It has been nine years since Scar Symmetry released their previous album and the first in a planned trilogy, and time has seemingly not been the kindest to them since then with a plethora of delays (am pretty sure we can all guess one of them by now) preventing them releasing any form of follow up. 

The Singularity (Phase 1- Neohuman) marked a bold undertaking for the band in both increased dynamism in songwriting and with an overarching narrative, so the delay in a follow-up certainly brings the question as to whether that spark is still there. With Phase II – Xenotaph (both Nuclear Blast) finally being released, it’s clear that spark is burning perhaps brighter than ever.

Scar Symmetry have not always got credit for their take on melodic Death Metal which truly emphasises both aspects as well as their unpredictable songwriting nature and all of this comes to the forefront once again. Where Neohuman perhaps showcased their melodic tendencies more prominently, however, Xenotaph is an arguably more aggressive entity. 

This certainly feels the case with album opener ‘Chrononautilus’ which instantly greets with Robert Karlsson’s powerful growls and a pummelling pace from the offset. The duality of his and Lars Palmqvist’s contrasting vocal styles and interplay once again at work with both offering different styles and vocal lines throughout and giving each other room to shine, whilst sonically it ranges from the initial pace to towering melodies.

The following ‘Scorched Quadrant’ further emphasises their prowess for the grandiose and catchy with a formidable chorus and excellent key change towards its close. The album being largely faster throughout adds to the increased aggression compared to its predecessor. Whilst ‘Overworld’ is infectious and largely as reminiscent of Power Metal, ‘Altergeist’ is more overpowering with the use of blast beats and gravelly growls at the lead (also armed with a brief contemplative reprieve around the halfway point). 

Finally the climactic ‘Xenotaph’ proves a journey through its multiple aspects, at seven-plus minutes with various changes in dynamic, almost choral backing passages and various out-of-nowhere shifts.

Scary Symmetry have always been one of those bands who have never quite received the plaudits they deserve and Xenotaph is both further evidence of this and a flag in the ground for what they are capable of. Very few melodic Death Metal bands can emphasise the melodicism and the aggression so excellently and vividly whilst arming it with such adventurousness in songwriting. 

It’s been a long time coming but at least it has been well worth the wait.

Buy the album here:

https://scarsymmetry.bfan.link/xenotaph

8 / 10

CHRIS TIPPELL