ENTROPIA

Pain of Salvation, maybe the most underrated prog-metal band. But why? I think it's astonishing that such an innovative and talented band has to suffer from being underestimated. Comparing to various other prog-metal bands "Pain of Salvation" seems to be almost the only one sounding different from Dream Theater, seems to be the only band with such an distinctive and own sound. And to carry this point to extremes I want to mention that the guys from sweden have, unlike various other bands refering to this genre, a really great singer. Daniel Gildenlöw is not only an awfully great singer, he also is the "mastermind" of the band and btw very talented in doing so. You can run across Daniel on various other Prog projects such as "Transatlantic" or lately "The Flower Kings", referring to Jonas Reingold he's even a kind of official member of the Kings now (I think his work on the new FK output "Adam & Eve" is evidence enough).

"Entropia" is Pain of Salvation's debut and, like you can easily imagine, a concept album. The band in general but especially on this album seems to be much more experimental than others. So one may say that this album isn't a slight fare. Of course it isn't but I think it's more than worthwhile to concern oneself with "Entropia" because it can reveal a whole new way of thinking about the whole prog-metal genre. I'd say that Pain of Salvation is a kind of fresh breeze for the genre and this album really proves this point. "! (foreword)" opens the album perfectly. Gildenlöws voice surprises me every time I listen to this album. The general sound of this song is quite heavy but not all the time, the song often features some breaks. I think you should download the sample above immediately. "Welcome to entropia" is a short intro, experimental. "Winning a war" is a POS classic and for me, one of their best songs. The lyrics are terrific just like Gildenlöw's voice. I simply love this song. The next tune "people passing by" can be described as a highlight of the album. Really funky and unusual. Different styles are mixed here and create an interesting general sound. Maybe one of the best POS songs, yes indeed. Cool melodies, awesome breaks and jazzy solos as well as heavy riffing. And of course, Gildenlöw's vocals, can't say it often enough. "Olivion Ocean" is another classic. Slightly mellow and melancolic. Not heavy at all, almost a ballad. The next song "Stress" is really interesting. Here you can hear what I meant by mentioning the experimental flair and sound. "Revival" is a mixture of heavy riffing and cool solos and breaks, a good one. "void of her" is a short soulful guitar solo and transforms to a bridge passage for the next song "To the End". It is quite heavy in the beginning but features a cool melody and riffing. But surprise, a very cool jazz-break and awesome solos near the end. "Circles" is again a short piece, almost a bass solo in the beginning but it turns to a short vocal reprise. "Nighmist" is a cool, again partly very funky bass dominated song. It's almost a bit weird and features great soloing, a great song. The last but one song "Plains of dawn" is a nice ballad wich turns heavier in the end. The prolog "Leaving Entropia" is a perfect ending for this great concept piece.

What can I say? Well, Pain of Salvation is a prog-metal band wich is different from all the others. They have their very own sound wich is very experimental and partly weird. They have one of the best singers of the whole prog genre and really made it to sound different from all these Dream Theater clones. I think that Pain of Salvation is a band that EVERYONE should check out. Even those who don't like prog-metal in general...the reason: just because they are DIFFERENT and without being a cant, innovative and very talented. "Entropia" is an experimental debut and sometimes I'd say it is their best work so far. I don't really know, 4 or 5 stars...I think 4 and a half stars would be perfect. More than highly recommended, for prog-metal fans anyway and those who don't like all these Dream Theater clones, this is the perfect band to check out.

Oh and BTW, did I mention the teriffic vocals?