Review Summary: One of the most genius or pretentious albums ever. Their first album that divided fans and critics.
“Be” is the fifth studio album of Pain Of Salvation and was released in 2004. The line up on the album is Daniel Gildenlöw, Kristoffer Gildenlöw, Johan Hallgren, Fredrik Hermansson and Johan Langell. The album had also the participation of Mats Stenlund, Cecilia Ringkvist and The Orchestra Of Eternity.
“Be” represents a landmark for the group. It’s the last album with the participation of Daniel’s brother, the former bassist of the group Kristoffer Gildenlow. In 2006, it was asked him to leave the band for not being able to him attends rehearsals, because he lived in Holland since he was married. It was also the first time that a Pain Of Salvation’s album divided fans and critics, because of its experimental and philosophical nature, and also because it isn’t properly a typical progressive metal album. We can consider that from this studio album, the controversy never more abandoned the group on their future studio works, till today. This was especially noted on their next sixth studio album, “Scarsick”.
That said and as a great fan of Pain Of Salvation, especially of their albums “The Perfect Element – Part 1” and “Remedy Lane”, it’s really hard to me to write a review of this album. It’s true that “Be” is also a conceptual album, but it’s very different from everything they had ever done before. “Be” is a step down from those both albums because it lacks to it the raw, naked power, the emotion, and the general kick-ass quotient, but it’s still a force to be reckoned with.
So, “Be” is another conceptual album which was considered the most genius piece ever made by them and was also considered one of the most pretentious albums ever. I think, in a way, both are correct. Anyway, “Be” is certainly the Daniel’s magnum opus. He said that he has been working on the concept his whole life. It’s the result of hours and hours of reading and thinking by Daniel Gildenlöw. In the booklet there’s even a list of around hundred other works, mostly books, which influenced him to write the concept. We can find a dozens of references about a lot of philosophical schools, books, scientific and psychological theories, statistical theories, etc. As you can see on the track list, all the titles are in Latin, the storyline is divided into several parts and the concept is incredibly complex too.
The concept is focused on the existence of God and the Humankind. It’s based in the human existence and in its several forms before God. It begins with the narration of Animae, self-titled God (He or She), pictured without form, sex and age, coming of the “Silent Darkness” and formed by “It”, contemplating its natural existence and a beginning eternal question for self understanding. The story continues with the creation of Imago and multiplying them by Animae accelerated to current time. Fascinated (He or She), concludes that Animae can learn through their own creation.
Musically, the album is experimental and non commercial and Daniel expresses his feelings when and as he wants. The composition is as good as ever, complex and strong, giving all kinds of atmospheres, moods and feelings. There is classical music, folk tunes, deeply philosophical voiceovers, power ballads, symphonic instrumentals, traditional pieces, heavy Latin percussion passages, spoken verses that border on rap, baroque music, blues, hard rock, symphonic prog, gospel and country. Considering the group’s background, metal is the style that appears least often.
What Pain Of salvation have made here musically, is mix a million styles, yet somehow making them sound coherent. What is so amazing is that they use so many styles and that all sounds so natural and in the right place. This is true progressive music. This is what progressive music is all about. We don’t can get individual songs from this album, as is usual on many conceptual albums. This is easily one of the most necessary to listen all the way through albums I’ve ever heard. Although, all songs have their own identities, and some of them could still stand alone as some of the best songs ever written. However, it’s just best that they be listened together in the real context of the album, as a whole.
Conclusion: As I wrote, “Be” represents the first time a Pain Of Salvation’s album divided fans and critics, because of its experimental and philosophical nature, and because it isn’t properly a typical progressive metal album. Always when I listen to the album, I never ceased to be stunned with it. “Be” is undoubtedly one of the most original, ambitious, difficult, complex, risky and powerful albums I ever listen till today. Daniel was really very serious when he said: “If you are looking for a band that sounds just like your favourite band, just forget about us”. With “Be”, he demonstrates two things: First, he is able to create absolutely what he wants, and second he is able to do it very well. Undoubtedly, Pain Of Salvation is really a unique and special band in the universe of the progressive rock music. However, I can agree that “Be” may not be for everyone. Anyway, if for some reason you are a fan of progressive rock, progressive metal, or just like music in general and haven’t listened to “Be”, yet, I feel that you should give it three to four listens at least, really.
Music was my first love.
John Miles (Rebel)
