BE (Original Stage Production) cover

BE (Original Stage Production)

Pain of Salvation · 2005

140 min · 30 tracks · progressive metal

A sweeping narrative experience, blending intricate progressive metal with theatrical elements and philosophical musings on existence.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Animae Partus (“I Am”) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Deus Nova — This track encapsulates the thematic core of the album, exploring the tension between divine creation and human existence through complex instrumentation and lyrical depth.
  • →
    Dea Pecuniae: I. Mister Money / II. Permanere / III. I Raise My Glass — Serving as a multi-part exploration of materialism and societal values, this suite showcases the band's ability to weave intricate musical motifs with profound social commentary.
  • →
    Diffidentia (Breaching the Core) — This lengthy track masterfully combines shifting dynamics and emotional crescendos, reflecting the internal struggle of fear and doubt central to the album's narrative arc.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

68 /100
Alpine
Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

BE combines intricate compositions with a cohesive narrative, making it a standout in progressive metal.

What we noticed

  • The album features a continuous narrative structure, with tracks flowing seamlessly into one another, creating a theatrical experience.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside the music, enhancing the storytelling aspect.
  • The instrumentation varies significantly across tracks, with shifts in dynamics and tempo that reflect the emotional journey of the narrative.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical storytelling through music
  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • philosophical themes and reflections
  • engaging in deep existential thought
  • listening as a two-part experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Showcases a significant artistic leap and received critical acclaim.
Themes
divine creation tension· materialism critique
Career context
When BE was released in 2005, Pain of Salvation had just emerged from the success of their acclaimed album Remedy Lane. This original stage production marked a significant artistic leap, showcasing the band's ambition to merge music with storytelling and performance art, further solidifying their reputation in the progressive metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Opeth· Dream Theater· Porcupine Tree
New to Pain of Salvation? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Animae Partus (“I Am”) Start here 1:53
  • 2 Deus Nova 2:54
  • 3 Imago (Homines Partus) 3:57
  • 4 Pluvius Aestivus 5:11
  • 5 Lilium Cruentus (Deus Nova) 5:21
  • 6 Nauticus (Drifting) 3:45
  • 7 Dea Pecuniae: I. Mister Money / II. Permanere / III. I Raise My Glass 9:15
  • 8 Vocari Dei 4:26
  • 9 Diffidentia (Breaching the Core) 7:32
  • 10 Nihil Morari 6:33
  • 11 Latericius Valete 2:28
  • 12 Omni 2:43
  • 13 Iter Impius 6:22
  • 14 Martius/Nauticus II 6:30
  • 15 Animae Partus II 0:49

Disc 2

  • 1 Animae Partus (“I Am”) Start here 2:19
  • 2 Deus Nova 2:43
  • 3 Imago (Homines Partus) 4:08
  • 4 Pluvius Aestivus 5:12
  • 5 Lilium Cruentus (Deus Nova) 5:22
  • 6 Nauticus (Drifting) 3:45
  • 7 Dea Pecuniae: I. Mister Money / II. Permanere / III. I Raise My Glass 9:13
  • 8 Vocari Dei 4:29
  • 9 Diffidentia (Breaching the Core) 7:33
  • 10 Nihil Morari 6:34
  • 11 Latericius Valete 2:25
  • 12 Omni 2:35
  • 13 Iter Impius 6:34
  • 14 Martius/Nauticus II 6:24
  • 15 Animae Partus II 0:57

What to play next

Scarsick
Listen next

Scarsick

2007

Continues the narrative depth with a more modern sound and intense themes.
BE
Go back to

BE

2004

Directly precedes this stage production, sharing the same core narrative and concepts.
Full Pain of Salvation discography Where to start with Pain of Salvation Artists like Pain of Salvation
progressive metal

If this landed

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Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory

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Dream Theater

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The Human Equation

The Human Equation

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Combines progressive rock elements with a deep narrative exploring human emotion and existence.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata