12:5

There is quite an unusual concept behind this album. Band leader Daniel Gildenlöw was asked if Pain Of Salvation were interested in recording a special radio show for Swedish radio. This resulted in this acoustic album being recorded in front of 80 invited guests, and with no extra instrumentation added if you were there that night this is what you would have heard. The album is divided into three books, as is usual with POS, as there is an underlying story (titled "Brickworks) but most of the songs have previously been available on their studio albums. The difference now of course is back then they were powering prog metal and now this is in an acoustic setting.

The band comprises Daniel Gildenlöw (vocals and guitar), Johan Hallgren (guitar and vocals), Johan Langell (drums and vocals), Kristoffer Gildenlöw (bass and vocals) and Fredrik Hermansson (keyboards). While the band is playing acoustically there is never any doubt that this is a rock band. On "Winning The War" there is the feeling that the passion is just going to take over the band. There may be no amps involved, but they seem intent on killing those acoustic guitars. It shows how well the songs are structured in that they can easily be switched from full on prog metallic mayhem to this environment.

A fascinating album, which while obviously of more interest to fans of the band, will also have appeal to those coming to them for the first time. Just don't expect any of their other albums to sound quite like this.

Originally appeared in Feedback #78, April 2004