Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Pain - Psalms of Extinction (2007)
It's interesting how I became interested in Pain long before Peter Tagtgren's main band Hypocrisy. Probably because I was more focused on industrial metal than melodeath. Psalms of Extinction continues the industrial groove that has shaped many of their albums. It is also the only Pain album released via Roadrunner Records. One other album released via the label in early 2007 is Machine Head's The Blackening, a band and album I wanted to enjoy but couldn't. And in that battle for my enjoyment, Pain wins!
As always, the album has the usual guitar grooves, keyboard effects, and vocal strength, all from Tagtgren to make another excellent offering of industrial metal. His vocal range is more varied in this album, with each song showing a different side of him. The album has a slight step back in quality compared to the earlier albums, likely due to some of the experimentation being a little too much. Still, experimentation is good to make all of us, including the creator, don't get bored. The music and production is quite extraordinary, considering he has done almost all of the work by himself. He is Swedish metal's own Mr. DIY!
Also what's interesting is the amount of guest appearances in the album, starting with In Flames bassist Peter Iwers in "Save Your Prayers". He also appears in "Nailed to the Ground", beginning with a catchy intro riff. "Zombie Slam" features drumwork by Mikkey Dee, known for performing in bands like King Diamond, Dokken, and Motorhead. The title track is one of the simple yet perfect songs. Here the keyboards are still around while letting the other instruments have the spotlight.
"Clouds of Ecstasy" throws back to the project's more electronic days of Rebirth, with the keys ranging from the catchiness of Amaranthe to the darkness of Shade Empire. "Play Dead" is a cover of a Bjork song. It sounds more like if Demon Hunter at that time covered the song, though the usual keys make sure that this is still Pain. "Does It Really Matter" has sinister keys that would practically plant the seed for the industrial tendencies of Code Orange. "Computer God" has some of Ayreon's spacey atmosphere inject to the heaviness. The guitar soloing in "Just Think Again" is performed by Children of Bodom's Alexi Laiho (RIP). The song itself is a special 6-minute epic.
"Walking on Glass" has some of the industrial metal of Fear Factory. "Bottle's Nest" is another perfect standout as the verses describe lyrics of alcohol's side effects over keyboard magic. "B***h" is more crushing in the guitarwork. The Russia/UK edition has two bonus covers, starting with Depeche Mode's "Behind the Wheel". Their cover of ELO's "Here is the News" sounds like it should be sung with Anette Olzon (Nightwish, The Dark Element), just like in a couple songs from their next album.
Pain can easily be described as industrial metal. However, explain that sound more clearly may be a challenge, considering its unique aspect of alternating between experimental and catchy. Every song is quite original with nothing dull. They're all so emotional from the rhythmic verses to the melodic choruses. Peter can really brainstorm some unique ideas. Some might find it hard to believe that is the same guy who founded Hyopcrisy and performed in Bloodbath, but it's the truth. As much as he has mastered death metal, he has also created some of the most interesting industrial metal you'll ever find!
Favorites: "Nailed to the Ground", "Psalms of Extinction", "Play Dead", "Just Think Again", "Bottle's Nest", "B***h", "Here is the News"