Scar Symmetry – Dark Matter Dimensions

Fourth album in four years by the Swedish hot act Scar Symmetry. That’s really impressive as there are not many acts that are so punctual to records’ releases. This of course doesn’t necessarily mean overinspiration. But on the other hand, surely none can blame them for being lazy or playing it safe, sitting on top of the success of their previous albums. So, the question is, what ”Dark Matter Dimensions” is about?

First of all we have to mention one big change here. Former vocalist Christian Alvestam is no longer to the band, and that is for sure one big loss, as his multidimensional voice was one of the trademarks of the band. So, their decision was to be replaced by TWO guys, each one of them concentrating on brutal vocals and clean vocals separately, so as to give their best performance possible.

Roberth Karlsson does the brutal ones, a guy who has previously been known of his presence in Edge of Sanity’s ”Cryptic” album (the only one without Dan Swano on vocals) and also to bands like Devian or Pan.Thy.Monium. He does a great work though, as his growls fit in the new album’s heavier direction, compared to the previous one ”Holographic Universe” which war far more melodic.

This album returns to the spirit of ”Pitch Black Progress” a bit, this fact doesn’t seem to prevent the other singer, Lard Palmqvist to do some great clean vocals. His voice doesn’t sound like Alvestam in his clean interpretations and that’s something good as they did something different. The fact is that there is a black and white side on this album (and each album of Scar Symmetry after the phenomenal debut ”Symmetric In Design”).

Everything is set clear and carefully studied. But on the other hand, while none can surpass the fact that they are great players and they have really good songs, repetition casts its presence from a point and on, making this talented band seem a little overreactive or the sound being what we call ”plastic”. Surely it’s better than its predecessor, but on the other hand, with so many albums out, I’d advise you to look somewhere else first and then you could also check this out, as it’s not rubbish.