Embodyment's deal with Solid State Records is up, and they're off to seek fame and fortune elsewhere with their newfound, more commercial hard rock sounds. They enter Barry Poynter's studio to lay down a top quality albeit quickly recorded demo. This becomes known as The Industry Demo, and upstart XS Records snags a licensing agreement to release it to the general public. Now known as Songs for the Living, here are 10 songs that are different from previous albums. Sure, Sean Corbray's sleek melodies are instantly recognizable, and he remains one of the most heartfelt and innovative lyricists since Dan Weyandt of ZAO fame. And of course Andrew Godwin's songwriting prowess is still there. But Embodyment has changed so much over the past four years that it's somewhat disturbing. The band set the standards very high when they released The Narrow Scope of Things, one of the best albums of the new century. Subsequently, it's really difficult to let each new album stand on its own. Shortly after recording this, drummer extraordinaire Mark Garza left the band, and guitarist Derrick Wadsworth rotated in behind the kit. Touring now more than ever, it should be interesting to see what label this once extreme metal band will end up on, and if their metalcore past will ever rear its beastly head again.
Editors' ratings — Doug 3/5, Lonny 2/5
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis January 2003Reviewed by Nate BaileyEmbodyment are Texas heroes who have released albums with Tooth and Nail records but have released "Songs for the Living" with XS records. The album was produced by Barry Poynter. When I reviewed Embodyment's last album I made the comment that if their two guitarists played different parts and stuck in some technical work that the effect blended with their already soaring vocals and well written…Similar sounding releases
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