Tag: scar symmetry

Released back in 2014, this was the first in a trilogy of albums and I think we are still waiting on the third. They seem to change members with alarming frequency and yet that doesn’t seem to stop them from releasing grade A quality tunes, and this album is no exception.

The lead off track Neohuman pounds along with a killer groove and I love the mix of clean and dark vocals. I mentioned in a previous review of one of their albums that they are DT on steroids, and I still think that’s an accurate description. Limits To Infinity emphasizes the Prog like quality of their vocal harmonies and also shows just how melodic they can be, mixing it with some seriously heavy riffs and grooves. Killer stuff!

Cryptic Harvest sounds so majestic and epic at the intro and then it gives way to the expected crunch and heaviness. The Spiral Timeshift is power metal awesomeness that drives along with double kicks a plenty wrapped in harmonic goodness. Massive shout out to Per Nilsson whose axe work is a revelation all throughout this record.

The short instrumental piece Children Of The Integrated Circuit is just sublime that shows of Per’s incredible melody and tone. Neuromancer is so freakin’ heavy it pounds your brain into submission. The album closes out with Technocalyptic Cybergeddon, over 10 minutes of jaw dropping intensity.

Great record! You can buy this album or live under a rock! Your choice!

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.

This is album number two for one of Sweden’s greatest metal bands. You must have experienced this before, when a band you really like doesn’t get the recognition you think they deserve. Scar Symmetry is that band for me.

The metal community are a very fickle bunch and can be very blinkered in their opinions. Specifically when talking about the differing vocal styles of clean and scream. Scar Symmetry blend that perfect balance between crunch and melody just right, and the way they use the differing vocal styles to fit the mood of the music is spot on.

Talking of vocals, this would be the last album that Christian Alvestam would appear on as his reluctance to tour was affecting the band, especially with the track The Illusionist gaining lots of airplay on radio and Headbangers Ball. The middle section groove is freaking awesome and you can see why it had great reviews. The title track is supremely delicious with lots of dropped down riffage, and Henrik Ohlsson is a beast on the kit.

One of the heavier tracks the band have done is Calculate The Apocalypse. They give any death band a run for their money all the while keeping the melody and groove in tact. Killer tune! Possibly even heavier is The Kaleidoscopic God, it’s also my favourite track. It’s heavier than a heavy train on the heavy road to heavy town, and gives Slipknot a run for their money in the pounding groove department.. this track slays!

A killer band with amazing musicians is always going to deliver. You will not be disappointed with this slab of awesome.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

It’s great to see Nuclear Blast reissuing these early Scar Symmetry albums on vinyl. It’s also odd to see them listed as melodic death metal. I always thought they were Dream Theater on steroids, and the growl vocals does not make them death metal. Also, to be fair this is their most melodic record and the vocal melodies and harmonies are superb. I think bands like Tesserract took some huge inspiration from these guys.

This record is superb and I will just give thoughts on some of the tracks that really shake my tree. Timewave Zero is soooo good. The riffs are fat, and huge, the drumming is insane in places and the vocals are awesome. Artificial Sun Projection starts in a more traditional way with a fairly normal riff pattern, then the groove in the verses is super cool and again, the vocals are killer. The Missing Coordinates is just some freaking awesome groove metal that Slipknot would be proud.If you like your double kicks faster than a fast thing on fast train to fast town, then Prism And Gate will right up your strasse.

Love this album and the band are so awesome.

10/10 from The Grooveman.