I’m sure most of us are at least somewhat familiar with Scar Symmetry—and we all should be. Since 2004, the Swedish melodic death metal band has cranked out six full length albums that implement technical instrumentals, widely diverse vocals, and futuristic, scientific lyrical content. All combined, it becomes an environment of speed and precision that never loses a sense of melody and creates a captivating and energy-inspiring sound for the listener. But there are a number of memorable tracks that stand out from the rest, making Scar Symmetry an ideal candidate for this week’s Nine Circles ov…

I know individual opinions on Scar Symmetry can differ. Some love them, some hate them…if you’re like me, you’ve been through a Scar Symmetry phase, had them run their course, yet still find yourself going back every so often when the urge strikes. Their product can’t always he taken seriously, but the music itself is occasionally too catchy for its own good and the talent at work is absolutely undeniable. Besides, if you’re one to pay attention to vocal content as I am, there are a number of unique themes and concepts to keep these albums interesting. So, keeping all that in mind, it wasn’t hard for me to pull nine tracks that stand out above the rest…

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“Prism and Gate” (from Holographic Universe, 2008)

Let’s start things off with a bang. This is easily one of the highlight tracks off Scar Symmetry’s third album, Holographic Universe. It flies out of the gate with intensity on every level. But that chorus is just mesmerizing. The alternating vocals just work so well together and make their presence known throughout.

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“Frequencyshifter” (from Dark Matter Dimensions, 2009)

This is the song that first got me into Scar Symmetry. It popped up on Pandora (remember that?) shortly after Dark Matter Dimensions came out in 2009 and I was instantly hooked. And the reason is obvious: at just over three minutes, it’s a quick-hitter, but shows off more than enough skill.

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“Mind Machine” (from Pitch Black Progress, 2006)

Moving back in time a bit to the band’s sophomore release, we open with an extremely deliberate pace by Scar Symmetry standards. The clean vocals in the first verse work brilliantly as it slides into the chorus. But don’t worry, things pick up quickly shortly after.

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“The Anomaly” (from The Unseen Empire, 2011)

The Unseen Empire is an album that brings out even more melodic elements within the guitar leads than we had seen on previous albums. The opener marks this trend immediately. We’re used to the sound Scar Symmetry marks with two vocalists, but it works so well here. You really can’t help but sing with the chorus.

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“Noumenon and Phenomenon” (from Dark Matter Dimensions, 2009)

What a title this song has. The lyrical message is as impressive as the sound layered within the guitar leads and relentless rhythms in the verses. A bit part of Scar Symmetry’s melodic label is the cleaner vocals, but the chorus here creates a new level of beauty. The kicker in this song though, is the freakishly impressive solo that lends way to a breakdown of furious proportions.

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“Alpha and Omega” (from The Unseen Empire, 2011)

We already talked about the opener to The Unseen Empire, but now we’re going to look at the closer. Arguably the most ambitious track on the record in all manners of content, these five minutes cover all kinds of ground. But despite all the differing speeds and technical influences, it’s the transition from prechorus to chorus that grabs your attention.

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“Morphogenesis” (from Holographic Universe, 2008)

There’s something about the opening few minutes of “Morphogensis” that are just so powerfully epic. I couldn’t imagine a better way to open one of the more impressive albums in Scar Symmetry’s discography. Just another example that these guys really know how to compose a song.

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“Illuminoid Dream Sequence” (from The Unseen Empire, 2011)

With Scar Symmetry, it can sometimes be hard to look beyond the guitars and vocals when you’re initially exposed to them. But the second track on The Unseen Empire strongly focuses on a powerful rhythmic cadence. Combined with the cleaner vocals of the verses, it makes for an extremely memorable track.

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“Consciousness Eater” (from Dark Matter Dimensions, 2009)

I could throw any and all of Dark Matter Dimensions on a “Best of Scar Symmetry” list—it’s simply that good, through and through. As an album, it shows the band’s diversity and proves to us all that they know their sound and how to drive it home. This is my favorite among those tracks. It’s dark, heavy, and complex, and offers an incredible lyrical display. Without a doubt, it’s the best way I could have wrapped up this list.

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The Nine Circles ov Scar Symmetry on Spotify

[spotify https://open.spotify.com/user/dkaps89/playlist/6pUal1VNGhjSSrLmd3tMdo]

I know that Scar Symmetry may not have developed over the years in the way many would have wanted, but you cannot go through their albums and not immediately recognize their talent, their inventiveness, and their genuine love for the music they create. That, above anything, is what is most impressive. Enjoy.

“Ein bier… bitte.”
-Corey