Scar Symmetry - Holographic Universe

Another strong effort from Scar Symmetry.

The Gothenburg sound of melodic death metal has been around for a long time now, and hundreds of bands have now followed in the footsteps of a genre originally created by groups like At The Gates and Dark Tranquillity. Today a lot of those bands tend to sound the same. Sweden's Scar Symmetry has been able to carve out their own niche in the genre.

Holographic Universe has the band's now familiar combination of melodic death with progressive elements. Scar Symmetry transitions between thrashy guitar riffs, bludgeoning death metal and lengthy instrumental sections. Jonas Kjellgren and Per Nilsson do a good job with complex solos and intricate fills along with heavier, more traditional death metal riffs.

Christian Alvestam combines death metal growls with melodic singing. His growls are dark and intense, yet understandable. He also has a strong singing voice. There seems to be more singing on this CD than on their previous CDs, which may polarize some fans.

Holographic Universe is also Scar Symmetry's most melodic CD to date. Some of the progressive parts are almost radio friendly, but then the death metal kicks in for some much needed intensity. The production is excellent as well, very polished and crystal clear. I didn't like this one quite as much as their last release, but it's a still a very good melodic death metal CD.