From the genius minds that pioneered "Christian metal" thru Living Sacrifice, comes Soul Embraced. Drummer Lance Garvin and guitarist Rocky Gray bring on a thrilling side project of serious death metal with creepy screams courtesy of Chad Moore. Although Soul Embraced hasn't caught the popularity of L.S., the guys still aim for grade-A metal.

Immune starts off slow and carries a dull breakdown throughout the first two songs, but how original can they get with one guitarist and one drummer? Before you get too bored, Embraced steps a level up with fast, pounding beats on "I Bury You." I was surprised to hear clean vocals in the song, but grateful that Chad and Rocky didn't sing to please fans of The Devil Wears Prada and Asking Alexandria. Track five, "Someone Just Walked Across My Grave," will give you that complete death metal vibe with low break downs and background whispers. And of course you'll hear the stereotypical "Christian Death Metal" lyrics such as "It's so hard but I try to live... My God come down and save my soul." I get really tired of lyrics where there is no hope; while the feeling can be realistic, there is no reason for every band to sing ten songs on the subject.

To be honest, I felt the entire album sounded the same, empty and slow. After Soul Embraced's last album came out (Dead Alive), I'd listen to that release any day over Immune. Also, considering the album was recorded in 2003, most kids are too much into Underoath and August Burns Red these days to enjoy Immune.

As for me, I still enjoy the album and anything Soul Embraced puts out. It's REAL metal, not a one-string melody, with a Drop-D break down. If you want a thrilling death metal record, purchase Dead Alive, but if you enjoy a simple yet original metal album to relax to, pick up Immune.

JFH Reader Review: written by Joe Quinlan, 4/8/11, for Jesusfreakhideout.com