of the album. Songs like Winter Kiss, Confessions, and One Less Addiction make The Narrow Scope of Things a rather diverse listen, yet do not detract from its entirety. Meanwhile, headbangers like Assembly Line Humans and Killing the Me in Me bring about some of the band’s old low-tuned heaviness.

Truly, this is a great album. Changing styles almost overnight, The Narrow Scope of Things marks an entirely new and successful musical direction for Embodyment. Recommended for all fans of plain ole good music.