SCULPTURED present a suitably unholy hybrid of progressive, traditional and experimental death metal on "Embodiment." The title is delightfully explained by the closing track's title, "Embodiment is the Purest Form of Horror." I believe SWANS covered similar emotional ground with the such feel-good classics as "Mother, My Body Disgusts Me." Troubles with the suffocating weight of God and the uselessness of organs also provide lyrical grist. Given such morbid inclinations (the album art includes medicinal diagrams of bodies in various states of undoing), the not-infrequent inclusion of clean vocals, piano melodies and power-prog theatrics can feel incongruous. Yet there is a charm to the dichotomy in the album's best moments, such as the rollicking "The Shape of Rage," while the grimey, almost GODFLESH-ian gallop of "A Moment of Uncertainty" fulfills the promise of more straightforward evil nicely.

Those who appreciate robust displays of musical schizophrenia will find the mix of multi-layered and hammering guitar, charging drum fills, growl-sing interplay, organ indulgence and occasional spoken interludes of SCULPTURED's "Embodiment" much to their liking. Members of WINDS, ESTRADASPHERE and AGALLOCH form the album's line-up, delivering the technical talent needed to master the complex arrangements. Influences include DEATH, VOIVOD, DREAM THEATER and CYNIC poured into molten stew. The ten-minute plus pseudo-title track summarizes the proceedings with epic, piano-laden flair and harmonious bombast, though I do still believe purer forms of horror can be found.

- Shragge

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