SCARSICK

When it comes to talent and ideas in Prog Metal is there a band more adventerous than PoS? Daniel Gildenlow and the boys always bring the goods, but with this 2007 release called "Scarsick" their fans for the most part turned on them. This is one of the most controversial albums on this site, and for good reason. Clocking in at a long 68 minutes and being very wordy(concept album) this was a challenge. The challenge being the disco and rap excursions. Man, they do it so well though.

When I first got into Prog this band was an early discovery as Prog Metal was my gateway into our music. I really enjoyed those first four studio albums but when it came to 2004's "Be" I just couldn't handle it. I mentioned at the time that if I actually had the time "Be" might work for me, but man, so ambitious to a fault. I do feel that Gildenlow is a brilliant composer and lyricist. And that seemed like his "Black Page" album but in a different way. So I gave that one 3 stars and decided to pass on "Scarsick" with the first five collaborators giving this record 1 to 2 stars reviews!

I came back to this band with 2015's "In The Passing Light Of Day" and what a great record. So great I decided to go back and get "Scarsick" and "Road Salt Pt.1", along with a couple of live records. I was back. This isn't labelled as such, but this is "The Perfect Element Pt.2" as that concept is continued here with the same character spewing his venom. Or is that Daniel? I agree with a lot of the lyrics, but also disagree strongly with others. While the music may not be as complex as the earlier records, with more of a focus on the words, this is one entertaining album!

I really don't like the album cover. I felt at first it didn't represent the music very well, as this is upbeat and fun much of the time. Later I realized that the cover represents the title track and "Cribcaged" quite well. The world is sick my friends. And the words here deal with a lot of the greed that seems to run most people's lives. Status is the goal, making a name for yourself, being wealthy. "The best things in life aren't things" is a sign I'll always appreciate that was on a school bill board during the covid lockdowns when I was running around from town to town unvaccinated. Can't believe I'm still alive(yawn).

My favourite track, and others have mentioned it as theirs too, is "Kingdom Of Loss". Some nice contrasts throughout between the fragile vocals and spoken words. Love the guitar after 5 minutes. "Idiocracy" is another standout piece and it reminds me of a Steven Wilson track with the high pitched vocals. The synths are a nice touch, and this is heavy. "Flame To The Moth" continues that heaviness but this one has extreme vocals that I'm not into. Talk about spitting the lyrics!

Controvery? How about the opener "Scarsick" with the first word we hear being "Sick!" then rapping follows. I'm reminded of ALICE IN CHAINS around 2 minutes. Controvery? How about "Spitfall" the second track which brings to mind LINCOLN PARK big time. Such negative and angry lyrics here. But I can relate. Controversy? How about "Cribcaged" with the "f" bombs and ranting. Controversy? How about "America" and while the music is fun and catchy, the lyrics are biting and unfair in my opinion. I like America.

Lastly. Controversy? "Disco Queen" track five. So the first five songs are all controversial for one reason or another. I find the second half much stronger and it brings it up to 3 stars in my world. Oh, that "Disco Queen" song is also the longest for you disco fans out there. A plus. The creativity that Gildenlow brings to the table is astonishing. "Be" and "Scarsick" are not 4 star records in my world, but I am so impressed with all that goes into the lyrics and music. A band that is not afraid to take risks, and they are not worried about offending their fan base. They did it their way. Thanks Frank.

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