Pain of Salvation: Ending Themes - On The Two Deaths Of Pain of Salvation (DVD)

Four years after their last DVD, Sweden's Pain of Salvation have come back with a must have release for fans of the band. This is a two DVD set with the first disc being a documentary and the second of live footage of the band in Amsterdam.

The documentary is set up cleverly, following the life of the band as they prepare for their European tour. This is an interesting endeavor as we get perspectives from fans, journalists, road crew and the band. Lots of different areas are covered including rehearsals, fan club promotions, back stage banter and a plethora of other tantalizing tidbits. One thing is certain, Daniel Gildenlow is a perfectionist in every sense of the word, and I suppose this is not surprising. The band also shows a much lighter side which is somewhat unexpected considering how intense musically this band can be. Much of the material here is quite funny which was nice to see from PoS who many agree to be a very serious band. The disc is loaded with extras that provides even more information and includes some great photography of the band performing live.

The second DVD includes their concert in Amsterdam. If you have not been fortunate enough to see PoS live, like me, you are in for a real treat. They play a brand of progressive metal that is truly unique and brimming with creativity but you probably did not need me to tell you that. Like their studio albums, the playing here is second to none. From the dual guitar attack of Gildenlow and Johan Hallgren to Fredrick Hermansson's keyboards adding just the right amount of atmosphere, this is great stuff. And of course the voice of Gildenlow is excellent, just as we have come to expect. Does anyone have as versatile a voice in progressive rock as Gildenlow? His control is exceptional, from high pitched screams to soft and fragile phrasings, Gildenlow nails every song.

"Scarsick" starts the show featuring Gildenlow's high pitched wailing and melodic vocal delivery. Melody is at the forefront as light and heavy parts weave through the song with ease. The melodic, but controversial and overtly political "America" follows showing that all members of the band can hold a tune. One of the best performances is "Nightmist" from the Entropia album. With its beautiful chorus, chugging guitar riffs, psychedelic guitar solo and great bass work that leads to a really cool funky break, this is one of my favourites. Gildenlow's voice, again, never ceases to amaze me, as he is able to switch from intense screaming to a pleasant delivery effortlessly. Two of the more beautiful moments can be found in "Undertow" and "Brickworks 1 (Parts II – IV)". The gorgeous piano melody of the former and the wonderfully melodic guitar of the latter, enable both songs to convey an underlying sadness that drips with emotion. "Disco Queen" is perhaps the strangest song PoS has ever done, but the crowd absolutely loves it. Mixing prog and metal, backed by a steady disco beat, it is very unique, and has the ability to capture your undivided attention.

Overall, this is great package. The performances by all band members are excellent. Video and sound quality is also very good and the many extras will add value to your dollar. For fans of PoS this is a must purchase. If you have not heard PoS before and you like concert DVDs I cannot think of a better way to start. Highly recommended!

DVD 1: First Season - Sixworlds/Eight Days (Documentary)
Bonus Material:
• Somewhere in Europe
• Easter Egg
• Non Making Of
• Dea Pecuniae 3D
• Commentaries
• Sneak Preview
• Sticky Fingers

DVD 2: Second Season – Touching You Harder (Live in Amsterdam)
Track Listing:
1. Scarsick
2. America
3. Nightmist
4. ! (Forward)
5. Handful of Nothing
6. New Year's Eve
7. Ashes
8. Undertow
9. Brickworks 1 (Parts II-IV)
10. Chain Sling
11. Diffidentia
12. Flame to the Moth
13. Disco Queen
14. Hallelujah
15. Cribcaged
16. Used
Bonus Material:
• Quiz
• Deleted Scenes
• On the Set
• Sneak Previews
• Bootlegs
• Casting Try Outs

Added: July 15th 2009
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 3613
Language: english

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