Since the rise of melodic death metal, there have been a countless number of bands trying to make their mark within the subgenre.  More often than not, many of the bands end up being watered down versions of the forefathers of the subgenre, and even the likes of In Flames and Soilwork have become watered down versions of their former selves.  Scar Symmetry is one band that seems to have emerged from the pack as one band that could at least, become something other than “Generic Melodic Death Metal Band Number 347.”  Having been around since 2004, they have been consistent in their releases, though that hasn’t necessarily translated into the recognition that some lesser bands have received.  With a new album in The Unseen Empire, Scar Symmetry only adds to its solid, if unspectacular legacy.

The opening track “The Anomaly” is fairly standard in the sense that there are growling and clean vocals interchanging with one another and a decent guitar solo thrown in for good measure.  “Illuminoid Dream Sequence” offers a more industrial feel that likens to early Fear Factory.  “Domination Agenda” is a Helmet-inspired track that is actually quite good, complete with a mostly clean vocal performance, and shows that Scar Symmetry is willing to go outside its comfort zone in some instances.   This style carries over onto “Rise of the Reptilian Rage,” which includes a little more in the way of growling vocals, but is also a little livelier in its proceedings.  However, for all of the progress that Scar Symmetry has made, one can’t help but to ask themselves how exactly the band is different from the likes of Soilwork or In Flames.  More often than not, with The Unseen Empire, the feeling is likened to a roller coaster in that it’s fun when you’re on it, but won’t remember it even a few minutes afterward.  Sure, The Unseen Empire has its moments, but in order to remember what goes on, multiple listens will be required, and for some listeners, it could present a challenge in that regard.  If you do listen to the album more than once, there are some things that could surprise you that could have you coming back for more.

Scar Symmetry has the potential to be great, but with an album like The Unseen Empire, they end up where they always seem to be: in the middle of the pack.  Being around when the melodic death metal scene was at its highest has put them in a corner that they have tried to get out  of, but seem stuck there as a victim of others’ successes.  The Unseen Empire is actually a good album, but whether the casual melodic death metal fan can get to the band remains unknown.  If you seek something a little different within the genre, Scar Symmetry should be one of the first bands to check out.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

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

Total playing time:  43:06

Release Date: April 15, 2011
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Scar Symmetry - The Unseen Empire

Reviewer: Peter

June 1, 2011