Is In the Passing Light of Day a good place to start with Pain of Salvation?

Yes, In the Passing Light of Day is recommended as a starting point for new Pain of Salvation listeners. An introspective journey through progressive metal, blending intricate musicianship with heartfelt lyrical explorations of life and loss. Released on January 13, 2017, 'In the Passing Light of Day' marks Pain of Salvation's first studio album in six years following their 2011 release 'Road Salt Two'. This album signifies a return to form for the band as they reconnect with their progressive roots while addressing personal themes influenced by frontman Daniel Gildenlöw's health struggles during its creation.

Who is In the Passing Light of Day for?

In the Passing Light of Day works well if you're into dynamic progression through intros, wave-like pacing with depth and introspective narratives for reflection.

How many songs are on In the Passing Light of Day?

In the Passing Light of Day has 24 tracks, running approximately 115 minutes.

In the Passing Light of Day

Pain of Salvation · 2017

115 min · 24 tracks · progressive metal

An introspective journey through progressive metal, blending intricate musicianship with heartfelt lyrical explorations of life and loss.

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Top tracks — play these first

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On a Tuesday Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album, featuring dynamic shifts that reflect both vulnerability and strength through its intricate arrangements and emotional depth.
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Silent Gold — With its poignant lyrical content and minimalist instrumentation, this track highlights the band's ability to convey powerful emotions in a concise format, showcasing their evolution.
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If This Is the End — This closing piece encapsulates the album's overarching themes of uncertainty and acceptance, employing rich melodies and thought-provoking lyrics that leave a lasting impact.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album combines intricate musicianship with deep lyrical themes, creating a compelling progressive metal experience.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features longer tracks that build in intensity, while the second half includes shorter, more introspective pieces.
The lyrical content often reflects on themes of loss and existentialism, with a narrative arc that unfolds over the course of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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

dynamic progression through intros
wave-like pacing with depth
introspective narratives for reflection
extended tracks for deep engagement

Maybe skip if you

prefer concise, standalone tracks
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Signifies a strong return after a six-year hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
Career context: Released on January 13, 2017, 'In the Passing Light of Day' marks Pain of Salvation's first studio album in six years following their 2011 release 'Road Salt Two'. This album signifies a return to form for the band as they reconnect with their progressive roots while addressing personal themes influenced by frontman Daniel Gildenlöw's health struggles during its creation.
Stylistic neighbors: Opeth· Dream Theater· Porcupine Tree