ENTROPIA

While Pain of Salvation never were my top favourite band, I've always respected their creativity, originality and gift. The band showcases a range of influence is far away from a typical progressive metal band.

The sound is more contemporary taking a few nods from alternative metal, American nu-metal/rock scene, 80's (listen to the keyboards in "People passing by", funky grooves, and of course, a few prog-metal acts such as Dream Theater. In contrasts to many other progressive metal bands, focus is more on songwriting and arrangements rather than flamboyance.

There are quite contrasts in the music, numerous mellow moments but also very loud passages with screaming and double bass drum. Melody and unexpected moves are strong weapons of that band. "People passing by" is one of the most eclectic songs with so many different sections, really inventive. "Revival" is reminiscent of Dream Theater hooks. "Void of her" is a sublime guitar/organ piece that carries motives from longer epics. Melancholy is not a typical trait by this band but nevertheless, traces of it can be found in beautiful chorus in "Nightmist" and "Plains of dawn" that highlights band's soft moments and vocal harmonies.

One of the most original progressive metal debut albums of 90's.