Remedy Lane by
Pain of Salvation from Sweden is a progressive rock effort that
features the vocals of Daniel Gildenlow, keyboards of Frederik
Hermansson and guitar work of Johan Hallgren, with strong support
from the rhythm section of Johann Langell on drums and Kristoffer
Gildenlow on bass. The album is presented to the listener in a
concept rock format where the individual tracks flow from one to
the next like a well-crafted plot. The arrangements are highly
energized with pulsing, saturated rhythm guitars and driving
percussionry that set a backdrop for the strong vocals, intensive
guitar, and keyboard leadwork. The group explores many different
rhythms, themes, and musical motifs in their arrangements which
effectively keeps the listeners' attention. The integration of
guitars, keys, drums, and vocals is produced with the result of
high cohesion in the soundscape. Though most of the tracks
are of a good caliber, the song "Rope Ends" seems to be
the standout on the album due to its well-conceived themes and
gratifying changes. The compositional intensity and musical
vision on this track demonstrate that the group's capabilities,
leaving little doubt that Pain of Salvation has genuine talent.
Yet another notable track is "Dryad of the Woods". This
track begins as an acoustic instrumental that leads into a
broader arrangement when the keyboards, drums, and clean-toned
electric guitars join in. "Dryad of the Woods" builds a
solid instrumental on fluid themes and guitar-based chordal
arpeggiation. The overall sound of the
group resembles Queensryche, though the instrumentalism on this
effort seems to generally be at least a notch higher. Fans of
progressive music that appreciate advanced technicianry and
intensive composition in a progressive rock format may want to
check out this album from Pain of Salvation. It was refreshing to
hear the application of solid instrumentalism in this type of
progressive rock format (with metal tendencies) that the group
accomplished on this album. This group has a talent for working
out involved arrangements that project conducive musical vision
that is grounded in accessible foundations that at times has a
sort of profound appeal at a soul level. This musical format is not
my personal favorite. But, this group did it well enough that it
gained my approval. This is a good effort from the Swedish band,
Pain of Salvation! Check it out!
Pain
of Salvation: Remedy Lane
2002, Inside Out Music, IOMACD
2031
CyberHome: http://www.PainOfSalvation.com
Players:
Guitar, Lead Vocals
Daniel Gildenlow
Keyboards
Frederik Hermansson
Guitar, Vocals
Johan Hallgren
Bass, Vocals
Kristoffer Gildenlow
Drums, Vocals
Johann Langell
Tracks:
Remedy Lane
1) Of Two Beginnings
Chapter 1
2) Ending Theme
3) Fandango
4) A Trace of Blood
5) This Heart of Mine
Chapter 2
6) Undertow
7) Rope Ends
8) Chain Sling
9) Dryad of the Woods
Chapter 3
10) Remedy Lane
11) Waking Every God
12) Second Love
13) Beyond the Pale
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