PAIN OF SALVATION
The Perfect Element
LIMB/InsideOut Music

Picture Dream Theater with more soul and emotion and with a singer that didn't annoy the hell out of you, and you have Pain Of Salvation. What makes this band stand out from most other modern prog-metal bands is the fact that they're not overly technical and not so damn sterile sounding. By looking at their picture, they look like they'd play grind-core death-metal, but make no mistake, P.O.S. are definitely a first-class prog-metal band, and given more time and exposure, this band can surely follow the path of past greats such as Savatage and Queensryche.

The musicianship is first-rate, very classy and, at times, spiritual sounding. Vocalist/guitarist Daniel Gildenlow has an amazing voice, very emotional and soothing, but he can also sing with great power. The music gets a bit too light in places, but the songs are well-structured enough and filled with brilliant vocal harmonies to maintain the interest level. My personal faves are the heavier tunes, including the opening track "Used," "Idioglossia," (which builds into a metal opus) and "King Of Loss." The limited edition package also comes with a bonus four-song CD.

SON OF SAM
Songs From The Earth
Nitro Records Son Of Sam features AFI vocalist Davey Havok, Danzig guitarist Todd Youth, Samhain drummer Lendon May, and Samhain bassist Steve Zing. The CD also features guest appearances from Danzig members Joey C., Howie Pyro, and (of course) Glenn Danzig. This debut CD features ten punk-fueled power-pop cuts, reminding me of the LA punk/New Wave era of the early '80s. Many of the songs has that gothic feel to it, much like old 45 Grave, TSOL and the Misfits. The production is weak (but then again, that is what makes it sound "punk') and filled with pretty simplistic riffs, although the songs do have some rather catchy hooks. It sounds like something off a Rodney Bingenheimer compilation.

Standout tracks include; "Of Power" (cool organ on this one), "Stray" and the title track, which both have cool backing vocals. The tunes and choruses are really catchy, although the vocals do get a bit warn at times, but for the most part, Son Of Sam sound much better than your average punk band. Not really my thing, but if you're into old-school power punk, this is for you.

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