Scar Symmetry - Dark Matter Dimensions

December 10, 2009

Reviewer: M.J.

Whenever a band has a few albums under its belt and develops a sizable following, it’s risky to change members that are integral to the band’s sound, especially so if it’s the vocalist. Scar Symmetry was faced with this predicament as they prepared album number four, Dark Matter Dimensions. With the departure of their vocalist Christian Ãlvestam, they were challenged to find an equally talented and qualified vocalist. In their case they found two: Roberth Karlsson (harsh vocals) and Lars Palmqvist (clean vocals). One could look at this as casting a flattering light on Christian’s talent - to have 2 guys to fill the void he left in this popular Swedish melodic death metal band. Though on one hand, Christian’s talent has never been in question as he wrote the majority of the vocal melodies on all three of the band’s prior output, on the other hand it also speaks to Scar Symmetry’s desire to try something new that would provide flexibility in the vocal department. I am sure the decision was not easy but Dark Matter Dimensions is a testament to the fact that taking such a gamble paid off.

After the well received Holographic Universe, the more melodic Dark Matter Dimensions should definitely continue to please existing fans as well as appeal to a wider audience as it continues in much the same vein. Lars’ clean vocals are pretty polished for a death metal band and maybe aren’t as emotive as Ãlvestam’s, but Palmqvist does have a likeable charm. As far as the harsh vocals, Roberth is on par or breezes by Christian with his intensity and enthusiasm. The guitar interplay has never been better between Jonas Kjellgren and Per Nilsson as they display their amazing technical proficiency while playing very catchy melodies. Even though the second half Dark Matter Dimensions is less innovative than the first half, the band continues to show genuine flashes of brilliance.

On the infectious opener “The Iconoclast” the band immediately works to win over any doubters with a potent mix of clean and harsh vocals and dizzying dueling guitar solos. The band is definitely out to prove that they haven’t missed a beat.  Lest we forget the band can zip along with crushing speed and pounding blast beats, we get the fantastic and perplexingly titled “The Consciousness Eaters” along with the equally heavy “Ascension Chamber”. “Noumenon and Phenomenon” has a very radio-friendly style vocal melody that is hard to forget, but it also contains some of the harshest black metal rasping on the record. It’s a nice contrast that makes for a very memorable song. The title track and “Frequencyshifter” are also notable tracks that are relentless in their attack without sacrificing or drowning out their melodic hooks in the process.  The acoustic and clean vocal intro of “A Parenthesis in Eternity” belies the surprisingly heavy progressive epic that follows. For those who can’t get enough of the band, make note that the digipak version contains a bonus song “Pariah”.

Lyrically the band is still as cryptic as ever. Attempting to decipher their enigmatic prose is a near Herculean task and should probably be left for a rainy day. No matter though, the band has clearly bounced back from a precipice that would be panic inducing to most. Dark Matter Dimensions is proof positive that the band is more than capable to prevail in the face of adversity.

Release Date: October 2nd, 2009
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  The Iconoclast
2.  The Consciousness Eaters
3.  Noumenon and Phenomenon
4.  Ascension Chamber
5.  Mechanical Soul Cybernetics
6.  Nonhuman Era
7.  Dark Matter Dimensions
8.  Sculptor Void
9.  A Paranthesis in Eternity
10.  Frequencyshifter
11.  Radiant Strain

Total playing time: 47:50

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