Review SCAR SYMMETRY ‘The Singularity Phase II – Xenotaph’

Swedish metal outfit Scar Symmetry has already quite a track record. The band started in 2004 and went through different phases in which they offered their version of melodic death metal. From the raw and progressive debut to the acclaimed rather catchy ‘Holographic Universe’ the band offered different versions of their interpretation of melodic death metal.

A cornerstone for Per Nilsson and the band was the year 2011 when Jonas Kjellgren left the band. Nilsson and Kjellgren were co-writing songs and from 2011 on, Nilsson was in lead by himself.

The first result of his work with Scar Symmetry was the first chapter of a trilogy. ‘The Singularity (Phase I – Neohumanity)’ was the title of this first step of a story that leads the listener into an outer space world.

Fans of the band had to wait a while before they now can explore the second chapter. Nine years after having unveiled the Part 1 of this trilogy it is the ‘The Singularity Phase II – Xenotaph’ album which thematically picks it up, where the predecessor left off.

The new album is darker and heavier which makes sense since it addresses the war between neo-human and the poor, the Technocalyptical Cybergeddon which marks the end of Part 1.

The start into ‘The Singularity Phase II – Xenotaph’ is brutal and aggressive. Equipped with a lightning blastbeat the listener has no chance to slowly get into the album. When I heard the song for the first time, I had to think about that this is the way how you transfer ADHS into metal. There are so much happening and constant new triggers lead to a constant distraction. Even after a few times of listening to the song I can’t get rid of the feeling that it is just too much loaded with twists.

Once you found a way through this opening blast, the album starts to unveil great moment. Nilsson combines great melody lines with massive riffing. Different layers prevent monotony, and the addictive melodies like in ‘Overworld’ find a way into one’s mind.

The atmospheric ‘Hyperborean Plains’ is more of a peaceful moment until Robert Karlsson’s growls add the hellish aspect to the mix.

‘The Singularity Phase II – Xenotaph’ is the anticipated new album of Scar Symmetry and fans of the band will like what they get to hear. The catchy moments are in constant action with the dark side. As mentioned earlier, a lot is happening on this album, and it might be a bit too much. This also means that ‘The Singularity Phase II – Xenotaph’ isn’t a longplayer that you explore in one listen. You must spin this record a few times before it slowly reveals some great moments.