One of Pain Of Salvation's most important albums and one that will go down, in years to come, as a Prog classic.
'The Passing Light Of Day' tells the story of Pain Of Salvation vocalist Daniel Gildenlow who had a life threatening illness that nearly took his life in 2014. The songs that make up the album use his hospital bed as the hub of the narrative and each of them tells of his struggles, battles to get better and how they affected him and his family. "I came there with the first snow, and when I left it was almost Summer. When I got out, I had to learn how to walk, use stairs. I did NOT, however, learn that I needed to spend more time with my family. I did NOT learn that I should spend less of my time worrying and stressing about life. I did NOT learn that life is precious and every second of it counts. No, I did not learn those things – simply because I already knew them by heart. We all do. Our priorities do not change in the face of death, they just intensify".
As you can therefore imagine this isn't an album for the half-hearted. Its depth, scope and sheer lyrical emotionality can't be fully taken in during one, two or even ten listens. Even after multiple spins, I still hear something new each and every time I listen to it. To fully review such a complex piece of music in just a few hundred words is virtually out of the question. The dark heart at its core demands that you (as a listener) must take in what POS have created for yourselves and make what you will of it.
I can only offer a few suggestions, such as the ten minute plus opener 'On A Tuesday' which is a melancholic piece of heavily vitriolic Metal that represents the lyrical beginnings of Gildenlow's illness, screaming out in song form. 'Meaningless' is an angst ridden love song with caustic, almost acidic lyrics ripped (it would seem) from Gildenlow's soul. Lastly, there's 'If This Is The End' where Gildenlow again appears to be tearing out his heart and bearing it in his hands for all the world to see.
I could continue, but instead urge you to delve into the dark depths of this album for yourselves. I consider it to be one of Pain Of Salvation's most important albums and one that will go down, in years to come, as a Prog classic.
Ian Johnson
Subscribe to this comment's feed
