Sweden’s Pain of Salvation’s new CD “Road Salt One” is nothing short of genius! Founder, vocalist and brains behind the machine Daniel Gildenlӧw never ceases to amaze me as he continually re-invents Pain of Salvation release after release. This, however probably pisses die hard fans off more than anything as they have completely changed their sound from their inception. Not being a Pain of Salvation purist I find this disc to be hands down their best release to date period. Sure, 2007’s “Scarsick” was great but Road Salt One is more consistent throughout. “Scarsick” was almost a “checking out the waters” of the path they were thinking of going down and “Road Salt One” is a full on, head first, dive down that path.
I honestly don’t know where to begin with this review since there is not a single song on this CD that I don’t like, or I feel doesn’t fit. The best way to describe “Road Salt One” is a highly emotional rollercoaster ride of psychedelic progressive metal. It is raw, it is heavy, it is mellow, it is psychotic, it is unique, and is best listened to in a dark room with headphones on. Key tracks include “Tell Me You Don’t Mind”, “Linoleum” and the CD closer “Innocence”. As mentioned there are no bad songs in my opinion but these are ones that stick out as the highlights.
I can’t say enough good things about Pain of Salvation’s “Road Salt One”. If you are a fan of progressive, psychedelic 70’s rock then this one is for you. I would be interested in hearing the opinions of Pain of Salvation purists to hear what they think (and I have a pretty good idea that they probably wouldn’t enjoy this one too much). I for one am looking forward to “Road Salt Two” which is scheduled for an October 2010 release. If it is half as good as this one then I will continue to be a happy man.
