By: Deek

Posted: Jul 7, 2005

Electro-metal. Two styles of music the purists believe should never merge. Well, Peter Tägtgren doesn't give a damn, and PAIN is his electro-metal project, and "Dancing With The Dead" is their fourth full length album. You may want to think industrial, but don't confuse the two. Industrial is much more aggressive, possibly experimental, and usually no where near as radio friendly as this is. Yes, I said radio friendly. Though that has become a bad thing for many bands in the past, it's not the case here. First, as any American reading this knows, you'll never hear this on any radio staion, except college radio. And, look at Katatonia’s "Viva Emptiness." Admit, there are a LOT of songs on there that would be radio friendly if stations gave them a chance. Same goes for newer Paradise Lost and Lake Of Tears. Yes, newer Katatonia is different than newer Paradise Lost and Lake Of Tears, and that’s different than Pain.

Lyrics are a strong point for this album. Each song seems to have a "this is who I am so kiss my ass" feel without actually saying it. Two of the three opening songs are great power songs that people seem to need sometimes, these being 'Don't Count Me Out' and 'Nothing'. Musically, they, like the rest of the album, are melodic, catchy, with just enough oomph to keep most interested. 'The Same Old Song' has a great point to it, as everything will repeat itself in one way or another. Tear It Up' has a melody that fits hip-hop more than this. Same for 'My Misery' to a point. 'Stay Away' has riffs and melodies that are all too familiar as if they were from some different song. And 'Bye/Die' has got to be one of the greatest "fuck you" songs in recent history. Strangely enough, this album makes me think laid-back Stabbing Westward. Definitely not a bad thing, especially since their "Darkest Days" album was one of my most listened to albums for a while a few years back. It’s hard to pick any true highlights from this album, as it is all basically the same thing. But like I mentioned, this is an album that can be listened to over and over and over. Perfect for driving for those that drive a lot, whether it be out of necessity or for the hell of it.

Overall, though not the strongest album ever, people should definitely give it a chance, as it's a very solid, catchy album. Yes, I am a sucker for electronica and industrial elements in music, and Pain is no different. But as mentioned earlier, this is definitely a pop album that the metal world and pop world could embrace at the same time. Just as long as the elitists aren't to closed-minded and the pop world was a bit more open.

Rating: 7/10

Lofofora website.

Print