Like From Autumn to Ashes, Nora, and Hopesfall (just to give three examples), Emery is an alternative pop/rock outfit that has been described as "melodic hardcore." That means that they aren't providing pure, unadulterated hardcore (let alone metalcore) in the traditional sense, but rather are melodic alternative pop/rockers who incorporate hardcore elements. That approach has also been called "screamo" -- in other words, emotional and melodic sensitivity contrasting with the sort of screaming vocals one associates with hardcore and metalcore. And Emery, like many other 2000s bands that have been described as "melodic hardcore," "post-hardcore" or "screamo," definitely thrives on heaven/hell and melody/brutality contrasts. One minute, they're providing lush melodies, introspective lyrics and conventional vocals -- the next minute, they'll detour into tortured, agonizing, death-all-over-your-face screaming.

For Emery, however, the conventional vocals outnumber the screaming vocals, which is a major difference between their approach and the unforgiving ferocity of the more extreme hardcore and metalcore bands of the 2000s -- Emery gives you tortured screaming some of the time, whereas hardcore and metalcore purists will give you tortured screaming 100 percent of the time. Without question, Emery's kindness/cruelty juxtaposition is a long way from the unmitigated ferocity and relentless brutality of metalcore bands like Brick Bath, Hatebreed, and Rotten Sound.