Scars of Chaos - Humanitarian War Machine (2007)

This is a very interesting album. Scars of Chaos is a French symphonic black metal band. Now, as it should be pretty clear at this point, black metal in general doesn't interest me to a rather high degree. This, however, is rather refreshing, for whatever reason.

I believe this is Scars of Chaos' fourth third studio album. I haven't bothered to check out the others, but if they're at all like this one, I may just do that. Think of Vesperian Sorrow with heavier symphonic influences and you have Scars of Chaos. The vocals are very similar, as well as the instrumentation. I have to admit, though, I was a bit hesitant when I first looked at the name of this band. Generally, bands with the word "scar" in the name can be immediately dubbed as crap and mocked accordingly. (See: Scar Symmetry). Also, with such heinously moronic pseudonyms as DarkOne and Evil Tongue, I wasn't all that ready for anything impressive, but rather for some sickening Cradle of Filth bastardization.

I was certainly surprised. What I got was something like Stormblåst era Dimmu Borgir. You know, before they started writing songs that sucked? You remember that, don't you? Anyway, this is very much in that vein. The guitar parts are dominated by the ever-typical black metal tremolo picking style, but it's done enjoyably. I think the most drawing part of this album would probably be the symphonic aspects, which are complimented by the vocals, though. Bear with me, here. I'm going to have to use the band members' incredibly stupid pseudonyms, because I can't seem to find their real names.

A New Era of Light starts off with a keyboard generated symphonic line, which immediately transitions into a hugely chaotic assault of sound. Evil Tongue's retarded name does his vocals no justice. He seems to have mastered the black metal sound. He goes from high pitched screeches quickly to low, guttural grunts at the correct times; a feat largely unexplored in most forms of black metal, even by its supposed pioneers. This man has talent. His vocals certainly add an extra feel of power to the songs.

As stated before, the keyboard work on this album is very well done. Angelus, as he wishes to be called, creates a very dark atmosphere with his orchestrations, which I believe is the feel they were going for. The most notable pieces on the album would be the introduction to A New Era of Light, the interlude in Funeral For a World, and the introduction to Darker Than Hell. However, the keyboards are omnipresent throughout the entire album, constantly creating a moody contrast to the otherwise chaotic guitar parts.

This album is just very well put together. They manage to make their slower introductions tasteful and maintain their raw and ferocious black metal edge. For my favorite song, I would pick Son Excellence de la Douleur. It most accurately depicts the pure range of sound that this album has to offer. Quality symphonic black metal from an unexpected source. One thing, though. Scars of Chaos, change your fucking names. You look like idiots.

8/10