Simplifying things a little, the theory behind the use of 12-tone scale in classical music is that it opens up new musical possibilities beyond the cliched progressions and harmonies which the Western ear has become enslaved to. Sculptured's "Embodiment" fulfills the same function, but in the sphere of metal (I wouldn't call it death metal because that creates certain expectations--see the main review). Listening to this album is like listening to metal from an alternate universe, where different harmonies--if you can call them that--and different arrangements are the norm. It's not for everyone and it certainly takes a few listens, but there are plenty of headbangable grooves on this album, intensely beautiful passages, and some superior and insane drumming. Lyrics to my mind are anything but "childish"--as I understand it, it's a philosophical reflection on dying and the weirdness that we have all these organs inside of us that could fail at any time--why did God make us like that? The half-point off is for the vocals, which could really be better, both clean and growls. But, in sum, this album is a unique musical experience, one that you won't find anywhere else in metal, and that's why I rate it so highly. My favorite Sculptured disc.
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