Here is my review of the BE DVD (from Detritus):
PAIN OF SALVATION - BE - LIVE DVD (DVD) (A) InsideOut Music America, 2005
18 tracks + bonus features, RT: 71:00
[
http://www.painofsalvation.com/ ]
[
http://www.insideoutmusic.com/ ]
I've always approached Pain Of Salvation music a bit differently than most of
the stuff in my collection; they are one of those "acquired-taste" bands you
have to relinquish preconceived expectations about to fully appreciate. When
Pain Of Salvation released their concept album BE last year there was mixed
reaction from fans and critics; some declared it a work of genius while others
dismissed it as pretentious and boring. I'm not going to review the music of BE
here because I've already done so in issue #289 of Detritus, but I will say
that seeing this performed live has given me a new appreciation for the album,
and I am struck with the notion that the theatrical performance documented here
is the best way to fully experience the elaborate themes and subtle
complexities of BE's arrangements. The live performance of BE actually took
place before the album was recorded, and if you are familiar with the album you
may notice the live versions are somewhat different; this makes it all the more
interesting to me, as it's not just an exact copy of what you've already heard.
Daniel Gildenlow and company do, however, deliver virtually flawless renditions
of the songs interspersed with video and symbolic representations of BE's
ambitious storyline. Seeing the "Orchestra Of Eternity" seamlessly playing
along with the band provides a new understanding of how intricate and demanding
this music really is to play, and I found myself marveling at how much work
went into completing this project. One of the highlights of the disc is the
commentary track featuring Daniel and keyboard player Fredrik Hermansson
revealing the meaning behind each song and discussing the technical
difficulties encountered during the performance (I really don't know how they
pulled some of off!). There is a multitude of bonus material including some
"Easter eggs" you'll need a little patience to discover, and even a hilarious
version of the concert in which the audio track is reversed to give religious
fanatics something to find hidden messages in! Watching this DVD made me wish I
had seen this performed at ProgPower USA V, as it would really be incredible to
see in person; this is definitely the next best thing, however. If you enjoyed
BE I would highly recommend this as a companion to the album, it will clear up
much of the confusion that a lot of fans apparently encountered (myself
included!), and if you found yourself "on the fence" about BE, you might just
find the DVD brings the concepts to life while disclosing what Daniel Gildenlow
was trying to achieve. The only things I didn't like about the disc were the
menus, which made navigation a little awkward, and track numbers that did not
correspond with the last five songs. Overall, BE - LIVE DVD provides a
captivating and entertaining experience that is visual, intellectual and
musical... - Neal Woodall (MysticX10@msn.com)
Detritus Rock/Metal e-zine
"Rock Hard With A Purpose"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Detritus/
