Finally
I was starting to give up in search for the next level of melodic death. Until I got this CD. Everything you ever liked from any other band has been combined and squared. It is as if Norther, Opeth, Skyfire, Sybreed, Soilwork, In flames, Nile, and Insomnium joined forces and created a cd. Amazing. The death vox are top notch, the clean vocals are layered and fit perfect, their guitarist are insane, and the drummer is right along with them. Buy this cd and support these guys!

You need this
Highly polished progressive metal with stunning vocals that rank with Akerfeldt's for range and listenability. The majority of songs are strong, some are truly great, and a few create unique atmospheres that will twist your head.

Scar Symmetry are skilled musicians who display craftmanship and taste. At the same time, they know exactly where the groove is. I strongly recommend this CD to fans of Arch Enemy, The Haunted, Opeth, Sonata Arctica, and Nevermore.

As for their first CD, it's similar, but somewhat less exciting, and this one far exceeds it. The band has really come into its own with this release.

You need this.

Killer!
This is really a great album. Scar Symmetry seem to have taken a page from the book of Opeth, in that they use both clean and death vocals to great effect, which creates a wonderful dichotomy and balance in the album.

The album is also complex in ways that at times remind me of Mastodon, and much of the delivery is reminiscent of The Confession's self-titled EP.

I really can't say enough positive things about this album. Very strong, and in my opinion well ahead of their debut, Symmetric in Design.

Blistering
Simply put, "Pitch Black Progress" is a blisteringly agressive album, combining some heavy grind vocals with clean vocals to make an overall death sound that is truly amazing. These guys sear the senses.

The beat and rhythm is pretty much traditional death metal, though in some tracks it is more apparent than in others. The guitar work is heavy and pounding, everything death metal should be. Add the keyboards in and you get a very atmospheric style of death metal. Although the keyboards are there, they are never overpowering and stay firmly entrenched in the background. Scar Symmetry are, first and foremost, a death metal band.

The vocals vary from the hardest of grind, sometimes reaching screeching proportions on one or two tracks. The grind is generally very deep and hard. There are some clean vocals that pepper the tracks, and these are also of the highest quality. Alvestam can actually sing very well in both styles, making tight change overs and keeping the intensity high.

The songs are many and varied, and among my personal favourites on this CD are "The Illusionist", "Mind Machine" and "The Kaleidoscopic God". Actually, all the songs are excellent, and I would have a hard time picking any one as a favourite.

For death metal with a twist, this is definitely among the best I have heard in a long time. In all honesty, I think I would even prefer these guys over Killswitch Engage, who I happen to really dig in a big way. If you are not a deather, buy Scar Symmetry anyway....you soon will be one of us. ;-)

Metal/Death/Power/Thrash etc= WOW!
This CD Rocks! from beginning to end. I just found out about this band per chance reading reviews of CD's. I have been into Mercenary, Nevermore, Opeth, Dream Theater for awhile, this band is right there with them. Who says that Metal is dead? Some of my favorite tracks are the following: The Illusionist, Mind Machine, Dreaming 24/7, Carved Stone..just to name a few. I used to hate growling vox, but since Opeth has opened my mind to it as long as the music kix butt...then I always give it a chance...well this CD is definetly worth giving a chance if you love METAL!!