There are few melodic/progressive dying steel bands that steadiness softness, harshness, and theatricality higher than Sweden’s Scar Symmetry. Their sixth studio LP (and first in a deliberate trilogy), 2014’s The Singularity (Phase I – Neohumanity), demonstrated that exceptionally effectively; as such, it concurrently solidified that group’s stylistic mastery and made the nine-year watch for a follow-up notably troublesome. Now that the considerably lengthier The Singularity (Part II − Xenotaph) is right here, nonetheless, it’s clear that the wait was value it, because it’s very a lot a becoming and pleasant—if marginally safer and staler—sequel.
Regardless of coping with a couple of modifications in members during the last decade, the lineup right here is kind of much like that of its predecessor. The truth is, the one distinction is the absence of longtime bassist Kenneth Seil (who left in 2015) and the addition of guitarist Benjamin Ellis. Alongside the way in which, bassist/backing vocalist Andreas Holma got here and went, too, so it’s not clear who—if anybody—performs bass on Xenotaph.
Relating to the intensive delay between Singularity information, guitarist Per Nilsson explained earlier this yr:
“It has been a extremely, actually drawn out course of. I wrote the songs [for Phase II] again in 2016 – the principle [parts] of the songs have been written again then. We recorded drums additionally in 2016, after which we recorded the remaining on and off for the following few years. Then, in 2017, I began enjoying with Meshuggah and I additionally began enjoying with Nocturnal Rites. . . . That kind of put the Scar Symmetry factor a bit of bit on the facet. We by no means went on an actual hiatus. We have been in cryo-suspension or one thing for a bit.
“We have had the album launch postponed nearly a yr longer than what we thought as a result of we had a tragic factor occur the place the paintings artist that was engaged on the paintings for us, he disappeared. Then he tell us that his mother had handed. It is a actually unhappy scenario. We’ve not actually talked about [that situation] loads, however that postponed issues loads as a result of then we needed to discover a new paintings artist. Sure, we’re at present nonetheless in a holding sample ready for the discharge date to be set.”
Fortunately, their continued exploration of futuristic transhumanism affords nearly all the pieces followers of Neohumanity might need.
Admittedly, opener “Chrononautilus” doesn’t pack fairly the epic punch as Neohumanity’s two-part starter (“The Shape of Things to Come”/”Neohuman”), however it comes rattling shut. Specifically, it showcases the album’s arguably angrier tone, with belligerent instrumentation and demonic growls largely dominating cleanly sung energy steel choruses and countermelodies. Throw in some flashy guitar work about midway in and you’ve got the quintessential sing-along erraticism of recent Scar Symmetry.
From there, the remaining compositions on Xenotaph principally observe an equivalent template till the top, which is each its greatest energy and largest weak point. On one hand, the group relentlessly proves how succesful they’re at nailing this sound; alternatively, although, the sequence feels too samey general (and positively much less various and impressive than its rapid precursor).
Certain, there’s the dramatic piano and symphonic respites of “Altergeist,” “Soulscanner,” and “Digiphrenia Daybreak,” in addition to the empowering choral accompaniments and tantalizingly enigmatic coda of nearer “Xenotaph.” However, it’s laborious to disclaim that the LP as an entire is a minimum of a bit of repetitive even when every particular person piece of the puzzle is very satisfying
The Singularity (Part II − Xenotaph) doesn’t match Neohumanity’s freshness, unity, and selection, however it’s removed from a serious letdown. Actually, it’s only a noticeably extra monotonous and fewer striving extension of the identical musical and conceptual formulation. Both method, it’s nonetheless a rattling nice album and a testomony to Scar Symmetry’s devoted and attribute chemistry.
