EMBODIMENT

If you happen to be stumbling across this band, it mostly likely comes from the fame imparted on Sculpture leader Don Anderson by Agalloch. Unfortunately, Embodiment will appeal to quite a different fan base. Stylistic distinctions aside though, Sculptured have created a sadly overlooked masterpiece, greatly shadowing all their prior work which appears quite juvenile when held up to the light produced by Embodiment.

Sculptured differentiates itself from the post-rock influence of Agalloch being more in the extreme metal vein similar perhaps to Opeth and Death. Where Agalloch focuses on traditional harmonies and long extended themes, Sculptured rebels exploring radical harmonic territory. Don Anderson employs matrix methods and geometrical considerations in writing material to prevent falling into familiar territory.

Most of the material here is pretty brutal. The screaming vocals and massive riffs of Anderson backed by the mindblowing drum work of Murray amounts to an aural blitzkrieg. Adding variety to the brutality though we have Winds keyboardist Andy Winter who's contribution considerably improves Embodiment compared to previous releases from the band. However, perhaps the most important missing cog which allowed Sculptured to reach a new tier in quality would be vocalist Tom Walling who replaces Brian Yager (refusing to sing because of religious objections to the lyrics). His singing style is poor pop. Further his voice is honestly pretty bad. In some magical way though he fits perfectly into the band.

Terrifying, techincal, prog-metal. Must have.