Holographic Universe

Here we have the follow up to Pitch Black Progress. I must say, Scar Symmetry is a Melodic Death Metal band that surely doesn't bring anything new to this tried and true subgenre but they do it so well. With 3 albums and 1 consistent lineup, who knows what this band is capable of?

Christian Alvestam is definitely one of the best singers in music. Not just Metal but music. His tenor voice almost doesn't even fit this band's music but it almost seems like they wrote all the songs on this album around his amazing voice. In songs like, "Timewave Zero" and "Ghost Prototype II (Deus Ex Machina)", the melodies are the best part of the songs. Every time the hook comes up, I prepare myself for an auditory melodic barrage. My one and only problem with the vocals on this album is that during the harsh vocals parts, the growls are not as prominent nor powerful as on previous work. It seems they focused the majority of their songwriting on these vocals melodies.

The riffing is ok. On most of the album, they seemed to focus more on rhythm then on actual riffage. Nonetheless, I enjoy what they've done in the songwriting even if the guitars are not quite as heavy as on their previous albums. The Death Metal part of this band is almost completely gone on this album. Maybe they figured they could ride on the coattails of In Flames and Soilwork with their super melodic guitar work. If that's the case, at least it still works for Scar Symmetry.

Overall, I would say I really enjoy this album namely for the melodic choruses. On standout tracks like "Timewave Zero" and their grand opus, "Holographic Universe", you'll find yourself singing boldly along. Go ahead. It won't hurt. Much.