After several hearings of Pain Of Salvation's latest CD, and having also listened to their three previous creations (Entropia, One Hour By The Concrete Lake, The Perfect Element), I have come to the following conclusion: P.O.S. are by far the best European progressive metal band of today, and if they go on like this, maybe it won't be long before they claim from Dream Theater the title of world's premier band of the genre.
I have no doubt that the above comments might sound quite excessive to someone who reads this review, listening to Remedy Lane though will make it all clear, as it is representative of Pain Of Salvation's unquestionable worth.
Indeed, their new album has got everything: amazing compositions, beautifully worked orchestrations, great atmosphere and awesome melodies. Some influences from 70's art / progressive rock become obvious during the album, however I believe that the Swedish progsters have two main advantages. First of all, they have assimilated their influences and have developed their own style and personality, which means that they do not sound like another clone of Rush or Dream Theater (there are already millions of the latter, we don't need another one!). Secondly, they produce music of superb quality and earn the listener's admiration without resorting to extremities and showing-off (like the majority of progressive metal groups does), but because they've got feeling. And I think that is the most important, yet undervalued virtue. Listen to Dryad of the Woods, one of the best instrumental songs I have ever heard, and you'll see what I mean.
Although it's still January, I think what we have here is one of the highlights of 2002. Remedy Lane is a CD that every fan of prog metal should have. Moreover, it appeals to fans of good music in general. Listen to it at all costs!