Pros: Varied influences, complex, intelligent and controversial...
Cons: Politically and socio-critically charged but I'm reminded of so many metal albums here
The Bottom Line: Those who agree that an artist has the right to express himself no-matter-what-he-has-to-say will probably appreciate and/or at-least-make-an-attempt to understand Gildenlow's seemingly poor attitude towards America...
vanwarp's Full Review: Scarsick by Pain Of Salvation
Pain Of Salvation really went genre meandering on Scarsick and IMHO, this is the band’s most experimental album ever. Furthermore, the band’s ability to create complex songs with beautiful hooking melodies and forever changing emotional thoughts and ideas has helped increase the bands overall popularity in the progressive world. Scarsick will probably alienate those American fans who can’t or won’t accept those who criticize America while on the other hand some will surely understand Gildenlow’s criticism for what it is, just an artist expressing his thoughts, even though they are critical in nature.
While Pain Of Salvation are a progressive metal band, you will surely question yourself about whether or not this is progressive metal at all. You might mistake it for rap or disco or whatever else you might come up with while listening to the album? Gone are the inspirational and emotional turbulences of The Perfect Element, Remedy Lane and Be, replaced by most disturbing socio-critical commentaries. And guess what? I love it!
The musical side of Scarsick offers a broad variety of influences and styles and it is more diverse than any preceding Pain Of Salvation album, including Be and Remedy Lane. Yes, some of the music on here is progressive metal and tracks like “Scarsick” and “Flame to the Moth” are heavy enough to be considered metal, while the Rap vocal style used in both “Scarsick” and “Spitfall” will also have you thinking about Rage Against The Machine but comparing Pain Of Salvation to them is just so...obtuse. It’s like comparing Pink Floyd with Green Day, it makes no sense at all, two completely different world’s altogether. This album is certainly more guitar driven with less keyboard work than past offerings from the band. In addition, I do enjoy the variety of vocals on hand and all the weird back up vocals that the band is known for are ever-present. :)
“America” and “Disco Queen” are so unlike the rest of the songs on the album that some will be scratching their heads wondering if the band was perhaps influenced by Madonna or something else from the dance world. Anyway, I’m really not kidding, the band included a couple of weird songs, one disco and one kind of like an indie rock pop song. And not without some controversy I might add. “America” is looking out for you and me, but lets not kid ourselves here, “America” is also looking out for itself. So, unless there’s something in it for them, I’m talking about long term benefits like money and oil, don’t be surprised to see them running for cover when some poor country comes knocking on their door asking for help...
At any rate, lyrically, the album deals with a variety of socio-critical themes. Some are more obvious such as the title track “Scarsick” which takes a critical look at present society. Some are more difficult to digest like “America” which deals with a critical view of what is known today as the most powerful country in the world. When the president of the United States makes a speech or talks to reporters, his words end up being heard all over the world, while my Prime Minister might be lucky if his speech makes the National News. The President of the United States exercises a lot of world influence and artists are also using their art to enlighten their followers on some of the issues they feel most passionate about. In any event, there’s a whole lot of sh*t going on in the world and much to reflect on when reading through the insert booklet.
Have any of you ever considered what would be the main attributes of a great recording? What should an album contain in order to deserve the coveted title or masterpiece or to be considered a true work of art? We all have our own preconceived notions of what is - and for that matter - what is not a masterpiece. So what does it take exactly? Certainly it must contain some element of originality, innovation, diversity, emotional lyrics and vocals. What about strong song compositions? Does the album have to make you think or can it be purely for pleasure? Does any or all of the above apply to all genres and styles of music? What makes a great release anyway?
I think that what it all boils down to – in my view - is in determining and ultimately answering the following question: “Does the album hold any repeat value for me?” Is there something about the album that compels me to return to it time and time again? Does the music and content of the album make me want to listen to it over and over or do I tire easily after several weeks or after several months of listening to it? This is ultimately all that it takes for me to consider an album great and truly an extraordinary recording. Now, whether or not Scarsick is a masterpiece or a classic in the genre and style it represents, only time will tell, but if I’m still listening to it this time next year, it will certainly be on my list of best albums of 2007! ;)
Track Listing:
1. Scarsick – 9/10
2. Spitfall – 8/10
3. Cribcaged – 10/10
4. America – 7/10
5. Disco Queen – 9/10
6. Kingdom Of Loss – 8/10
7. Mrs. Modern Mother Mary – 7/10
8. Idiocracy – 7/10
9. Flame To The Moth – 10/10
10. Enter Rain – 8/10
Playing time: 67m52s
Selected band discography for your consideration :
The Perfect Element I - 2000 – 8/10
Remedy Lane - 2002 – 7/10
Be 2004 – 7/10
Scarsick - 2007 – 8/10
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