The Bottom Line
The Swedish band has delivered a superb melodic death metal album.
Pros
- Nice mixture of catchy melodies and crushing intensity.
- Diverse vocals.
Cons
- None.
Description
- Released in North America May 2, 2006 on Nuclear Blast.
- Recorded in guitarist Jonas Kjellgren's Black Lounge Studio.
- This is the band's second CD.
Guide Review - Scar Symmetry - Pitch Black Progress
Any time you read an interview with a band on the eve of a new album release, they almost always describe it as "more melodic and more brutal." That generally turns out to be hype or wishful thinking. In the case of Sweden's Scar Symmetry it's absolute fact. The melodic death metal band's sophomore album has many more memorable hooks and much catchier melodies than their debut, but also is more intense and destructive.
Vocalist Christian Alvestam is extremely versatile. His melodic singing is strong and clear and his death metal growl is powerful and ominous. He also throws in a black metal style evil rasp that adds even more diversity to the album.
The combination of melody, brutality and extremely skilled musicianship make for a nearly flawless album. I recommend this one very highly.
