“Scar Symmetry” mark their return in discography with the “Unseen Empire”. It’s their fifth album in general and the second after the departure of their vocalist “Christian Älvestam”. “Älvestam” replacements are “Lars Palmqvist” and “Roberth Karlsson”.
On their last album entitled “Dark Matter Dimensions” the Swedes had left really good impressions and hopes that when the band bonds with the new singers they will be even better. After that record the band had the choice either to develop their technical parts of their music, or sound a bit more commercial and more catchy.
Listening to the “Unseen Empire” I got the impression that they would like to have some commercial success with this album. To my disappointment, they decided to emphasize on the melodic and catchy parts of their compositions and reduce the tetchy and death parts.
Despite all that, the album is quite enjoyable. The melodies are excellent and most of the choruses are really catchy. And when they break into the progressive and death metal side of things, the album gets really great. The riffs are inspired and strong, and so are the black vocals.
Songs like “Astronomicon” and “Draconian Arrival” are excellent examples of the technical abilities of the band and the track “Alpha and Omega” might be the best song on the album. The melodic part of the song reminds me of a melodic rock band.
Finally the “Unseen Empire” left me a sweet taste. I was disappointed because I waited more progressive elements but still , this is a solid album.
