Pitch Black Progress cover

Released 20 years ago

Pitch Black Progress

Scar Symmetry · 2006

59 min · 13 tracks · melodic death metal

A dynamic blend of melodic hooks and aggressive rhythms, weaving intricate guitar work with soaring vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Illusionist — This opening track sets a powerful tone with its intricate guitar riffs and seamlessly transitions between melodic passages and aggressive sections, showcasing the band's signature style.
  • →
    Calculate the Apocalypse — With its thematic exploration of existential dread, this track combines intense instrumentation with thought-provoking lyrics, illustrating the band's lyrical depth alongside their musical prowess.
  • →
    The Kaleidoscopic God — Clocking in at over seven minutes, this epic track exemplifies Scar Symmetry's ability to craft elaborate compositions that evolve dynamically, featuring a blend of clean and harsh vocals that heighten its emotional impact.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting with dynamic arrangements, though it may not fully reward repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of dual vocal styles, alternating between clean singing and growls throughout its tracks.
  • Each song typically includes multiple tempo shifts, with sections that range from fast-paced riffs to slower, melodic interludes.
  • The guitar work is intricate, often employing harmonized leads and complex solos that complement the rhythmic foundation laid by the drums and bass.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2006, Pitch Black Progress marked Scar Symmetry's third studio album, following their previous release, Symmetric in Design. By this point, they had solidified their unique sound within the melodic death metal genre, gaining recognition for their technical proficiency and complex songwriting. This album represented a continuation of their artistic exploration while maintaining their established fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors
Soilwork· Dark Tranquillity· In Flames

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Dreaming 24/7

    A segment where the narrative shifts from optimistic dreams to stark realities, revealing an inner conflict as aspirations clash with disillusionment.

    This shift provides a poignant contrast that enhances the song's emotional weight, illustrating how dreams can become burdens when faced with harsh truths.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Illusionist 4:31
  • 2 Slaves to the Subliminal 5:04
  • 3 Mind Machine 3:53
  • 4 Pitch Black Progress 3:26
  • 5 Calculate the Apocalypse 4:00
  • 6 Dreaming 24/7 4:10
  • 7 Abstracted 3:24
  • 8 The Kaleidoscopic God 7:09
  • 9 Retaliator 4:12
  • 10 Oscillation Point 4:04
  • 11 The Path of Least Resistance 4:28
  • 12 Carved in Stone 5:28
  • 13 Deviate From the Form 5:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata