Is Panther a good place to start with Pain of Salvation?

Yes, Panther is recommended as a starting point for new Pain of Salvation listeners. A complex tapestry of progressive metal intertwines with existential themes and intricate musicianship. Released in 2020, 'Panther' is Pain of Salvation's first studio album in six years, following the critically acclaimed 'In the Passing Light of Day' from 2017. The band, known for its innovative approach to progressive metal, faced lineup changes and a shift in creative direction during this period, making 'Panther' a significant entry in their discography as they continued to evolve artistically.

Panther works well if you're into wave-like emotional dynamics, immersive narrative journey and climactic peaks and valleys.

How many songs are on Panther?

Panther has 9 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Panther

Pain of Salvation · 2020

53 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal

A complex tapestry of progressive metal intertwines with existential themes and intricate musicianship.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Accelerator Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its driving energy and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the album's exploration of urgency and existential reflection.
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Unfuture — This track delves into themes of societal collapse and personal responsibility, showcasing the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with poignant commentary.
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Icon — The album's closing epic presents a sweeping narrative that summarizes the album's thematic journey, combining intricate musical passages with thought-provoking lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate songwriting and dynamic contrasts, making it a strong entry in the progressive metal genre.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and contrasting dynamics, alternating between soft, introspective passages and heavy, aggressive sections.
The final track extends over eight minutes, combining thematic elements from earlier songs while introducing new motifs, creating a sense of closure.

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

Influence 4/10

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

wave-like emotional dynamics
immersive narrative journey
climactic peaks and valleys
thought-provoking lyrical depth

Maybe skip if you

dislike prolonged listening experiences
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
Themes: societal collapse· personal responsibility
Career context: Released in 2020, 'Panther' is Pain of Salvation's first studio album in six years, following the critically acclaimed 'In the Passing Light of Day' from 2017. The band, known for its innovative approach to progressive metal, faced lineup changes and a shift in creative direction during this period, making 'Panther' a significant entry in their discography as they continued to evolve artistically.
Stylistic neighbors: Opeth· Dream Theater· Porcupine Tree