Despite changing their sound a lot since they first began way back in the 90s, Tiamat have managed to keep coming back with original material that, while often pretty standard melodic gothic metal, carries their unique sound well. The Scarred People is no different; it mixes measured calmness with heavy riffs and big soundscapes. It doesn't always work, but this album, similarly to their 2008 release Amanethes, certainly has its great moments. Unfortunately they are fewer than the previous album.

The atmospheric/symphonic elements in the title track that starts the album sound a little cliché, but fortunately the riffs quickly come in to complement them. I feel that they are a bit overpowered by the keyboards/synths, but it's a minor complaint. The vocals of Johan Edlund sound strong and clear as usual and the catchiness of both the verse and chorus draw me into the song right away. It's a good way to start the album even if it does get a bit lengthy. Winter Dawn continues the standard gothic feeling. The guitars are definitely more prevalent right from the start, though still not as prevalent as they have been in the past. In 384EKtis I sense a lot of influence from early Black Sabbath and some of the doom bands of the 80s. It's a slow, plodding hymn of a song. Radiant Star is an interesting ballad of sorts, once again using some subtle symphonic elements, but also clean electric guitar and some heavy riffs in the chorus. The mournful guitar solo is excellent. I's a solid ballad, which Tiamat have been good at ever since they transitioned to this more melodic sound. Sure it’s nothing new, but it still sounds good. The steady beat and acoustic guitar opening of The Sun Also Rises reminds me of some calmer Sisters of Mercy songs, and Edlund's vocals keep it moving nicely. Some of the guitar work of Edlund and Roger Öjersson on this album is truly top-notch, including the solo in this song, and just take a listen to the instrumental Before Another Wilbury Dies. Not very complex, but it sounds great. I found myself wishing that the energy of this quick instrumental could be found in more songs in this album. The synthed up opening of Love Terrorists is more reminiscent of prog like Ayreon or Riverside, but it soon breaks into the slow, heavy riffing. The guitar work sounds great once again, though the drums and overall rhythm of this song get old pretty fast. Thunder & Lightning does the same type of thing, except it keeps things moving faster and is more fun; definitely one of my favorites from the album.

At the end of the day this is a pretty standard gothic metal album, and to me the only things that stand out are a few very catchy songs and some excellent guitar work. These guys are clearly not trying to reinvent the wheel, so if you want to hear the tried and true formulas they have employed for the past decade, pick this up. Otherwise, listening to their back catalog will probably provide more enjoyment.