Linoleum cover

Released 17 years ago this November

Linoleum

Pain of Salvation · 2009

31 min · 6 tracks · progressive metal

Intricate arrangements blend emotional depth with progressive metal’s technical prowess, creating a hauntingly atmospheric soundscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Linoleum Start here — The title track encapsulates the EP's essence, combining poignant lyrics with a dynamic structure that showcases the band's signature musicality and emotional resonance.
  • →
    Mortar Grind — This track exemplifies the band's ability to blend heavy riffs with intricate melodies, highlighting their technical prowess and lyrical introspection amidst a driving rhythm.
  • →
    Gone — With its expansive length and emotional weight, this song offers a deep exploration of loss and longing, making it one of the most impactful moments on the EP.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing with emotional depth
  • introspective themes for deep thinking
  • consistent flow with climactic moments
  • haunting melodies that linger
  • short duration for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat and fast tracks
  • want standalone singles experience

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Explores new musical territories, diverging from previous established sound.
Themes
emotional resonance· loss and longing· artistic transition
Career context
Released in 2009, Linoleum served as Pain of Salvation's follow-up to their critically acclaimed album, Scarsick. At this point in their career, the band was exploring new musical territories while grappling with lineup changes and evolving their sound into more experimental realms. The EP reflects a transition as they sought to redefine their artistic identity.
Stylistic neighbors
Opeth· Dream Theater· Porcupine Tree
New to Pain of Salvation? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • If You Wait

    A pivotal shift occurs when the narrative voice directly questions the listener's patience and commitment to change.

    This moment breaks from abstract reflection to challenge the audience personally, enhancing engagement through direct address.

Tracklist

  • 1 Linoleum Start here 4:54
  • 2 Mortar Grind 5:50
  • 3 If You Wait 2:50
  • 4 Gone 7:54
  • 5 Yellow Raven (Japanese “Blue Sky” version) 5:20
  • 6 Idiocracy (Japanese “Scarsicker” version) 4:51

What to play next

Road Salt One
Listen next

Road Salt One

2010

It continues the atmospheric depth while introducing a different stylistic approach.
Scarsick
Go back to

Scarsick

2007

It sets the stage with intricate arrangements and emotional themes leading into Linoleum.
Full Pain of Salvation discography Where to start with Pain of Salvation Artists like Pain of Salvation
progressive metal

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

The Great Misdirect

The Great Misdirect

Between the Buried and Me

Shares intricate arrangements and emotional depth, with a focus on progressive metal's technical prowess.

Ghost Reveries

Ghost Reveries

Opeth

Explores themes of loss and longing through haunting atmospheres and complex musical structures.

Fear of a Blank Planet

Fear of a Blank Planet

Porcupine Tree

Combines atmospheric soundscapes with emotional resonance, reflecting on modern existential themes.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata