THE PERFECT ELEMENT - PART 1

Any work of true passion stands out from the rest of the crowd. I have been hearing this album everyday again and again for more than a month now. Though I am not into heavy metal prog in general, I selectively like metal prog if it has enough diversity and melodies. I found these elements in this "Perfect Element". As a metal prog album, it stands as a perfect one. Firstly, the vocal of this album is outstanding-- Daniel Gildenlöw is oozing with passion about what he is singing. Hardly few moments of typical vocals. Secondly, the guitar playing is distinctly different and guitar sound is subtly different from other heavy metal bands. Such distinctiveness is typically the mark of super-bands. Thirdly, wonderful drums throughout the album. I especially like the ending drums of the Perfect Element--- though the rhythm reminds me of Rush (he's a rebel, he's a runner...). If I compare this with Dream Theater's Metropolis 2, I can safely say Daniel Gildenlöw has severely beaten DT here. I have not even gone through the lyrics of this album. But musically (I mean sound-wise)l, this album coveyed to me anger, desparation, remorse, desire and a host of dark feelings. But strangely it never left me feeling depressed. In its genre, its a master-piece for sure.