SCAR SYMMETRY

I've always found SCAR SYMMETRY to be one of the most consistent and solid bands in metal. From songwriting to production, the Swedish prog-thrashers have always put forth an excellent display of forward-thinking melodeath. That being said, the band has also become somewhat formulaic over time. The tunes still rocked out proper, but things became a bit predictable and par for the course. Whether the band took note of this or simply grew out it, "The Unseen Empire" is a dedicated step away from the same old song and dance.

I doubt anyone expected a drastic change in SCAR SYMETRY's approach or sound on this album and those who did would be sorely disappointed. This is the same band that brought us the shining beacon of Swedeath light that was "Pitch Black Progress", but they finally seem to have shifted out the gear they've been stuck in since said album. Not to detract from "Holographic Universe" or "Dark Matter Dimensions", but "The Unseen Empire" is shows growth on many levels. For one, SCAR SYMMETRY relies less on the overused 'heavy verse/catchy chorus' structure than before. Sure, the disc is fueled by hooks and ear-pleasing melodies, but things are arranged with a fluidity that goes beyond the standard fare. Guitarists Per Nilsson and Jonas Kjellgren have definitely stepped things up, but not in the same manner that more shredders would. Instead of pushing themselves to be more technical or brutal, the duo explores the song-oriented side of their collective psyche with very impressive results. With a riffing style that marries "Pitch Black Progress" and "Dark Matter Dimensions", the guitars are able to come across as both pummeling and engaging, while still leaving space for other important elements (you know, like the actual song). As usual, the two play brilliantly off of one another; showing that they can lock horns for destructive results during progressive thrash ragers like "Seers Of The Schaton" and "Alpha And Omega" or spiral around each other to create layered and expansive moments of melodic mastery as they've done on "The Anomaly" or "Extinction Mantra".

Perhaps the biggest question surround "The Unseen Empire" involves the vocal team of Roberth Karlsson and Lars Palmqvist. When the pair was introduced to the world on "Dark Matter Dimensions", it seemed their four feet could barely fill the pair of shoes belonging to the departed Christian Älvestam. That is hardly the case here, as both vocalists have settled nicely into their respective roles in terms of phrasing, voice and overall delivery. The volleying of growls and screams might be the biggest reason SCAR SYMMETRY still lives in the shadow of SOILWORK in the eyes of casual fans, but it's also become the cornerstone of the band's sound. The duo really drives this point home during "Rise Of The Reptilian Regime". A few more tunes like this one and Älvestam loyalists who have yet to give these guys a chance won't have much to bitch about.

It's hard to call "The Unseen Empire" the best SCAR SYMMETRY album to date, but I wouldn't give much of an argument to anyone who wants to give it that distinction. Always great songwriters, the band has found a way to maintain that accessibility without resorting to penning generic, paint-by-numbers album filler. Where many of their peers have done just that, SCAR SYMMETRY, as the kids say, keep it real, yo. Go ahead and consider "The Unseen Empire" a mandatory purchase.