An emotional, disturbing, yet extremely rewarding journey

It was to be expected: The latest disc from Pain of Salvation splits the fans and critics. Although no one speaks the Swedes your musicality and artistry from, but is everywhere complained and bitched: The songs are too short, the songs are not well mixed, the songs are boring and pretentious. And in fact, this album is again a step more in the direction that has taken to "Scarsick" the band: Experimental instrumentation, focusing on singing and short, crisp songs and lyrics that are certainly not everyone's thing. "Road Salt 1: Ivory" is probably the songorientierteste album of Pain of Salvation (not a single instrumental piece; in all songs dominated the song; little guitar solos (and if only very short).

To make it short anticipated: Personally, I find the CD, the besieged my CD player since 3 days, more than succeeded. It has become a round, very atmospheric album, which forms the first part of an overall concept. The songs are all driven primarily by the lyrics and therefore the voice of Daniel Gildenlöw, they are at the center of songwriting. In addition, already shows a view into the booklet that Daniel has even completely taken over the instrument directed at some of the songs, even the keyboard instruments (Sisters) and on drums. Many fans may therefore turn up on the "Daniel-Show" the nose. Personally, I think he does his job excellently.

But a word of warning: this album is progressive only in the sense that it is of any genre classification deprives persistent. What once is obviously not a quality criterion. But surely the fans of the first hour is no longer the complex song structures and instrument solos runs the old days are long here again. But the songs are too dense, tend to live by the interplay of vocals and instrumentation and moving lyrics. Thankfully keep the spoken parts in limits, so that the album not as lecturing comes across such. B. "Scarsick".

The album kicks off with a surprise, because the first song takes less than a minute, is repeated constantly and offers little variety. This is known as non of Pain of Salvation. But in the overall package with "No Way", which connects seamlessly, puts the song a compelling contrast. In addition, the harmonies are great, and the new drummer Léo proves vocally good support for the tape. In this song you can hear the first great vintage sounds of the electric guitar, the tune to another style of the album. Because vintage, 70s and snotty rock determine the album. This may one or another prog metal fan ever deter ... (4/5)

"No Way" starts particularly punchy. Daniel sings in top form and proves that he is one of the best singers. His voice is extremely diverse on this album, it fits both to the delicate, almost fragile songs like "Sisters" or "Road Salt" and the rocking numbers as just "No Way". The song is reminiscent of the sound and the song structure strongly to "Nihil Morari" of "be", even though the lyrics are not so long philiosophisch or critical of society, but rather cocky. But just blends perfectly with the style. When the chorus starts to sound Daniels fragile voice and piano Fredrik and put the first emotional highlights of the album. It even follow hell of a lot more. The middle part surprised with an interesting rhythmic gimmick, but builds on the grand finale. A perfect rocker! (5/5)

"She Likes to Hide" is a bluesy song through and through. Heavy rhythms, polyphonic chorus, powerful bass and crisp drums. But surely the first song, the nutmegs the prog fan the question marks on the forehead and the ears. (4/5)

It follows the grandiose musical highlight of the album with "Sisters". The song is like an undertow and no longer be a going on. It is assumed that a man is about to be tempted to sleep with the sister of his girlfriend. Ever love and sex is, however, very grown argued (and in stark contrast pain and despair) the central theme of the album, and far from any Dr. Summer striking nature. It is this mixture of erotic Topos, emotional vocal power and dramatic structure, which makes "Sisters" to a poignant song. One of the best songs of Pain of Salvation, in emotional density on par with "Undertow" (5/5)

With "Of Dust" album resembles again more "be", especially the song "Nautilus". A choral heavyweight outstandingly sung by the singers, above all dominated the octave of Daniel Gildenlöw. Short moment of shock: In the song there is again talk Parts, but that is short and sweet (and remains the exception). Again, the combination of lyrics and music created a really convincing overall result. (4/5)

The following songs "Tell Me You Do not Know" and "Sleeping Under the Stars" are the big test for the fan. For both songs break from the previous concept of brutal. While "Tell me You Do not Know" even slight country bonds has (3/5), Daniel sends us to the following number "Sleeping Under the Stars" even musical in a way fairground, Viennese waltz included. A funny idea perhaps, but certainly the hard ordeal for people who have done hard already with the Disco Queen. (3/5)

But then the album remains continuously convincing. However, the lyrics are bleak. It's more about pain than to cure, the word "Pain" appears several times in a song is even male dominance (and violence) addressed to women. "Darkness of Mine" is supported by strong vibrant vintage guitars and the piano playing of Fredrik. This song sounds just the chorus still most likely after the metal roots of the past days and thus finally speaks also to those looking for several minutes after such sounds. (5/5)

"Linoleum" has been known for the single release. Grandios stupid video, but a great, powerful song that breathes throughout the spirit of the 70s vibes. (5/5)
And immediately after the song that will certainly stir up emotions again: "Curiosity". This is really hard to, both in text and in music (the new drummer Léo got here a lot to do and is doing really well). The song breathes in the spirit of the 70's the spirit of sexual freedom, but with this bitter aftertaste: "See, the only time I hear you take the name of the Lord / Is When You're tied to the bed with your face against the headboard ". Certainly live great fun when the metal dudes rocking. (5/5)

With "Tell me Where it Hurts" the dismal journey continues. An oppressive song, which penetrates deep into the marrow, especially towards the end when Daniel's voice losschmettert and heartbreakingly begs: "Touch me where it hurts" So upsetting the text, so immaculate, the song structure in which hard parts with soft (but no less poignant) piano sounds alternate. Here also a small guitar solo for all who desired one. Outstanding! (5/5)

"Road Salt" sounded to me live in Melodifestivalen better, which may be that Daniel times accesses the album back into their own keys. But that says nothing about the quality of the songs off because that is at a high level and is representative of the style of the album. The closer you get to the end of the album, the clearer it becomes that this is a truly "naked" album, honest, with snot in his voice and rough sound. Not for everyone, but refreshing in times of superstars like a summer rain. (5/5)

The longest song on the album is waiting at the end to the fevered prog fan who now is probably delirious. But he has also again a bit of everything: polyrhythms, ambient sounds, solos, touching vocals and Daniel at his best. The swirling guitars are somewhat reminiscent of the great "Idiocracy". (5/5)

Except for two songs the album has invariably good to excellent, outstanding songs. When the count towards the season, this will open up around 50 minutes of pure emotion. Whether you like this sort of soul-deep look, needs and wants, which has to decide each itself. The music in any case - whether or not prog - touched where it can sometimes be very painful. An emotional roller coaster ride, how can you imagine no better. For me one of the best albums of Pain of Salvation, right after "Remedy Lane".