Scar Symmetry

It’s hard not to think of Soilwork when listening to Symmetric in Design, but that’s not meant as a slight or to suggest that Scar Symmetry are some clone band. There are similarities though. If Soilwork had managed (or been inclined) to marry their knack for smooth, poppy vocal lines and leads, a little prog, classic metal, guitar virtuosity, and some harsh, hard-edged melodic death metal, the result would be something like Symmetric in Design. There’s a lot going on with this album and it tends to move very quickly — repeated listens are a must to take it all in. There are plenty of invitations to sing or growl along, play air guitar or drums, and flail some hair around or bang your head, but it also pays off a good attentive listening session. This kind of catchiness can lack staying power, and it’s too early to tell if Symmetric in Design will last. But Scar Symmetry aren’t waiting around to let their music get stale; they’re already at work recording the next one.