ALBUM REVIEW: The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph) – Scar Symmetry
SCAR SYMMETRY made one of the best records of their career with The Singularity (Phase I – Neohumanity). The 2014 release was a science fiction concept album based around transhumanism and was as catchy as it was elaborate. It told the story of a future society where class boundaries develop into a war between regular humans and elite, mega-rich, cybernetically enhanced ‘neo-humans.’ It was incredibly nerdy but it also ruled. For the first time since their controversial 2008 line-up change, the Swedes sounded confident, capable, and in complete control of their destiny.
Then for a long time, things went quiet. Neohumanity was supposed to be the first part of a trilogy, but the years ticked by and there was no sign of a follow-up. The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph) was delayed first by fatherhood, then by COVID, but after nearly a decade of waiting, it’s actually here and it’s really good. It’s not quite in the same league as its predecessor, or their incredible second record – 2006’s near-perfect Pitch Black Progress – but it is still a remarkable piece of work.
It helps that the first two songs are absolute bangers. Chrononautilus and Scorched Quadrant are textbook examples of how to kick off an album. Screaming into life with a gravel-throated roar, the former is a seamless amalgamation of the brutal and melodic, while the latter is what it must feel like to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere while high on Ayahuasca. SCAR SYMMETRY have always managed to blend death and power metal together in a way that seems totally natural, and they’ve lost none of their skill during the coronavirus lockdown.
They’re also very good at channelling their inner EUROPE and landing a big chorus or two. Reichsfall is irresistibly catchy, and Digiphrenia Dawn has some impeccable vocal harmonising. With years of experience under their belts, singers Roberth Karlsson and Lars Palmqvist have learned how to work together to great effect. Theoretically, Karlsson is the growler while Palmqvist is the singer, but they’re both capable of switching between styles and their vocal interplay is on point. They elevate tracks like Hyperborean Plains and do a remarkable job.
Xenotaph is also going to appeal to guitar enthusiasts. Per Nilsson might be one of the most underrated axemen in the game and this time he has newcomer Benjamin Ellis to back him up. There are vibrant solos and explosive riffing aplenty, all adding an aggressive, futuristic sheen to proceedings. The rhythm section doesn’t exactly slouch either; drummer Henrik Ohlsson has been in the band since 2004 and has developed into an infuriatingly talented stick man.
If Xenotaph has one fault though, it’s the sheer size of it. There’s a full 60 minutes of music here and when it’s this detailed, making it to the end in one go can be exhausting. SCAR SYMMETRY can do streamlined and accessible melodic death, but they’ve chosen not to on Xenotaph. There are a hell of a lot of ideas crammed into this album and if we’re being harsh, maybe they could have cut a song or two.
That being said, choosing which songs to cut is beyond us and there are no glaring weak points. The middle part of a trilogy is usually the least satisfying, but despite being a bit unwieldy and overlong, Xenotaph is hugely entertaining. You can tell there’s been a remarkable amount of effort put into creating this album and long-time SCAR SYMMETRY fans will welcome this with wide open arms. And we haven’t even mentioned the killer closing duo of Soulscanner and the title track. It’s good to have you back guys. Also, there are aliens this time.
Rating: 8/10
The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph) is set for release on June 9th via Nuclear Blast Records.
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