In a musical universe cluttered by clunkers, Sweden's Scar Symmetry count among your safest bets when it comes to guaranteed gratification. Not only do they straddle the extreme and melodic realms with artful abandon, but the method has never failed them across four albums of staggering consistency. This achievement can be blamed one the members' extended pedigree in a half dozen band's each, itself a testament to the vitality of Sweden's metal scene. However, prior to the release of this honey-dewed collection of cosmic tunes Scar Symmetry's future was in doubt owing to longtime singer Christina Alvestam shirking the necessary roadwork. If the band were to survive, the only logical solution was his departure. Depart he did, leaving two massive shoes to fill. Enter the demon-voiced growler Robert Karllson and his angel, Lars Palmquist.

It's these two who elevate 'Dark Matter Dimensions' to heights those disappointed with its streamlined predecessor (the ill-starred 'Holographic Universe') could never imagine. Right from its opening salvo of music, a rip-roaring guitar harmony screams like a newborn babe before the band's death metal urges take over and all hell breaks loose. But before Scar Symmetry descend the depths Palmquist arrives and sings a chorus that soars to the star kissed heavens. When this moment arrives, expect your heart to skip a beat and nipple hairs tingle. Scar Symmetry know how to cast a spell on your ears and take the listener places. Having aced the diversion game, it's a wonder to behold the band's creative abundance across such winning cuts as 'The Consciousness Eaters', 'Noumenon and Phenomenon', and the breathtaking 'Ascencion Chamber'.

Too bad the novelty wears off past the straight up grooving death metal on 'Mechanical Soul Cybernetics' as the sextet prefer the paint-by-numbers game for such passable fare as 'Nonhuman Era', 'Dark Matter Dimensions', and the ho-hum 'Sculptor Void'. They're great songs no doubt, and since Scar Symmetry are ahead of the pack music and songwriting-wise, the rest of the album doesn't lose its sheen. However, the bottom line is the above mentioned tunes don't inspire the same enthusiasm, meaning Scar Symmetry have settled for filler. Sad but true. It's good filler though. Rest assured 'Dark Mater Dimensions' isn't a lost cause because of them. Through 'Frequencyshifter' to the Japanese version's bonus track ('Pariah'), 'Dark Matter Dimensions' keeps its title as a peerless release.

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Miguel Miranda
05/19/2010 21:37