SCAR SYMMETRY „Dark Matter Dimensions”

Genre: Melodic Death/Power Metal
Country: Sweden
Band Website: www.scarsymmetry.com
Duration: 54:10
Killer Songs: All of them!!!

Forging ahead despite vocalist extraordinaire Christain Alvestam’s abrupt departure last year, Scar Symmetry continue with the business of melodic death metal married to alternating vocals on their breathtaking “Dark Matter Dimensions.” The difference this time around is two people are needed to fill Mr. Alvestam’s shoes; you have the growlsome Robert Karlsson opposite Lars Palmquist’s majestic throatwork. The roller coaster begins with a sweet guitar harmony that suddenly veers toward the heavier side of things for opening romp “The Iconoclast.” It’s a winning number done in true Scar Symmetry fashion; a soaring epic that pins its hopes on the vocal pyrotechnics. Since they’re an experienced crew, it’s pure magic for anyone who has the pleasure of hearing it.

To get a clear idea of what comes next, distill the essential ingredients that made the first song great then apply it to the next 11 tracks here. As they once again peddle a familiar sound that has become their trademark, Scar Symmetry prove they are sovereigns of consistency. Lesser bands can only gnash their teeth in frustration. Having outgrown the Soilwork comparisons long ago, this album’s success marks the beginning of the Scar Symmetry subgenre. Do the vocal switcharoo thing these days and you’ll likely be compared to them. Songs such as “The Consciousness Eaters,” “Noumenon and Phenomenon,” “Ascension Chamber,” “Nonhuman Era,” the title track, “Frequencyshifter,” and “Radiant Strain” may be cut from the same mold, yet each contains its own special drama. Yes, drama. It’s heard every time Lars Palmquist does the chorus with a voice that’s pure melodrama, which means the band has the right person for the job at hand. Perhaps the only track that deviates from the norm is the stripped down “Mechanical Soul Cybernetics” where growls n’ screeches hog the lyrics next to a grooving melody.

As expected from a band with music producers among its members, the whole of “Dark Matter Dimensions” sparkles. The songs’ cybernetic texture, heaps of melody, plus the Kjellgren-Nillson guitar duo’s beautiful soloing are the perfect backdrop for the singers to unravel the album’s futuristic theme (courtesy of band scribe and drummer Henrik Ohlsson). Having established themselves as one more Swedish band deserving a global audience, it would be a shame for any metalhead to miss Scar Symmetry’s ascent.

note: 9/10

Tracklist

1.The Iconoclast
2.The Consciousness Eaters
3.Noumenon and Phenomenon
4.Ascension Chamber
5.Mechanical Soul Cybernetics
6.Nonhuman Era
7.Dark Matter Dimensions
8.Sculptor Void
9.A Parenthesis In Eternity
10.Frequencyshifter
11.Radiant Strain
12.Pariah (bonus track)

Line-up

Robert Karlsson-Harsh Vocals
Lars Palmquist-Clean Vocals
Jonas Kjellgren-Guitar
Per Nillson-Guitar
Kenneth Seil-Bass
Henrik Ohlsson-Drums