Holographic Universe

Scar Symmetry | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 8, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nuclear Blast Americ
• ASIN: B00190KZBO
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,535 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Jaydee Bixby's down home country twang made him a fan favorite and runner up on the 5th season of Canadian Idol. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Once again, the Swedes prove they do it best..., July 8, 2008

By 

Steve L. (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Holographic Universe (Audio CD)

Well, Scar Symmetry has done it again. After being hooked on their two previous albums "Symmetric in Design" and "Pitch Black Progress" for the past few years, I didn't think Scar Symmetry would be able to create a third straight 5 star effort - but I was wrong. In all honesty, this was an album that took me a few listens to really get into, but once I did, there was no shaking the songs from my mind.

Any current Scar Symmetry fan already knows what to expect. Jonas Kjellgren and Per Nilsson return with their twin attack of heavy, catchy riffs as well as the technicality of their searing solos. Oh yes, that's right. It wouldn't be a traditional SS album if the songs weren't littered with solos...and I mean that in the best way possible! Also back are Henrik Ohlsson - brilliant lyricist and phenomenal drummer, Kenneth Seil - bassist, and of course, Christian Alvestam - the inhuman vocalist. While I don't believe Jonas and Per bring a whole lot new to the table (as they're doing as great as always!), the other three are certainly pushing themselves to new levels with "Holographic Universe." Lyrics-wise, Henrik revolves all the songs around a combination of astrological/quantum physics and middle eastern philosophy. It sounds weird in theory, but it makes for some great lyrics. It's certainly an interesting topic, and for anyone who wishes to learn more, I highly recommend watching the "Holographic Universe trailer part II" on youtube or myspace for further explanation. Anywho, previous fans will also notice that the bass has more prominent parts in quite a few songs, which is always a plus for me.

But the true difference between "Symmetric in Design", "Pitch Black Progress" and "Holographic Universe" is the vocal styling of Christian. "SiD" had more growling vocals as opposed to clean singing, whereas "PBP" was a relatively even blend. With "Holographic Universe", however, the vocals have shifted to be mostly clean and almost operatic at times. I find that a little disappointing, but Christian has a hell of a voice and in the end, it's still fantastic.

As far as the songs themselves go, it's hard to pick a clear cut favorite or a single weak track. All have their strong points for sure. Specifically, I find that "Morphogenesis", "Prism and Gate", and "The Three-Dimensional Shadow" are the best, simply because I favor heavy, growling verses and catchy, clean choruses. There's nothing new about that, but listen to the song samples above and tell me that I'm wrong. Then there's the album epic, the title track "Holographic Universe" which is not only 9 minutes long, but also features some awesome finger-tap solos. Finally, the last track that really stands out is the closer, "Ghost Prototype II (Deus Ex Machina)". The beginning and ending of the song features the lightest singing Christian has done to date. It's the one track that took me the longest to get used to, but it's worth the time to let it grow on you. Of course, I love all the songs, but I've highlighted the ones that I feel are the freshest or coolest.

So in the end, what's left to say about "Holographic Universe"? Will it be the top metal album of 2008? To me, quite possibly, but there's still plenty of time left to make that call. In relation to the first two albums, where does it fall? Personally, I favor "SiD" and "PBP" over "Holographic Universe", but that shouldn't deter anyone from buying this album. It's new enough for old fans to not feel like they're getting repeats, yet it doesn't stray too far from what makes Scar Symmetry, well...Scar Symmetry. And for the newbies out there: if you enjoy this album, buy the first two without hesitation. They're just as phenomenal.

Here's to Scar Symmetry...rock on! \m/ ^_^ \m/

EDIT 9/11/08:

It was announced today that vocalist Christian has parted ways with Scar Symmetry. I am personally very disappointed, but in todays day and age, things like this are common occurrence. He will continue other musical endeavors, though.

Scar Symmetry is NOT broken up, however, and a replacement will be announced soon. Whoever steps in will have some mighty big shoes to fill. I once again heavily urge all newcomers to buy "Holographic Universe" as well as "Pitch Black Progress" and "Symmetric in Design" not only because they are phenomenal records, but also simply because you will own a piece of metal history. There are very few vocalists like Christian, and these will probably be the only records you can hear his magnificence on for some time.

EDIT 10/6/08:

Today Scar Symmetry announced the new vocalist for the band, and surprise...they got two vocalists! Roberth Karlsson (main growls, back up clean) and Lars Palmqvist (main clean, back up growls) will be taking up the place where Christian once was. There's an audition video on youtube I recommend fans watch with both newbies singing that is very encouraging! I first thought that no one could replace Christian, and any attempt at it would be worthless, but this is not the case! While I've already begun reading people say that having two people to fill in for Christian is pathetic it does have a benefit. A lot of the songs from "Holographic Universe" have vocal work that can't be done live, but now they can! Naysayers, please check out the video before passing judgment. I'm now eagerly awaiting both a world tour and a new album from these guys!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This album blows my mind!!!!!, September 14, 2008

By 

Divine Chaos (The World of Heavy Metal!!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Holographic Universe (Audio CD)

Scar Symmetry is my second all time favorite band and "Holographic Universe" is defintely my second favorite album i own. I'd say my two favorite songs on it are "Fear Catalyst" and "Morphogenesis." EVERY song on this album is freakin' awesome and Christian has the most amazing vocals on here. He is defintely one of my vocal idols, and if i were to ever get a band together i would want my vocals similar without copying. That, and i'd also want to sound as close as possible, again, without copying. But, this just the most album to come this year by far!!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely one of the greatest albums of the last decade, April 24, 2010

By 

Pete "RUDESS=God" (The Glass Prison) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Holographic Universe (Audio CD)

Sweden is home to many a great melodic death metal bands. Since the popular Gothenburg movement with pioneers In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, and At The Gates, melodic death metal has become very popular with metal fans in general, seemingly regardless of taste.

A somewhat newer band is Scar Symmetry. Forming in 2004 by Centenix guitarist Jonas Kjellgren, the group released a trio of consistent albums in their original form.

2008 saw the release of what many consider to be the band's ultimate release: Holographic Universe. While the previous albums Pitch Black Progress and Symmetric In Design have shown snippets, Holographic Universe blends the band's melodic death style with progressive metal, and as a result have longer songs and more varied song structures.

Guitarists Jonas Kjellgren (formerly of Centenix) and Per Nilsson really shine on this album, with plenty of brilliant harmonies and melodies complimenting the heavy riffs. Not to mention there are PLENTY of fantastic guitar solos, and the complexity of them really showcase their progression as guitarists and songwriters as you can easily hear in the title track. Sad to say Ken Seil's basslines usually aren't quite audible, but he plays competently and keeps up with the rhythm, having a nice bass groove in "Timewave Zero." Henrik Ohlsson's drumming is also very well done, always changing up time signatures, and plenty of complex patterns and double-bass rolls.

And last but most certainly not least, towering over everything else is the vocal performance by the one and only - Christian Alvestam. This man has one of the greatest ranges I have heard from any band. He can do deep guttural death growls (most of the songs showcase), soaring falsetto (Ghost Prototype II - Deus Ex Machina), crystalline singing, and sometimes all within a few seconds of each other! He gives many vocalists a run for their money, and I firmly believe he can hold his own against many classic metal singers like Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford.

Like I said, this album has what most metal fans would ever want: soaring singing, intense growls, thoughtful lyrics, amazing guitar solos and melodies, and pounding drums.

Highlights - (well, the best highlights, the entire album is a highlight)

"Morphogenesis" - The lead single of the album. Starting from a fade-in riff into a superb melody then being supplemented by Christian's intense growls. Then suddenly, we hear him switch to his clean singing voice which will leave you in awe. The chorus features a mix of both singing and growling, done to great effect, and leading to an amazing solo section/bridge before finishing up with one last repeat of the chorus.

"Ghost Prototype I - Measurement of Thought" - For this song, you mostly hear Christian singing, not growling until the bridge. Easily one of the best songs they've done, sounds a lot like a power metal song, and Christian's voice absolutely shines, before leading into the pounding Meshuggah-inspired bridge.

"Holographic Universe" - Oh....my.... The epic 9-minute title. WOW. Starting with a sci-fi keyboard intro before pummeling the listener with a galloping run, which in turn breaks into a heavier hitting pounding section, with lyrics (I think that are) about the formation of the universe.

"Bathe in laser light, the beam will underline
The birth of universe from nothingness
Prime awakening, the second beam comes in
To bounce and interfere as drawn by will"

Seriously, there need to be more melodeath bands with lyrics this gargantuan.

The pre-chorus even has a cool robotic voice dubbed along with Christian's growl, all leading into what is possibly THE best chorus I've ever heard with an ABSOLUTELY AMAZINGLY MINDBLOWING performance from Christian's clean voice.

"While all we did was to divide...
Breaking down the whole
We never looked at what we found...
Hologram within
While we relied on space and time...
No one here can know
At last we looked at what we found"

And all builds up to what I think is THE best solo in any Scar Symmetry song. Brilliant brilliant brilliant. This is truly a song that needs to be heard to be truly appreciated.

"The Three-Dimensional Shadow" - This is a much more straightforward and groove-based song than most of the album. What truly makes this song a stand-out is the pre-chorus/chorus, beginning with Christian trading off growls and singing, with the prime chorus featuring more epic singing.

"Now it's time to turn the page we've waited for so long
Waiting for the dawn to come when we control the sun"

"Ghost Protoype II - Deus Ex Machina" - The PERFECT ending to a perfect album. Starting out with a soaring guitar melody/solo with Christian's singing shining yet again, even with falsetto, showing the diversity of his amazing voice. The chorus is yet another one of the greatest I have ever heard, with more trade-off between Christian's growls and singing.

"A holographic world-view, existence in display
Where everything must work as one and never break in two
This concept lives forever outside all state control
And ever shedding skin"

The conclusion: Holographic Universe is a progressive melodic death metal masterpiece. Has anything a music fan would want: great singing, great guitars, great drums, great lyrics, great artwork. Just plain great. This album gets my highest recommendation possible.

For fans of:
Melodic death, progressive metal, Into Eternity, Mercenary, Dream Theater