Scar Symmetry – The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph)
Release Date: 9th June 2023
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Pre-Order/Stream
Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Tech Death, Progressive Metal, Power Metal.
FFO: Soilwork, Solution .45, Mors Principium Est, Miseration.
Review By: Rick Farley
Scar Symmetry, while owing a bit of a debt to the pioneering melodic death metal bands of the 90s, have always been progressively forward moving and forging their own evolutionary path. Combining crushing riffs, harsh gutturals, power metal infused clean melodies, futuristic atmospheres, and virtuosic technicality with ruthless precision and fierce aggression. An amalgamation that works remarkably well and ensures the band a distinct sound that few have emulated. One of the bands most distinctive traits is that of often accessible, and at times radio friendly poppy melodies, seamlessly blending with death metal growls and chugging heavy riffs. All within the structure of modern production and exploratory extreme metal.
Formed in Sweden in 2004, Scar Symmetry have been at the forefront of progressive death metal movement since their very first release. Each album cosmically leaping forward in direction and complexity, adding elements that enhance their core sound of hyper melodic brutality and sci-fi themes. The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph) marks the bands seventh full length studio album and the second chapter of a planned intergalactic trilogy.
Thematically, The Singularity (Phase I – Neohumanity) released in 2014 was widely acclaimed by critics and fans alike. Phase I presents the dystopian story of mankind becoming so technologically advanced that elite neo-humans have the ability to upgrade themselves while the masses of the poor, seeing a threat with this technology, begin to start a rebellion. Ending with the Technocalyptic Cybergeddon, a full on war. The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph) tells the story of that war. A race of ultra-terrestrials show up on the side of the rebellion when all hope seems lost, and battle alongside unmodified humanity against the murderous neo-humans.
Sounding fully revitalized, Scar Symmetry is better than ever, hitting hyperdrive on all cylinders. The much anticipated, The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph), is heavier, darker, and much more aggressive than its predecessor, and easily the most brutal sounding record they’ve ever released. The introduction of blastbeats to kick the album off on opener Chrononautilus are unexpectedly crushing. An instant explosion of futuristic violence sets the tone immediately. Roaring growls from Roberth Karlsson and silky cleans from Lars Palmqvist trade off, keeping the intensity of the track somewhere between destructive and celestial. Pers Nilsson, who created both albums nearly all alone in their entirety, is one of metals most gifted and celebrated guitarists. The slithery, face melting solos of Altergiest are otherworldly, combining breathtaking technical skill with cosmic atmospheres. Drummer Henrik Olsson spirals the track from percussive blasting, rapid double bass to stomping grooves within the massive cinematic scope of the astonishing soundscape. Ben Ellis was added as the bands second guitarist and contributes a few leads to the record as well. The classic Scar Symmetry melodies of album closer Xenotaph darkly loom before a progressive streak of musicianship burst into technical complexity. A hugely layered chorus break up the intricate sections with an ethereal vibe and sum up the theme of the record of a battle between humans and artificial intelligence. Sounding both chaotic, and darkly beautiful.
This is the sound of a band that’s always been uniquely their own, taking it to even higher levels, far into an already illustrious career. Nearly the entire record comes off as a highlight with magnificent passages of music in every song that will inspire, amaze and just plain kick your ass with abrasive melodic death metal intensity. The intelligence of the song writing comes across clearly in hooky melodies and accessibility while maintaining guitar wizardry, polarizing spacey ambience, and extreme heaviness. In my humble opinion, The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph) ranks amongst the bands pinnacle release, Holographic Universe. This will easily make my year’s end list and probably yours too. 
(5 / 5)
