Scar Symmetry Album: “Pitch Black Progress [China Bonus Tracks]”

I hesitate to use the term "melodeath" to describe some bands like Dark Tranquility and the like, because the term has a negative connotation among some people. Yet, I can't think of a better term to describe this release from Scar Symmetry. It is melodic, and has death growls, but the lyrics aren't Satanic or brainless lyrics about death. Like many more recent bands of their ilk, Scar Symmetry uses the death growls in the verses and clean vocals in the chorus. Yet one of the things that seperates "Pitch Black Progress" from the rest of the melodeath bands out there is the death growls are powerful, no hardcore or metal-core screaming to be found here. Then the choruses, the use of clean vocals isn't awkward like most bands of the genre. This guy actually has talent. The choruses are powerful, like something you would find from a power metal band, yet less cheesy. The riffs are decent, the drumming is good. There's also some awesome guitar-work going on throughout the album, especially in the soloing department. It's nowhere near as good as Arch Enemy or early Soilwork, but is impressive nonetheless. "The Illusionist" is a strong opener, setting the pace for the rest of the album. "Calculate the Apocalypse" and "Oscillation Point" are the strongest tracks on here, powerful choruses and great soloing. They don't deviate much from their main formula, but there's no filler or weak tracks to be found, no failed experiments either. While there's no innovation in an already crowded genre, Scar Symmetry do what they do, and do it well. Definitely recommended.

This band is really incredible. Their first album, was an impressive piece of melodic/death metal, and now came with this masterpiece in all proportions. Exquisite guitar riffs, amazing drums and incredible vocals. This album is absolutely on the top five albums of 2006.

Scar Symmetry is essentially a Gothenburg style death metal band, and indeed they remind me strongly of Dark Tranquility (whose new godly masterpiece is in the wings!)and early and present Soilwork. But on top of it I hear some Fear Factory (Mind Machine, Calculate the Apocalypse) and even (!)Depeche Mode (Illusionist,Oscillation Point etc.), I mean this as a compliment to the vocalist who can switch between death, black, core and clean, almost opera vocals-that's one man! This has not worked so well since Burton C. Bell! The melodies and arrangements of every song is humbling to any musician, as influences include even a lot of classical music, and the use of keyboards. The idea is to create MUSIC and if it happens that every song is also metal, oh well LOL. The greatest melody is definitely in "Oscillation Point" followed by "Illusionist" but I would be hard pressed to find a filler on this album or a lesser song even. One of the most profound accomplishments in modern metal and in my personal Top 5 of 2006 best! Get this and their debut "Symmetric in Design" like I did...Scar Symmetry "Pitch Black Progress" is worth any money next to Into Eternity (everything)! Michael Stanne and Michael Akerfeld would be proud!

this album is just simply amazing. every song from start to finish is great. and yes they do have simularitys to eairly soilwork, but they are very much themselves. they can be pretty progressive at times too with some difficult lines and cuts. their vocalist is perfect. he growls, screams, sings normal and high vocals. hes just great. the drums are great. they have alittle bit of a fear factory feel to them at times. the bass is tight and sticks out well on a few parts. and the guitars are just amazing. there are 2 guitarists in the band. they bolth are great and solo back and forth allot. they also do great harmonys together. i like them because they bolth have distinct sounds to them. u can always tell with guitarist is soloing. one has a really heavy shredding sound. does allot of tapping. and the other guy has a hell of a tone. very smooth sound. and very original. he plays some great lines. has a really good technec. he sounds simular to a great guitarist called allen holdsworth. they also have some really nicely layerd keyboards on some songs. well all in all they are a great band. and i highly recommend this album. best melodic death metal album of 06.

I don't care how you classify this album. Melo-death/technical progressive metal...whatever. Sometimes a band can take a formula and just plain, flat-out do it right. I would say that Scar Symmetry's biggest assest is they know how to write good, catchy songs.

The vocalist is AMAZING. He reminds me of an unpolished Russell Allen at times, which fits the music perfectly. Then he also growls and screams in every way possible. This young man is very talented.

This is an instant classic in my mind. I haven't been able to get it out of my CD player in my car for over a month now. If you are a death metal fan you will like this. If you are a progressive metal fan you will like this. If you love guitars, drums, great vocals, great production, and great musicianship...you will like this!

Kudos to Scar Symmetry. They get it. They understand a great heavy riff and memorable catchy choruses. They also construct awesome solos. All of their influences shine through here.

Well done. This is the album of the year in 2006, by far!!!