Holographic Universe

Scar Symmetry has often been the scapegoat of an obviously-failing scene of Swedish melodic death metal bands that look up at one-step-ahead Gothenburg factions and wish they could be like those dreamy cool-cats. “Holographic Universe,” however, is more than another dull record our community wouldn’t embrace; instead, it’s a wonderful glimpse into Scar Symmetry’s finest mindset, not a previous infatuation brightening pathetic mirages like half-rate melodic death metal. As a whole, the band is musically bent on a modernized Gothenburg-like stance, but that small truth should not scare you away, for the mixture of these entities is outstanding when brought together under Scar Symmetry’s fancy sun. In this universe built from illusions, only “Holographic Universe” can connect computerized wires into absolute excellence.

Setting fake images aside, Scar Symmetry’s approach is equally balanced between their traditional tampers and a mild edge of pop. Surely, some might find it a little overblown or perhaps unnecessary, yet the band’s combo can only create greatness evolving with slick riffs in the melodic sense alongside catchy choruses that avoid mass repetition and one-layered musicianship; plus, every member keeps this touch alive while riffing and drumming on remarkable wires. Also, all these tracks are written in total direction towards their modernized-Gothenburg stint without driving astray; indeed, they keep the melody and the catchiness in masterful chains. When you view the melodic death facility in general, “Holographic Universe” has it all: spellbinding instrumentation, unforgettable anthems, solos that make Mr. Fantastic stand in awe, and some sweet surprises everyone enjoys.

No matter how magical or futuristic our friends at Scar Symmetry appear, Christian Älvestam stands alone, showered in his blissful larynx. For those that have ignored or never heard of this gentle lad, please grab your headphones and analyze; this is the voice of an underground idol, with more talent and charisma than any namable vocalist of similar niches. The vocalist has a rare gift to sing and growl perfectly on both levels, so let’s just say singers on all spectrums better be worried. His true charm, however, shines amongst cleaner sections in which Christian’s voice reaches into wonderful pitch control and remarkable abilities that could induce rabid love in seconds. If Scar Symmetry is a body, Älvestam is the soul, and I’ll bet he can easily beat up Jesus, no question.

Having acquired that-one-group status, I honestly can’t see why anyone would find “Holographic Universe” an obsolete program for the Gothenburg system. After all, Scar Symmetry has written material beyond their expectations, even despite its poppy spines or semi-generic wallops. It’s really too bad Älvestam exiled from the Scar Symmetry camp, but I guess that’s how time works; always mysterious, and certainly unpredictable. Still, one can only gloat over the mystic production “Holographic Universe” has left for Gothenburg fans, so give it a shot, if you wish. I can’t guarantee you’ll love the release, yet you’ll certainly find at least a few instances otherworldly in a sense of symmetrical wonders.

This review was written for: www.leviatan-magazine.com