BE by Pain of Salvation

BE by Pain of Salvation, released in 2004, here in a 2021 reissue on 180g vinyl.

Pain of Salvation is a Swedish progressive metal band led by the great Daniel Gildenlöw, composer, guitarist, singer, and lyricist. Their sound revolves around stunning guitar riffs and impressive, wide-ranging vocals, moving between heavy and calmer atmospheres, complex harmonies and structures, syncopation, and polyrhythms.

Their albums are generally concept albums that address current issues in both society and human existence.

The name "Pain of Salvation" was coined by Daniel Gildenlöw, who explained it as follows:

"It means balance. Accepting good and bad. It's also a good everyday expression: when something doesn't go as planned, [the expression 'pain of salvation'] indicates that it's just a small setback on an otherwise painless path toward one's goal."

BE is the last album with Kristoffer Gildenlöw on bass and features a nine-piece orchestra, The Orchestra of Eternity.

I'll start by saying that, although not appreciated by many, I really like this album. It's a concept album that deals with the existence of God and, as we'll see, speaks to Him through His "answering machine."

This solemnity can certainly be perceived in the nature of the songs, a different sound from previous albums that perhaps disappointed some, but not me.

An eclectic sound that goes beyond progressive metal to include orchestral, folk, and soul elements, all executed with great technical skill, complex polyrhythms, and impeccable orchestral execution. Powerful and moving songs like "Nihil Morari," "Iter Impius," and "Animae Partus II," which are also my favorites, are featured.

There are narrative passages, a folk song, a gospel song, a liturgical hymn, progressive metal pieces, a piano/guitar piece, a conversation with a radio playing in the background, news readings, a Broadway-style song, and a song composed of voice messages left on God's "answering machine" by subscribers to the band's newsletter, who were asked to call a phone number and say whatever they wanted to say to God.

The album's structure is extremely complex, making it difficult to listen to, and the singing style is deliberately theatrical and melodramatic. A challenging listen that I recommend to lovers of experimental progressive metal. A great album. Just what you expect from a great band.

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