Symmetric in Design

Scar Symmetry are pretty technical when it comes to songwriting. Each of their songs are well thought out with otherworldly guitar solos, soaring vocal melodies and philosophical lyrical themes. While the band expanded these aspects as they progressed into their career, none of the later releases quite matched the genuine passion and honesty of Symmetric In Design, the outstanding debut. And what a debut it is...

Much of the song structure on this release is relatively simple and straightforward, compared to that on 'Holographic Universe' and beyond. This is by all means a good thing, as songs have a beginning, middle and end which makes them generally more solid. The backbone of the album comes with the whole 'dreamlike' feel of the songs. The first track, 'Chaosweaver' has some interesting guitar effects at the start, and verges on power metal in parts. This was set to become a fan favourite with its brutal verses and anthem-like chorus, which is incredibly catchy. Thats where the album gets its power: the songs are basically structured, but more compact and defined. Songs like '2012 - The Demise of the 5th Sun' are catchy, spacey and come as a breath of fresh air in the world of metal. There really aren't any other albums that you could compare this to, which shows that the band have a talent for creating unique music.

The guitars are very impressive, with face-melting solos in most of the songs. 'Detach From The Outcome' has some nice shredding, and is probably the albums heaviest track with its guttural growls and hard-hitting opening riff. Christian Alvestam's vocals are incredible as always, and he hits notes high and low like it's nothing. In 'Dominion' he really shows us his range, and his talent for growling as well. This is the albums strongest song mainly because of the majestic and melancholic main melody. The chorus has some lyrics that are rich with heartfelt emotion, and stands as (in my opinion) the bands finest song. This song sums up the album - unique, passionate and with a mature sound that is inspiring to listen to. This is proof that a band can be intensely heavy, but also create beautiful melodies that flow nicely with these parts. For this reason listeners of all kinds can get into them too, and will find much pleasure in experiencing this album. There are elements of all kinds of metal here, from the aforementioned power metal segments of the guitars, to the death metal growls and riffs and even the orchestral elements.

Symmetric In Design is an outstanding work of metal and one of the most impressive debuts to come along in ages. While it may lack the dizzying technicality of later albums, it still amazes with it's both melodic and brutal aspects that intertwine perfectly. This is truly an album from another world that will blow your mind no matter how many times you listen to it.

An essential purchase.