REMEDY LANE

Just one year before the release of this album progressive metal masterminds Pain of Salvation released their magnum opus "The Perfect Element Part 1". So how do they follow up an incredible album? Make another incredible album. This was my introduction to Pain of Salvation's music, and made me raid their entire discography. This is a great place to start listening to Pain of Salvation music, along with "The Perfect Element Part 1".

I think the music is slightly stronger on "The Perfect Element Part 1", but the concept and story is much stronger here. It's really hard for me to pick which of these two incredible albums I like more. Daniel Gildenlow's songwriting is great, and his unique singing style shines here as well. Daniel Gildenlow may very well be the greatest frontman in modern prog. He even ranks up there with Peter Gabriel and some of the classic performers. One of the few knocks I can give this album is that the bass isn't very prominent, and sometimes I can barely hear it. With that said, there are so many bands in the world where I'll almost want to ask "Do these guys even have a bassist?!?!" because the production quality is so bad. Pain of Salvation, luckily, is not one of these bands.

Like I said, this was my introduction to Pain of Salvation, and it took a little while to grow on me. The first time I heard it I thought it was just average progressive metal. One day I decided to pull it out again, and I was completely addicted. I think the reason why it needed to grow on me was not because there was anything wrong with the album, but more so that the band is different than anything I've ever heard before. After three or four listens any prog metal fan should like it a lot more than the first listen.

With that said, there is not a single flaw on this album. There isn't a moment of filler, which is something that usually cannot be said. The best song is the epic ending "Beyond the Pale". It shows the way they beautifully combine dark and heavy sections with light and emotional sections. Some more of my favorites are the experimental "Fandango", "A Trace of Blood", and the ballad with a wonderful vocal performance "Second Love". All I can say is go buy it. You won't be disappointed.

5/5 stars