A fantastic musical sculpture
From The End Records comes Embodiment, a fine release by Sculptured with an impressive lineup that delivers far beyond my expectations. The band is made up of guitarist Don Anderson, bassist Jason Walton (both from Agalloch), Andy Winter on keyboards (Winds, Age Of Silence), drummer Dave Murray (ex-Estradasphere, Deserts Of Traun, Tholus) and vocalist Tom Walling.
If you’re unfamiliar with Sculptured, a band that might serve as reference would be the obvious Agalloch, but moreso Winds and Age Of Silence, and to some extent Opeth. In any case, Sculptured have not changed their basic style or sound; they have improved it, progressed, and fulfilled their potential.
And what a start! This album opens with such a kick in your face heavy riff, mixed with great lush keyboards much in a 70’s inspired Hammond organ style. After this initial tone has been set, the album continues to be full of progressive metal goodness: intricate guitar playing, fast changing rhythms, cool tunes, excellent playing, a rich sound, combined vocal styles (growling and clear) – in short, a recipe for excellence. As if that isn't enough, the album's production is great, clear and fresh. The songs are well-structured and have many intricacies built into them, often deviating from the main theme by means of time signature changes, vocal style, intensity, or mood. They have done a remarkable job here that has hooked me from the very first listen.
The choice to have only 5 tracks (though mostly long ones) has proven to be wise, as this album is a dense and rich experience; a longer album would have been less effective. The last song, "Embodiment is the Purest Form of Horror", is in itself a good reason to get Embodiment. It is a fantastic voyage between the fierceness and the more melodic and mellow sides of metal (reminiscing Winds somewhat), building up to a majestic part lead by keyboards and backed up wonderfully by the drums. It is a wonderful song and a good representative of the sound of the album and the level they have elevated to.
This release has already begun my list of the best 2008 albums. What makes Embodiment so great is how they have progressed. This is prog rock woven wonderfully into metal form. In short, this is an excellent progressive album, get it now!
| Reviewer: Assaf Vestin Added: January 26th 2008 |
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