SCARSICK

How do I begin? Scarsick is the album that has split Pain of Salvation's fan base in half. Well, probably closer to 60% / 40% because it seems as though most people do not like this album very much. Me on the other hand; I love the album. Sure, not as much as their previous releases, but it is still really good. Pain of Salvation is a band that is able to produce a new sound on every album they put out. This album is no exception. It is quite a change, not being as proggy as their other albums, but there are some really strong tracks to find here.

"Scarsick:" The opener is one of the best on the album. Let me just say that this song scares me in a good way. One word to describe it: CHAOTIC

"Spitfall:" A powerful track with Gildenlow giving a lot of rapping or so to say. The chorus complements the rapping style well with some more normal vocals from Gildenlow. This song is not my favorite, but is overall a good one.

"Cribcaged:" This is another favorite of mine. A Pink-Floydish sounding song that builds up to the point of Gildenlow saying the F word about 20 times or so. I can't get enough of the melodies in this song.

"America:" Since I am from America, this is not one of my favorite songs, but not for that sole reason. This is a pretty straight forward rock song with a kind of Hillbilly sounding melody.

"Disco Queen:" In short, a disco song. Of course, a little more intricate than your average disco standard.I do believe this one grows on you. Listen and find out. Really all I can say.

"Kingdom of Loss:" My favorite on the album, this song has it all. Soft, simple vocals, narrative, Slightly heavier vocals, and of course some really layered vocal harmonies. Emotional ballad.

"Mrs. Modern Mother Mary:" This is one of the heavier songs and one you could bang your head to if you really wanted. A little jazzy sounding if you ask me.

"Idiocracy:" I'd say my third favorite track. In the same vein as scarsick in that it is a creepy sounding one. Has nice, pretty vocals though. Builds and adds new textures as it goes on.

"Flame to the Moth:" This one is interesting. I really like the Arabian sounding main riff. Gildenlow delivers really powerfull vocals on this song. Throughout, he belts out some of those screemo screams and it sounds pretty cool.

"Enter Rain:" Of course, the last track on the album is the long epic. I certainly don't disagree with the idea. I believe that "Enter Rain" brings back some of sounds from "The Perfect Element" part one. Lyrically as well with "Remedy Lane." It is really laid back during the verses and builds into the intense chorus line, "Enter Rain." Half way through, the listener is treated to a soft, moving, melodic section that eventually leads into a new riff. This pattern repeats and then moves to the end with the singing of "In two seconds I will hit the ground" fading out to silence.

Overall a great album, it you give it a chance.