Reviews

Producing memorable debut records that withstand time and make an immediate impact on the musical scene in which the band is immersed is a daunting task. In the case of Embrace the End, their debut full-length Counting Hallways to the Left is able to meld stylistic elements together fusing all of the best parts of every metal-core record you have liked in the past three years.  Not since The Red Chord or Ion Dissonance has a metal band with hardcore roots been able to so vehemently establish themselves in such a short amount of time.  Hailing from Sacramento, California- a scene more known for their brutal hardcore scene than a metal one (this band actually includes current members of First Blood and Killing The Dream)- Embrace the End has concocted a devastating and scathing record.
 
Immediately, the disc takes off at the first chance blazing from the start with blast beats and guitar riffs that provide the backdrop to the dual-vocalist attack.  They combine elements of European styled melodic verses, with the crushing riffage of bands like Unearth and Despised Icon.  I enjoy the fact that they can incorporate melody into their song writing, as in “Memento Mori” without sacrificing the integrity by singing like wimps over the rock-solid guitar leads.   Songs like “The Biography of Fever” and “Frankie is a Cutter” are also the fuel that keeps this runaway steamroller of an album going strong from beginning to end.
 
 Embrace the End has created a juggernaut that is as easy to cook dinner to (it’s been done) as I would assume it would be to serve as inspiration to lift weights or fight a troupe of bodybuilders.  The promo disc liner notes describe their sound as “a cinder block tornado”, and it’s not that far off from the truth.  If you crave the sounds of anger, a barrage of seething hatred put to music and truly aggressive metal; this is the album for you.