SCARSICK

I came extremely close to reviewing this album about a month ago, shortly after it released, and it would have been around a 2.5 star rating; however, the album began growing on me....like a fungus.

It's been said by nearly everyone, but it still merits mention: do not go into this album expecting another TPE, Remedy Lane, or the like. It is stylistically as big of a departure from "typical" Pain of Salvation as Be was. The guitar work often reminds me of Korn. It has that unusual noise aspect to it that I would never expect out of Pain of Salvation. The guitar work is less pronounced, leading to several accusations of "nu-metal". A case can be made for this accusation. Musically, the syncopated open rhythm line is king here. Additionally, the keys take more of an atmospheric than a fronting role here. Lines are much simpler than often in the past, and there's even a dash of rap thrown in for seasoning.

This is, however, not a nu-metal album. It is a prog-metal album and deserves the title. The frequent trippy choruses and breaks separate it from the mainstream as effectively as did Be's grandiose concept. The album really comes into it's own after Disco Queen. The last tracks are all excellent examples of why Pain of Salvation deserves all the praise they get and more. The first songs are less good, and America is the worst song Iron Maiden never made.

Ultimately, this album is definitely worth the listen. You will hate it at first. I promise. However, after quite a few listens (it took me a few weeks) it begins to grow on you.