Soul Embraced is an example about how hard and fast doesn't mean you will put out a good metal album. Most songs lay down a fat base to build on, but end up being anti-climatic - boring at times.

It's easy to hear influences that shaped these songs; reaching from Mudvayne to Botch to Extol. While there are some hooks that will burrow into your brain and never come out (like the chorus on I Bury You and the intro to On Your Own), some parts are flat out stolen from other bands (you could almost start singing the chorus to Dig by Mudvayne around the 30 second mark on The Hero).

Despite the quality recording and technical instrumentation, Immune ends up sounding like an average album from a metal-core band with death metal influence.

Mike Frost
www.buzzgrinder.com

Surprises abound when first listening to the sophomore effort from Solid State Records, Soul Embraced.

Bands change their sound and members as much as they change their underwear now days, and Soul Embraced is no exception. The bands Solid State debut, This is my Blood, was a death metal, heavy on the bass drum, typical attempt at growling vocals. With this new record, comparisons would be more appropriate to ZAO, Demon Hunter, and even Carcass. A welcome change in this reviewer's humble opinion.

From the first song to the last, lyrics on this album are filled with bitter disdain and isolationism. The much talked about track, Someday, contains lyrics that talk of disillusionment with mainstream society, "does the way I look make me that different from you?" Other lyrics talk of human kinds utter dependence on God. A varied topical base in the lyrical department gives this album a very eclectic feel despite the same sound resonating throughout its entirety. A very different track is, however, contained near the end of the album in the spoken word track, Seems Like Forever. It has a very groove oriented feel, very reminiscent of some of Pantera's latest works.

All in all, with the catchy guitar hooks, destructive vocals, and overall talent contained in this band, Immune is well worth the $12-$16 most retailers are going to charge.

Jeff Petermann
www.buzzgrinder.com