THE PERFECT ELEMENT - PART 1

Pure, unadulterated, unfiltered passion. That'as what this album is all about. I haven't seen a band fill their music wihth such energy, focus and passion since...well, never have I seen something like it. The closest for me is probably Opeth. This...this is the band that just clicked with me. I heard their songs and immediately I was amazed. In The Flesh was the introductory song, and it blew me awa ywith the sheer vlume and passion. Gildenlow was amazing -- he sung with such energy...I'd never heard anything like it. This band...this alubm has single-handedly knocked Dream Theater out of my thoughts, except for Octavarium.

So what's this album about? Never has the word album had a more worthy application -- htis is a complete, beautiful album for sure. A true, complete album is almost like an experience, while some other great CDs are just collections ofsongs. But not this band. The album revolves around adolescency, rape, beatings, hatred, giving in -- all VERY mature themes taken in a very mature way. Once again, never have these dark and mature topics been talked (sung) about in a more fitting way. Every song screams passion -- there is no filler. It's like they gave their all on every song. And I think they honestly did.

Used, the first song, starts out with a bitchin' dark and heavy tempo that screams raw metal. Gildenlow raps after a bit. I'm no fan of rap (anymore), but these parts are always enjoyable and I never skip them. The chorus is very cool and very catchy, but then it segues into a more delicate sung part, and you'll be really shocked by how versatile Daniel's voice is, right off the bat. The hwoel song continues liek that, and it doesn't get old. Great song. 9.5/10

Next we have In The Flesh, the song that got me into PoS. While there are better songs on the album, this is definitely an awesome track. Some might say it drags, but I don't think so. Gildenlow's vocals and the extremely good lyrics keep you interested. Make sure to look up the lyrics when listening to it. It gains a lot more value if you do. Great song, 10/10

Ashes is next. I don't like this song a lot, but it's good some good moments...but not many. The chorus is alright, the verses are ok, everything is average except for a couple stand-out parts that are great. Meh, not a very good song by PoS' standards. 6.5/10

Good recovery in the next song, Morning on Earth. Great haunting melody to open, then even better vocals once again...great emotion. the transition from the verses to the chorus is kinda like desperate to relieved for me. It sounds dark then goes lighter in the chorus. Great transition. I really like this song. 9.5/10

IDIOGLOSSIA! Oh man, awesome song. this song has everything: heavy parts, beautiful slower sections, rap sections, sung sections, multilayered voice work and instrumentals, oh god I love it. So much emotion on this song, and a great concept too. 10/10

Her Voices is one of those rare pieces that starts badly and ends amazing -- the opening synth work sounds terrible in my ears. Then the guitar fills come in, it starts getting better. And it just goes straight uphill the whole song until the powerful conclusion which I simply love. Good song. 9/10

Dedication is another song that starts kinda lame and gets great. There's one section where Gildenlow is yelling real high in the background and you can hear the increasing energy in the guitar and drums and it keeps buliding and building until you think it can't get better...then it reverts to the normal meody. The normal melody and the song are pretty damn good. Not my favorite, but I definitely like it. 9.5/10

Heh, King of Loss is simply amazing. The melody is very brooding and dark, but very very good. It builds nice, and the opening note sung by Gildenlow -- "Mother", will get your attention so fast you won't believe it. It's not a heavy song like Idioglossia for the most part, but it's just as emotional. Awesome freakin' song. 10/10

Reconciliation is a high energy piece with the main melody of the whole album in place just like Morning on Earth. Think of Used minus the occasional nu-metal sound and the fact that this song has a completely different tone (Used = dark, Reconciliation = searching, somewhat frantic). Nice song! 9.5/10

Song for the Innocent? Not much to be said. It's like Dedication...actually exactly like Dedication, just I like it slightly less. Remember I really like Dedication so thtis is also a great song. 9/10

Falling is a nice segue into the last piece in the vein of Pink Floyd. It's nice, but nothing important. However...the title track, The Perfect Element is...unbelievable. So many awesome sections. Just...listen to it and you will understand. It has the best crescendo in energy, tmepo, volume and passion I've ever seen.

I'm tired, no more writing. This is a must-have -- no doubt. Even if you don't like prog metal, try this. You will be surprised. A perfect 5/5.

TYPOS ABOUND! Forgive me, I type fast and don't proofread, though I should.