2004 starts out with a bang as Tooth & Nail's latest act Emery release their debut The Weak's End. Fans of emo will be in Heaven listening to Emery, while others will find them a little hard to swallow. This is definitely not a band for everyone, but fans of the genre will embrace these newcomers with open arms. And really, even those not familiar with the genre are capable of enjoying this, though it might take a while for some to really sink their teeth into it. Emery deserves a chance from anybody who listens to today's Christian rock. They do suffer from being perhaps a bit tedious at times. One song sounds like the next one upon first placement in your CD player. But once you've given it time, each track has it's own distinct feel.

Emery plays emo like it was meant to be done, though they rely perhaps a bit too heavily on what is a needless hardcore edge. I'll admit, it does work; but it is laid a little thick and could have easily been reduced. Toby Morrell's vocals are melodic and passionate. The screams are less then melodic; but at times, when they are done right, are passionate and flow perfectly with the song.

"We wanna show people that love is the greatest thing, not in a worldly way, but just a compassionate way. That's our message," say drummer Seth Studley. Indeed, this is the message conveyed through Emery's lyrics. Some songs are soaked in pain, but Emery never fails to let us know that at the end of the day, there's still Someone who cares more deeply about you than you will ever know.

Emery is a band most people probably won't dig; but if you are able to enjoy them, you will do so thoroughly. Still not perfect by any means, but this is a great start to a band that will be exciting to watch in the future.

- Review date: 1/20/04, written by Josh Taylor