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There are few melodic/progressive dying steel bands that stability 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 nicely; 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 (Section II − Xenotaph) is right here, nevertheless, it’s clear that the wait was price it, because it’s very a lot a becoming and pleasurable—if marginally safer and staler—sequel.
Regardless of coping with a couple of modifications in members over the past decade, the lineup right here is kind of much like that of its predecessor. Actually, 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 primary [parts] of the songs had been written again then. We recorded drums additionally in 2016, after which we recorded the remaining on and off for the subsequent few years. Then, in 2017, I began taking part in with Meshuggah and I additionally began taking part in with Nocturnal Rites. . . . That type of put the Scar Symmetry factor a bit bit on the aspect. We by no means went on an actual hiatus. We had 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 state of affairs. We’ve not actually talked about [that situation] rather a lot, however that postponed issues rather a lot as a result of then we needed to discover a new paintings artist. Sure, we’re presently nonetheless in a holding sample ready for the discharge date to be set.”
Fortunately, their continued exploration of futuristic transhumanism presents nearly the whole lot followers of Neohumanity may 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. Particularly, 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 an identical template till the tip, which is each its greatest energy and largest weak spot. On one hand, the group relentlessly proves how succesful they’re at nailing this sound; then again, although, the sequence feels too samey general (and definitely much less various and bold than its instant 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.” Nonetheless, it’s arduous to disclaim that the LP as an entire is not less than a bit repetitive even when every particular person piece of the puzzle is very satisfying
The Singularity (Section 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 tremendous album and a testomony to Scar Symmetry’s devoted and attribute chemistry.
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