Initially forming back in 1984 under the name ‘Reality’ before rebranding in 1991 and becoming Pain Of Salvation, this much revered institute of the northern reaches of Europe (Eskilstuna, Sweden) have managed to stay relevant and active in such a fickle musical landscape. With excellent use of polyrhythmic shifting riffs, dynamic use of cleans and heavy passages and some real intricate song construction, PoS are back and ready to illuminate 2017.
The first thing of note-worthy mention on this release is the polyrhythmic nature of all the tracks, a staple of progressive rock and metal. Up there with the likes of Tool, PoS manage to keep everything shifting about to keep your senses on their toes, but at the same time make it flow so naturally. In a way, both in structure and sound, it’s like a heavier take on the likes of Yes, Circa (band formed of ex-Yes members) and Between the Buried and Me. The intricate passages, subtle ways the band manage to cleverly fill the space on each track without creating an audio overload which isn’t a simple job by any means!
With the complex composition and the clever use of heavy and clean melodic passages, rich in tone and not harsh enough to overpower everything else, this album doesn’t have as many explosive break out sections as you may think, but when it does, you certainly notice it. Instead of talking about ‘that pounding chorus’ in a song, it’s more the overall atmosphere. PoS have created a real intense musical journey with this release and as the album progresses, you find yourself totally drawn up in it.
From the modern prog metal intro of opening track “On A Tuesday”, you experience a wide variety of feelings and atmospheres. Mystique and intrigue open the album and as it progresses, hopelessness, defiance, reluctance and empowerment are all present. The melodic uplifting yet cold and calculated progressions which switch into the suspense filled cleans or the darker feeling passages work well when they combine. Despite the more clinical edge to the song-writing, the overall emphasis on the whole tracks sound and the riff instead of overly flashy lead intricacy makes a welcome change in the prog metal genre.
Of course, on the flipside, the lack of real stand out stunning moments and the slightly cold and clinical feel to the way the songs are constructed is strange given the pseudo-concept album feel of this release, something which seems so heavily invested in emotions appears completely lacking of emotion at times, aside from the fantastic and dynamic vocal work!
In all, “In The Passing Light Of Day” passes for a real solid album, a good way to kick off 2017. With a band like Pain Of Salvation who have been around for longer than I have been alive, they know what they are doing and what they want to sound like. To me, they pull out an interesting release, it has a strange appeal to it despite being lifeless at times… Enigmatic but a rather engaging release!
(7/10 Fraggle)
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