"Embraced By Misery" is melodic, but that's hardly the basis of the album. Enforsaken play really dark and heavy death metal, using harmonies and leads to add an upbeat element. Imagine "Heartwork" era Carcass or "The Chainheart Machine" era Soilwork. The screaming is a bit sludgier than many of the group's European counterparts, and the inclusion of sung vocals provides a Gothenburg element also, since many of the bands of that region are employing such techniques (see new Darkane, In Flames, Dark Tranquility and Soilwork discs). Mr. Stell's solos aren't over flashy to the point of being self gratifying, but they are competent. While all the tracks are quite memorable, "The Acting Parts", stands out to me as the disc's prime cut. A heavy dose of lead work over a rugged low-end and a great sung chorus that will stay in your head for days after listening. Perfect arrangement.

Having now mentioned Soilwork twice in this review, I might as well throw the name around a few more times. The artwork for the disc was composed by Carlos Del Olmo Holmberg, keyboardist for Soilwork who was also responsible for the cover artwork on Soilwork's "A Predator's Portrait" album. Enforsaken also employed the talents of producer Chris Djuricic, who is known for his work with Oppressor and Gorgasm. Trevor Sadler mastered this album, as well as albums from NIN, Rush, Moby and more! This duo created a killer sound for this death metal band. There's a nice even mix and everything is really loud. The way death metal should be.

Hailing from Illinois, Enforsaken, along with other new discs by bands like Dead Blue Sky and Epoch of Unlight, are a sign that the US is finally catching up with the metal revolution that was started in Europe.