Customer Reviews

Holographic Universe

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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!!!!

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

"Holographic Universe" is simply the best album that Scar Symmetry have released thus far, as well as being one of the best metal albums of 2008. Scar Symmetry are an excellent melodic death metal band that just keep getting better and better with album they put out, and this album is definately proof. They remind me alot of both Soilwork and Opeth but with a more futuristic sound, and not to mention they also have some progressive metal influences as well. As far as this album goes, it's just an incredibly mindblowing piece of work that will literally leave you breathless and have you wanting more afterwards. Each song on here is just awesome and addicting, and full of brutal, monstrous growling verses, catchy, affectious melodic sung choruses, beautfully mindblowing guitar solos, brilliant lyrics and songwriting, hey it's all on here, even the keyboards on here really add to the epicness. Christian Avalstam's vocals are simply awesome, and I really like how he can switch from brutally, chilling death growls to stunning, superb, clean melodic singing style vocals. He's got such an incredible vocal range, and that's really saying something. Guitarists Jonas Kjellegren and Per Nilsson are once again in top form here with their heavy hitting riffs, and let's not forget those stunning, ear shredding solos, and believe me, this album has tons of killer solos, and of course skinsman Henrik Ohlsson delivers great, heavy, pounding beats and superb, ripping, double bass kicking. The first song "Morphogenesis" (the album's first single) is a great opener that features the killer death growling verses and melodic sung choruses that Scar Symmetry have been known for, and there's also a nicely executed melodic solo around the 2:01 mark. "Timewave Zero" is another favorite on here that showcases Christian's great melodic singing abilities, but he does switch to his growling vocals around the 2:15 mark before switching right back to the clean vocals. There's also a great melodic solo section to boot. "Quantumleaper" is an awesome heavy hitter that features catchy, energetic riffing, pummeling double bass drumwork, wicked full bodied growling, stunning solos, and another great melodic sung chorus. Other favorite songs on here include "Artificial Sun Projection" (which shows Christian switching from death growls to clean singing mostly throughout), "The Three-Dimensional Shadow", "The Missing Coordinates" (which has a nice careening solo, along with heavy, fast battering riffs and drums in the beginning) "Ghost Prototype I - Measurement of Thought", Prism and Gate" (which is highlighted by mean, chugging machine gun-like riffs, punishing double bass drumming, and an awesome shredding solo section), "Ghost Prototype II - Deus Ex Machina" (which is a great melodic closer), and of course the 9 minute long title song "Holographic Universe" which is definately the absolute best song on the album (and my favorite Scar Symmetry song ever). It starts off with an awesomely epic intro that echoes Strapping Young Lad, then afterwards it thrusts into a punishing barrage of heavy, thumping drum beats, wild head rushing riffs, and heart pumping death growls from Christian. The melodic sung chorus is just absolutely pure epic bliss and addicting, and the solo breaks are wickedly stunning especially the awesome sweeping solo in the middle, and the outro of the song just sends excitement to my ears. This song is without question one of the absolute best songs that Scar Symmetry have ever written. For the entire song list, please read on.
Jeremy's song ratings:
1. Morphogenesis (3:54) - 5/5
2. Timewave Zero (5:13) - 5/5
3. Quantumleaper (4:09) - 5/5
4. Artificial Sun Projection (4:00) - 5/5
5. The Missing Coordinates (4:37) - 5/5
6. Ghost Prototype I - Mesurement of Thought (4:35) - 5/5
7. Fear Catalyst (5:03) - 5/5
8. Trapezoid (4:17) - 5/5
9. Prism and Gate (3:46) - 5/5
10. Holographic Universe (9:05) - 10/5 BEST SONG!!
11. The Three-Dimensional Shadow (3:57) - 5/5
12. Ghost Prototype II - Deus Ex Machina (6:03) - 5/5

Bottom Line: I highly recommend "Holographic Universe" which is truly one of the best metal cd's of 2008 as well as the band's best album to date, to any fan of Scar Symmetry, metal, melodic death metal, death metal, and even progressive metal. I also recommend this to fans of Soilwork, Opeth, In Flames, Arch Enemy, Into Eternity, and even Strapping Young Lad for that matter. Believe me, this album is that good. Buy it now!!

This album is one of the best ever put out in this genre. You cant go wrong with the pure power and precision of this great band. Excellent vocals paired with out of this world instrumentation. Holographic Universe receives 5 stars from top to bottom.

Occasionally you will hear a song that is so good, you wouldn't mind listening to it three more times in a row. It's very, very rare for a band to have more than one song this good on a single album, and virtually unheard of for the entire album to be like this; Holographic Universe is one of these albums.

Scar Symmetry is a melodic death metal band from Avesta, Sweden, and they are not well known outside Europe. It would be a huge mistake to judge Scar Symmetry on their lack of popularity, however, as the band's creativity and imagination are equal to or greater than the most famous metal bands. Guitarists Jonas Kjellgren and Per Nilsson are musical geniuses; every guitar riff on Holographic Universe is both catchy and complex,ranging from melodic and epic to heavy and intense. Vocalist Christian Älvestam is as talented as they come, showcasing some of the best singing/growling combinations that can be found in metal today. The vocals do not follow the rhythm exactly, but complement it perfectly: you'll feel compelled to sing along with every song.

The subject matter contained in the Holographic Universe's lyrics is also very intriguing. Scar Symmetry's primary lyricist (and drummer) Henrik Ohlsson, explores the scientific theories of quantum physics and space-time with a superb mastery of the English language. They nature of the lyrics corresponds ideally with the inventiveness and intricacy of the music itself, making Holographic Universe the perfect album for the "thinking man."

Unless a person enjoys no metal/rock softer than Cannibal Corpse or harder than Coldplay, it's virtually impossible to dislike Holographic Universe. Simply for sheer imagination, the album has to be one of the best metal albums of all time. If that doesn't seem likely, look up a few Scar Symmetry songs on Youtube or a similar website and you'll quickly change your mind.

Holographic Universe is one of the best metal albums I've heard in a long, long time. I'm a pretty dedicated metalhead, and one of the main pitfalls that bands fall into is the tendency to make all their music sound too much the same. Often, I listen to an album, and find myself forgetting which track is playing. Not so with this one. Every song is unique and different, while still maintaining a very high standard of quality. The shredding solos, the combo of growling and clean singing... Not that this hasn't been done before, but I can't recall a time when it was done this well. (Not recently, at least.) This album will stay at the top of my playlist for quite a while. I wish I could give it 6 stars... 18 five-star reviews can't be wrong, download this album immediately!! This is melodic death metal at its best.

I stumbled upon this album on accident, and I'm damn glad I did. I checked out their back log of albums after hearing this album; and while both their prior albums are gems, this album is their best so far. The album defies any single particular genre of metal; IE power or death metal, but rather has a mix of...everything. Scar Symmetry is similar to Into Eternity or Opeth in that their songs are everywhere but they manage to make it work. As in they REALLY work. That's where the similarities end though. This is one of those rare bands that doesn't sound like anyone. Everything here works - the violent shifts from melodic to crushing, the savage growls, the sing-along choruses, the heavy riffs, everything.

The opening track gives you a good idea of what to expect on this album. It doesn't take long into the song for the melody to give way to brutal heaviness...which in turn quickly gives way to a sing-along chorus. The song is complex with several layers and tempo shifts. The 2nd track manages to crush with its opening riffs...but like the opener changes violently into a melodic beast. Every song on the albums is this way, and every song manages to sound different. Making every song unique from the other is a feat in itself - making them interesting is an altogether different beast. Track 4 even opens with a violin. Track 9; Prism and Gate, may be my favorite track. It opens with some BRUTAL heaviness. But then an addictive chorus comes out of left field. I don't know how to explain how the chorus is so addictive, other than that similar to the album's tempo changes the chorus changes tones? I'm at a loss as how to explain it, you will probably just have to listen for youself. The closing track threatens to be the obligatory ballad. Just when you begin to accept the fact, and begin to enjoy the beautiful vocals- come some booming drums and blow the ballad theory out of the water.

The problem with reviewing an album like this is that it can actually be summed up quite easily. Every song contains melody, clean vocals, growls, shrieks, crunchy guitars, blast beats, guitar solos, and most importantly, suprises. Fans of Opeth should particularly enjoy this band, as should anyone that doesn't mind a bit of extreme heaviness in their music.

Look, I hate using subgenres as much as the next guy does when it comes down to labeling music, but many will put Scar Symmetry into the category of "melodic death metal". Whatever, it is annoying but it simply helps others understand what you are talking about musically in the metal world. Anyways, after falling in love with (older) Soilwork, (older) In Flames, etc I figured the genre had nothing more to offer that previous shredders and face melters had not already brought to the table. I cannot quite remember how I found out about Scar Symmetry, and it flabbergasted me to find out about them when I did, because it was right before their latest album Holographic Universe came out, and I consider myself a very dedicated and studious metal enthusiast who has been doing it for quite a long time, yet I had no idea these guys existed before. All that being said, this album is above everything else, relieving. Dedicated metalheads will follow metal forever regardless of what happens, but many of them, including myself, will still worry to a certain extent that ideas will eventually run out, originality will dry up, and we will be forced to only listen to metal of the past and think back on when it was still unique and fun to listen to a new metal album the day it was released. Holographic Universe is an album that I will probably be talking about with my friends forever, and while I do not consider it to be the best metal album of all time by a long shot, I still love it. Very much. It came out at a very appropriate time, for too many reasons to even begin to get into. It has brought new life to the "melodic death metal" subgenre, and just heavy metal in general, and I am extremely grateful for that. This is an album you just have to have. This is my first Amazon.com review, and I don't know if I will write another one, but as I was reading the few other reviews of this album before my own, I couldn't help but add in my own 5 stars, because Scar Symmetry's "Holographic Universe" really does deserve it.

The new Scar Symmetry album is finally here...
This album is great from start to finish. It is everything you would want in a melodic death metal album. Catchy hooks and vocals. you'll have these chorus's stuck in your head for days. Brutal riffs over pounding tricky time signiture double bass drum playing. Great melodic Guitar melodies and leads with some of the best guitar solo's to come arround so far this year. Per Nilsson is simply a jaw dropping guitarist.
The song writing is stronger than ever, and scar symmetry have really crafted their own sound on this album. They pushed their Progressive side a bit further on this album. which i think was a good move. The vocals are amazing. Christian is one of my favorite vocalists. He does everything from deep growling, to screeching, to clean melodic vocals to almost power metal sounding vocals. A extremely talented singer.

All in All you got one of the finest metal albums to come out in a long time. i recommend to all metal fans out there!

for fans of Edge of Sanity, Dan Swano, Soilwork, symphony x, and opeth. if you like those bands you will most likely like scar symmetry.