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:: Review
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This is the DEBUT!!! Album from a talented six piece out of New Bedford,
Massachusetts. Their music is heavy, melodic, guitar-driven excellence. Their
sound combines the best of the old rockers with the intensity of the new screamers.
The album blasts off with the first track Bastard Screams that had me banging my
head within seconds. The guitar sound is sharp and precise like the slice of a
razor. The next track, Mourning in Magenta, continues their tradition of blazing
guitars but also shows their versatility with a nice piano ending. The third track,
Compass, is one of my favorites. A fast tempo, fist-pumping beauty that deserves a
few hits of the repeat button. Shawn Gallagher's diverse vocal range from low
growls to high-pitched screams really adds to this piece and sets the pace for the
rest of the album.
Their dominance continues with Rapture, then into the instrumental Drowning Sun.
Which begins with a Spanish sounding acoustic flare that eventually integrates
itself with electric guitar fury. Against the Elements, the title track is a full
sounding number with a very catchy chorus that ends with a thunderstorm effect.
Next, Release continues on and surprises me with a jazzy percussive part ¾ through
the track.
The Bending Sea is tough, hard and rough. The sound on this track is blistering.
Therefore being another one of my favorite tunes. The album finishes up with Embers
Astray and The Riddle of Steel. Both reinforce their old school epic sound. With
the instrumental Riddle of Steel taking me back to a cold battlefield in England
where swords, shields, strength, power, and spilled blood ruled the land.
The production on this album is very impressive. The music created by Beyond the
Embrace is heavy, but not brutal. The sound is smooth and flowing with each
instrument, including the vocals blending together and layering over one another
beautifully.
By the way, did I mention this band has three, count 'em three guitarists? I feel
this is the key to capturing the "old school" epic sound that we tend to miss out on
with some of today's music. Listening to this album evokes some ancient spirits
that cause the neck to snap, the body to jump around the room, and transports me
away to a raw and mystical place. The remaining musicians in this band also hold
their own. The percussion and the bass are pounding and pumping throughout each
track.
Against the Elements is a great debut album and Beyond the Embrace is a versatile
talented band. Definitely Recommended.
8.5 out of 10
keyboards.
Reviewer: Lord M
Visit the artist website:
Beyond the Embrace
Check out the Beyond The Embrace MP
Against the
Elements - mp3
also
available on our
MP3 page
:: DISCOGRAPHY ::
Beyond The Embrace - Self Titled CD 2000
Against
the Elements - 2002
You can purchase this CD from
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