Review Summary: Embryo gives us melodic death metal, solid, safe and enjoyable.
Embryo Is:
• Roberto – Vocals
• Uge - Guitars
• Andrea - Bass
• Reynoldz -Drums
Born in 2000 in Cremona, Italy and being a melodic death metal act
Embryo make for an interesting but at times safe listen. With a range of influences cited including that of Scar Symmetry many may already know what’s coming before they even hit play but should not be warned off before giving this a go.
No God Slave is a surprisingly solid effort with tasteful symphonic elements and simple approach. It’s the album’s simplicity that creates an enjoyable listen to those who are either fans of the genre or fans of the band.
No God Slave is never mind-blowing but it does have many attributes of a quality record. A simple recipe that focuses on groove ‘chugged’ riff patterns reinforced by the drum’s bass work. Fronted by both growled and screamed vocal linings and made more interesting by its melodious and atmosphere creating symphonic element. What lets this record down is that it comes off too safe. Every component comes together nicely but lacks a push or technicality that would see this album hit the heights.
Title track ‘No God Slave’ sums up the albums sound in one sitting. From the layering of symphonic elements and the keyboard infused riff lines to the almost relentless drum work. Shrieks and growls to mid ranged screams; it has every element a melodic death metal band uses on a regular basis. This is all well and good but it doesn’t push any boundaries or limits, re-affirming the album’s ‘safeness’ and the band members unwillingness to experiment. Most of the tracks also have a blended feel to them. The same fundamental pattern is used throughout and without anything contrasting or innovative separate tracks become quickly forgettable. For example ‘One Way Left’ may incorporate some deathcore breakdown patterns but it is essentially
Embryo’s standard creative recipe, that being the growls, the screams, the same simple riff lines and structural features.
‘Escape from Your Fears’ shows off the band’s technical ability. Each member shows that they know what to do with their respective instruments. A greater sense of creative writing is shown here and after a rather engaging introduction listeners are exposed to a groove inspired melodic thrash output. Playback value increases as listeners’ feet start tapping whilst being absorbed into the music. This track is a great representation of the eerie atmosphere being created. This is caused solely by the keyboard and symphonic layers. Drummer Reynoldz displays his musicianship and marching drum work in track ‘Dark Passenger’ where regrettably his drumming suffers under the instrumentation of the other members. It simply becomes too much of the same thing.
No God Slave is a solid record but is flawed by a repetition of ideas and a too safe approach to the album. There will be many moments where listeners will find their heads moving sub-consciously and rightly so.
Embryo have found a musical recipe that works for them and are showing no desire to experiment or push boundaries. The music is good but at the same time forgettable. Listeners will be drawn to the vocal work of Roberto and the drum work of Reynoldz.
Recommended Tracks
• Democratic Mankind Slaughter
• One Way Left
• No God Slave
• Dark Passenger
