The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph)
Scar Symmetry · 2023
58 min · 11 tracks · melodic death metal
A sonic journey blending intricate melodies and aggressive rhythms, evoking a sci-fi narrative through heavy progressive death metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Chrononautilus — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its blend of melodic intensity and progressive elements, establishing the thematic depth explored throughout.
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Altergeist — This track features complex time signatures and dynamic transitions that highlight the band’s technical prowess while engaging listeners in its narrative arc.
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Xenotaph — As the closing piece, it encapsulates the album's themes with an expansive structure that combines haunting melodies and powerful crescendos, leaving a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and a blend of vocal styles, contributing to its distinct sound within the genre.
What we noticed
- The album features complex song structures with frequent tempo changes, often shifting from aggressive blast beats to melodic interludes.
- Each track incorporates dual vocal styles, alternating between growls and clean singing, enhancing the narrative aspect of the lyrics.
- Several tracks exceed six minutes in length, allowing for extended instrumental passages that develop themes introduced earlier in the songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- steady progression towards climax
- intricate melodies for deep focus
- sonic exploration of cosmic themes
- relentless rhythms for energetic sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone singles experience
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2023, The Singularity (Phase II – Xenotaph) is Scar Symmetry's first album since their 2014 release, The Singularity (Phase I – Neohumanity). This album marks a significant return for the band, following a period of lineup changes and an extended hiatus, reaffirming their position in the melodic death metal scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Soilwork· Dark Tranquillity· In Flames
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chrononautilus 5:04
- 2 Scorched Quadrant 5:05
- 3 Overworld 3:51
- 4 Altergeist 6:12
- 5 Reichsfall 5:15
- 6 Digiphrenia Dawn 5:32
- 7 Hyperborean Plains 5:07
- 8 Gridworm 5:06
- 9 A Voyage With Tailed Meteors 4:55
- 10 Soulscanner 4:07
- 11 Xenotaph 7:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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