Pain of Salvation - Entropia

Technique with Soul and Passion

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to one of the most impressive debuts I have ever encountered: Entropia by Pain of Salvation. Despite being a debut, Entropia sounds very mature and pretty much shows what Pain of Salvation stands for as a band. Moreover, I would consider this one of the essential progressive metal albums, especially for introduction to the genre. Seriously, all the elements are there and at the highest level.

Not only do we have complex song structures, with all the stamps of prog like shifting heavy and acoustic parts, odd time and changing signatures, syncopation, polyrhythms, a concept story told (sung) by one of the most emotive voices in metal, but also simply great riffs and solos that one will remember. This means that Pain of Salvation are able show their musical proficiency without going into self-indulgent show-off. What more can ask from a prog band? How about some jazz and funk? Yes, sir, and it sounds great.

In fact, Entropia is very diverse. Crushing juggernauts like the opener are followed by drum-and-sample-based interlude "Welcome to Entropia" or a fully acoustic song like "Oblivion Ocean" and the closer "Leaving Entropia" or how about the bass-driven intro into the short "Circles?" The vocals here are lacking absolutely nothing and range from sentimental calm singing and emotional utterances to deep low notes to aggressive or even high-pitched desperate bellows. What really matters though is that Daniel Gidenlow, it seems, puts his whole soul into both his music and singing, and that is why Entropia, despite being a debut, sounds so impressive: because it is daring and sincere in addition to being a piece of well-composed and -performed music. The obvious Dream Theater influences are heard, but if there was a great way to incorporate them into one's music, Pain of Salvation just did it right on Entropia.

If this is your introduction to Pain of Salvation or maybe even progressive metal, by all means start your further acquaintance by listening to this very album.

Black Sabbath - Paranoid & Master of Reality

Good Wine Gets Better with Age...

I have always thought that good music transcends time, that it will always be relevant and sound original. It will always be something one will want to come back to, and that is what I have confirmed once more while listening to two Black Sabbath classics Paranoid and Master of Reality. How does it work that the albums that we consider the harbingers of heavy metal still manage to impress today?

The answer is simple. These albums are not some half-cooked, deficient version of heavy metal that would be perfected by later generations. No, the music that Black Sabbath were making in the early 70’s is perfectly self-sufficient and complete on its own, not to mention, brilliant. So what makes it brilliant even today?

Again, the answer is simple: many smart rocking compositions, but incredibly catchy music that still has that rock n’ roll feel to it, heartfelt bluesy solos, and interesting mellow pieces like “Solitude” and “Planet Caravan.” What actually makes Black Sabbath stand out from other 70’s bands is that they were actually heavy: distorted guitars, a very audible bass, not so generic drumming, and… Ozzy. Ozzy’s wails, whether aggressive or subdued, add lots of new character to Black Sabbath’s sound and some sort of uniqueness if you wish.

All the music put out on Paranoid and Master of Reality is interesting to listen to: the songs are varied and each has its own idea, presentation, and catch. There we have it: great songwriting, great musicians, and unique approach – the win combo that always works. Enjoy!