Symmetric in Design

Scar Symmetry | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 6, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nuclear Blast Americ
• ASIN: B000AA4LP0
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,694 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Details TBA. Sound Hol. 2005. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The guy under me has half of it right..., July 10, 2005

By 

tK - See all my reviews

This review is from: Symmetric in Design (Audio CD)

But Scar Symmetry do not rip off Soilwork in any way. First of all, the vocalist growls as a scream, while Speed just screams with a lower voice in Soilwork's later albums. Their singing is probably what makes the comparison between the 2 bands. So which is better? New soilwork or Scar Symmetry. Definitely Scar Symmetry. Almost every song has a worthwhile guitar solo and while the formula of each song off of Stmmetric In Design is pretty much the same, it is extremely catchy and upbeat. Now how can a growling vocalist adapt to a upbeat happy sound? Well, its possible.

Now, if you are willing to invest in this band, I suggest asking yourself this question. Do I like listening to catchy, fast and to the point melodic death? Or do I like interpretive, heavy melodic death music, as it was originally intended to be? If you like heavier melodic death, I suggest looking up the band called Unmoored because this band has the same vocalist and is highly underrated. Unmoored is much heavier and they sing in the appropriate places, while growling much more.

I give Scar Symmetry 4 stars simply because while every song is worth your attention, it is the equal of a nu-metal type album that is melodic death. This means there is not much variety between the songs and it is just something you would be happy listening to the car and jamming out. And once again, like nu-metal albums, the songs are same in formula which means they have a solo, chorus with catchy singing, and growling in between.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pounded Me, August 8, 2007

By 

Bu-Chan (Aotearoa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Symmetric in Design (Audio CD)

Scar Symmetry are a death metal band with both style and aggression in abundance. Christian Alvestam, (frontman), even looks like he wants to head butt your face through the back of your skull. In short, "Symmetric in Design" is a fest of agressive and pounding death metal, (which keyboards).

What I mentioned in my review for Pitch Black Progress stands true for this album. The percussions are traditional death metal beats for the most part, maintaining a frenetic pace and pounding bass. The guitars make good with the melodies and the solos are all technically excellent.The keyboards, while not overdoing it, add a good level of atmosphere to the music, just hovering in the background and doing their bit. Taken in total, the music is tight and accomplished: everything a death metaller would expect and more.

Vocally, grind and clean combine to provide a unique mix of aggression and melodic range. Alvestam can really sing well, and does both styles exceptionally well.

Personal favourite songs include "Chaosweaver", "Underneath the Surface", "Reborn" and "Hybrid Cult".

Since hearing Scar Symmetry, I have definitely become a fan of theirs and will eagerly await anything else they bring out. Simply awesome death that is innovative and new.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, But Has So Much More Potential, October 16, 2005

By 

Metal Man - See all my reviews

This review is from: Symmetric in Design (Audio CD)

Now, dont get me wrong, this album is great, but it could be godlike. These guys have the potential to be the best melodic death band out there if they just tighten it all together. I cant really put my finger on what seems out of place, but when you listen to songs like "Chaosweaver" "2012- Demise Of The 5th sun" "Obscure Alliance" and "Detach From The Outcome" you really know you are listening to genius at work. Compared to the rest of this album, those 4 songs just blow the rest away. If Scar Symmetry were to come out with this album all over again, I would only include like 6 or 7 songs, all of which would be the best from this CD, except they could leave out all of those mot-so-good songs like "Orchestrate The Infinite" or "Underneath The Surface".

The vocal range on this CD is simply mind blowing. Christian goes from a downright demonic growl to beautiful melodic singing in a heartbeat, and in most of the songs this works absoltely flawlessly, as in "Veil Of Illusions". ALso, he tries some Blck Metal vocals which are really interesting in "Hybrid Cult". The lyrics themselves are also well thought out and actually mean something, unlike some bands where they just spit out words and hope it sounds good.

The guitar work is definetly a highlight here, especially on the opening track "Chaosweaver" (which, might I say here, may be the best melodic death song out) in that track, the lead and rythm guitars of Per Nilsson and Jonas Kjellgren are simply unbelievable, producing a powerful riff (like the amazing one in "Obscure Alliance") which will keep you headbanging throughout the song. "Detach From The Outcome" has one of the best solos ever written, spanning all tones that a guitar can possible produce. The drumming and bass is spot on, especially in songs like "2012- Demise Of The 5th Sun" and "Dominion", where the shredding double bass drumming just pummels you into oblivion.

The only flaw of this CD is the hangtime in between the good songs, the thought of the absolute genius at work in some of these songs will just disappoint you in the thought of how godly this album really could be. But, this is no doubt worth picking up, as it is a very enjoyable CD with some memorable songs. Lets just hope Scar Symmetry will release another ne which will surpass "Symmetric In Design".