Embraced is a young melodic hardcore act out of Panama City, Florida; the unofficial state of emo. They began in early 2000 and are already on a good start, signed to budding Theory 8 Records. An Orchestrated Failure is their debut EP.

The Intro leads things into an instrumental Metallica affair while "A Glass Magnolia," if pulled off live, would be something utterly stunning. Lead vocalist Brandon Mullins adds a good hint of difference in his melody as well as his addition of xylophone on "Cease To Dream." "Hold My Hand" ends things with an anthem of many layers that seals the group's chance at growth.

An Orchestrated Failure is far from what its name states, but isn't a total achievement either. Embraced shows a lot of promise; vocally, instrumentally, and more so, spiritually. We'll just have to wait and see if the orchestra can fine tune their tool in future performances.

- Review date: 8/25/02, written by Blake Garris