SCAR SYMMETRY - The Unseen Empire

Submitted by sherivengeance on Tue, 31/05/2011 - 3:35pm

Out with the old and in with the new. Changes are overt not only in the vocal department, but even the genre of Scar Symmetry has shifted from the groove-laden tech death to the groove-laden melo-death, all fused with 80’s anthemic goth rock. 

Scar Symmetry is known for its superior formulaic songwriting, all featuring big, melodic choruses and catchy hooks. The Unseen Empire sees the band experimenting with their sound - and for all the haters, re-friggen-lax, as the vocal duo's performance meets all expectations. 

Roberth Karlsson fits into the head-honcho role of lead screamer quite well, with roars that are both impressive and powerful, and Lars Palmqvist's lead cleans cannot be faulted. Nonetheless, being Christian Alvestam's replacements, this has created very big shoes to fill, but the transition to the new sound is seamless.

Boasting brilliant melodies, which have been laced with heavy chops and the general amount of technicality expected from guitarists Per Nilsson and Jonas Kiellgren - who bring on the heavy chugs, outstanding riffs, and unreal guitar solos - additionally, the Swede’s have chosen their complex tracks more carefully, with their full abilities shining on songs such as ‘Astronomicon’, ‘The Draconian Arrival’, and ‘Illuminoid Dream Sequence’.

As for the more goth rock-esque tracks, and I use this description very lightly, 'The Anomaly', 'Alpha Omega' and 'Domination Agenda' are all songs that showcase a maturity in the musicianship of the outfit, as well as an upbeat shift in dynamics that casts one's mind back to Survivor's hit 'Eye of the Tiger' and many other great rock-pop anthems from the early 80's. Lars Palmqvist is fantastic on these tracks; his vocal timbre and facility of the tenor range are poignant and rich - every now and then tapping into falsetto. Yes, he is no Christian Avestam but talented none-the-less.

This is a band exploring new territories and experimenting with their sound, and so the record is fantastic in its execution, with a strong delivery despite the noticeable shift in dynamics, coming across as effortless and probably one to please older fans and new. 

The Unseen Empire is out now through Nuclear Blast 

 

Album: The Unseen Empire

Release: April/May 2011

Track list:

  1. The Anomaly
  2. Illuminoid Dream Sequence
  3. Extinction Mantra
  4. Seers of the Eschaton
  5. Domination Agenda
  6. Astronomicon
  7. Rise of the Reptilian Regime
  8. The Draconian Arrival
  9. Alpha and Omega

Visit: www.myspace.com/scarsymmetry

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