Embrace The End
"Counting Hallways To The Left"
Abacus Records

When a band has members of others bands within its ranks, I kind of have to wonder how good the new project would be. Especially considering that I’m not the hugest fan of either First Blood or Killing The Dream. But Embrace The End do some things on their full length debut that make me like what I’m hearing.

Usually, when a band has two singers, it could sound real cheesy and corny fast, but in Embrace The End’s case, it actually works out well. They have one defined “screamer” and one defined “Growler” and to be honest it sounds pretty damn good.

“The Biography of Fever” really sums up the band to a casual listener. Almost minutes of absolute brutality that makes you want to hear more. If you’re questioning whether or not you’d like this band, I’d say give a listen and think of bands like As I Lay Dying (minus the horrible singing parts) and Black Dahlia Murder when thinking of bands to compare to. Only, I don’t think they have much of the Swedish metal influence that Black Dahlia Murder has. But there is a definite metal influence within the music itself.

Unfortunately I think metalheads will cast them out as wannabes and hardcore kids might be too stubborn to like this band, only time will tell. It has been said that 2005 will be the year the world gets Blindsided by Embrace The End, again time will tell with that one.

Reviewed by: Chris Buehler
Reviewed on: July 19, 2005