Embrace the End Counting the Hallways to the Left

I refuse to use the term "metalcore," which to me only describes less than one percent of heavy bands that don't even deserve to be mentioned. However, what should a band be called that is obviously equally influenced by the metal and hardcore genres Because they are generally one or the other. Anyone reading this has probably been to enough shows to know that more times than not the metal people and the hardcore people don't play nicely together. Whatever the name consensus is, if anyone cares, it will be the genre that Embrace the End fit into. With their debut album Counting Hallways to the Left, and featuring current members of First Blood and Killing the Dream, Embrace the End are perfectly suited to be the soundtrack to a hardcore dance floor while incorporating enough frenetic metal guitar work to keep the jaded entertained with air guitar mockery. Despite its usage, Counting Hallways to the Left is unrelenting in its ferocity. The dual vocal attack pummels the listener, with one vocalist opting for the high road, while the other takes the low, and sometimes cavernous, road complete with guttural growls. The dual guitars work well together, offering some interesting harmonic moments while also converging with the bass for the unison breakdowns. There is even the occasional "ah, isn't that nice" melodic breather amidst the heaviness. The drumming on this recording is very competent and utilizes tasteful fills in addition to the normal double bass heavy metal work. In short, the musicianship here is admirable, and clearly demonstrates the group's ability to succeed as a unit. However, the band does not always put this musicianship to good use. While the band makes a good effort at diversifying, in terms of tempo, feel, etc, they do tend to get stuck in some ruts. Many of the melodic guitar passages sound too similar for comfort. Likewise, many of the breakdowns are monotonous and unnecessary for a band like this; they could be replaced with something else that would make the music much more interesting as a whole. Bottom Line: Embrace the End have created something worthwhile in a scene of mediocre bands that invariably try to combine genres without much reverence or success.Clearly, Embrace the End knows where they came from and have a pretty good sense of where they're going as well. Though there are some less than memorable moments on this offering, they are tempered by some stellar ones. If some of the pitfalls common to this style can be avoided with future releases, Embrace the End will be something special to watch out for.