ROAD SALT TWO

'Road Salt Two' is the eighth studio album by Pain of Salvation, released on 26 September 2011. 'Road Salt Two' is the sequel to 'Road Salt One,' which preceded it. The same general vibe that was captured on 'Road Salt One' is captured on 'Road Salt Two,' while continuing to progress the band's sound. 'Road Salt Two' is the final album to feature Fredrik Hermansson, who had appeared on all previous releases by the band.

"Road Salt Theme" opens the album with lush strings that have an exotic quality. This acts as the precursor to "Softly She Cries," where the theme is repeated. "Softly She Cries" is a heavy song with a catchy chorus. "Conditioned" starts with a blues guitar riff that the whole song is based around. The descending bassline of the verse reminds me of "I'm a Man" by Chicago. The drums play in a half-time feel towards the end of "Conditioned." Daniel Gildenlöw plays lute and mandolin on the folk song, "Healing Now." The music culminates into the final chorus. "To the Shoreline" is one of the most prog-sounding songs on 'Road Salt Two,' as evidenced by the syncopated drumbeat and synth textures. A Black Sabbath-esque guitar riff underpins the following song, "Eleven." The music then transitions into a funk instrumental section, before repeating the chorus one last time.

"1979" is a nostalgic piano ballad with added instrumentation. The musical atmosphere of "The Deeper Cut" is sinister and unsettling. Leo Margarit's drumming is excellent and makes "The Deeper Cut" even better as a song. The "Into the wild" lyric is a great hook. "Mortar Grind," which is featured on the 'Linoleum' EP, has a menacing verse that crescendos into a heavy chorus. Gildenlöw demonstrates his growling skills on "Mortar Grind." The syncopated melody of "Through the Distance" against the straight drumbeat is typical of Pain of Salvation. "Through the Distance" is a pleasant foil to the heaviness that preceded it. "The Physics of Gridlock" is a suite of music that comprises three sections: "I. Gridlock (All Is Mine)," "II. The End," and "III. On nous a donné la vie." The main guitar riff of "The Physics of Gridlock" is in 7/8. As the title implies, the final section is sung (and spoken) in French, and the music reflects that style. A chamber orchestra plays "The Physics of Gridlock" theme during "End Credits." Then, the theme from "1979" is reprised. Finally, the "Road Salt Theme" that opened the album also closes it, which brings 'Road Salt Two' full circle.

In conclusion, 'Road Salt Two' is a good sequel to 'Road Salt One.' However, I believe that 'Road Salt One' captured what Pain of Salvation were striving for more successfully than 'Road Salt Two.' The blues element isn't as prominent on this album. However, the raw heaviness and low-fidelity production is apparent on 'Road Salt Two' as it is on its predecessor. Overall, 'Road Salt Two' is a good album with some notable tracks.