THE PERFECT ELEMENT - PART 1

I heard the band quite sometime ago around year 2000 when some friends of mine were engaged in local classic rock FM radio in my city. I saw the covers of the band's first two albums but I got no chance to enjoy their music because at that time I was in neo prog kind of mood and did not really favor metal. Last year I bought this CD from our local secondary market for one reason: it's cheap (because it's a used CD, I think) and I heard the band name many times from my metal friends (some of them are proggers too). When most of my prog friends made a noise that the band's front man Daniel Gildenlöw were joining The Flower Kings, it really struck my mind. Long before I've seen the performance of this guy supporting TRANSTLANTIC Live in Europe that I watched through a DVD. He must be "someone" because even TFK invited him to join. And .. having enjoyed the Flower Kings' "Adam and Eve" album, I devote my time listening the only CD that I have from Pain of Salvation. Well, I hate rap music but this band is excellent!!

Despite symphonic prog opening of the first track "USED", my initial reaction to the band is that they play the music that I hate: rap. But I don't know for some reason, I like the atmosphere created by the symphonic music at the background from keyboard sound. The guitar riffs remind me to progressive metal kind of music but the main body of the music itself creates "symphonic" nuances. It's really a wonderful track. The solo electric guitar is performed stunningly during interlude. The singing style, luckily, turns to normal rocking style having gone thru the opening style that is a bit growling.

All tracks featured in this album are excellent, well positioned and performed in relatively medium tempo, sometimes even mellow. So, if you expect the band would perform speed metal like DREAM THEATER, you are wrong.

It continues seamlessly to the second track "IN THE FLESH" with simple guitar fills and voice line (very nice!). The guitar fills sound repetitive at beginning while accompanying the vocal; but it then flows to different guitar fills style when the music turns to a faster tempo. Great vocal quality and stunning guitar work. The inclusion piano and acoustic guitar at the end of this track have enriched the track. Great musical flow!

"ASHES" kicks off with, again, simple guitar fills / rhythm with clear voice of Daniel at low tone in the beginning part. The music turns up with a higher, bit distorted, vocals. This track is really accessible and does not sound metal - it's more symphonic psychedelic than metal. I like the way Daniel sings. This track is a true KILLER!

"MORNING ON EARTH" starts with a guitar fills that reminds me to the intro of "AND YOU AND I" of Yes. But when the voice enters the scene, it's different kind of music. The opening voice is really heavy and theatrical, I would say. It's a nice mellow track with stunning acoustic guitar, dynamic bass line and great violin.

The music turns into a faster and rocking tempo with "IDIOGLOSSIA" (track 5). Its nuance is in the vein of symphonic metal with nice psychedelic touch. This track has a strong melody and tight composition, high energy. It continues with "HER VOICES" in a slower tempo. It's a kind of ballad tune with symphonic background.

"DEDICATION" starts with simple acoustic guitar fills accompanied with dynamic bass line. It's a melodic and mellow track with nice piano touch and electric guitar effects. I can sense the influence of jazz in this track. It flows to my all-time favorite track 8: "KING OF LOSS". I like the tasty melody here, it's really cool. Again, Daniels demonstrates his powerful singing style especially when the music turns into higher tone (the metal part). He sings from his heart, I believe. The piano and guitar fills are really excellent.

"RECONCILIATION" opens in relatively fast tempo with great guitar and keyboard. It flows up and down with a wide variety of singing style. The music then turns to a silent part on track 10 "SONG FOR THE INNOCENT" with acoustic guitar and piano at background. It actually reminds me to early Genesis style (guitar-wise). It then turns to a rocking mood with great lead guitar work.

"FALLING" demonstrates electric guitar work in the vein of PINK FLOYD. It sets the welcoming tone for the concluding track "THE PERFECT ELEMENT" that opens nicely with guitar fills. The last track is really a great track with truly symphonic style. It has a tight composition and touchy melody. Again, I have to admit that Daniel's singing style is so powerful. The interlude part, exploring acoustic guitar and violin works, is really amazing especially when combined with high tone voice of Daniel. The ending part of this track when the drum is played dynamically - really amazing! (reminds me to PETER GABRIEL's "The Rhythm of The Heat" percussive on his 4th album "Security".) What a great climax!

Well, I cannot afford not to give this album with well rounded five star. Tight composition, excellent strong writing, flawless music delivery by the musicians and good production. Minor advice is on the sonic quality: need some more bass sound. Mid range and treble are okay. Symphonic music requires more bass sound, I think. Rating 5/5. GW, Indonesia.