I've been spinning the new Pain of Salvation CD for about a week now, and it is an instant classic.

The album is named 12:5. It's a live accoustic concept album. It is not necessarily easily accessible in one or two listens, but it grows on you, with a beauty that is all to rare in music these days, and especially in progressive music.

This band used to be a heavy metal band, but over the years, with each new album, has morphed into a very classy act. This album should move them to the fore in terms of respect for musicianship and songwriting creativity. The playing is outstanding, and the vocal harmonies are breathtaking. This band grooves and rocks with accoustic guitars, drums and percussion, grand piano, harpsichord, and accoustic bass and cello, and outstanding vocals throughout.

I'm sure they did this live to prove a point, and the point is well taken. Unfortunately, they did it live in front of an audience, which really distracts from the overall enjoyment of the album. They should have done it live in the studio with an accompanying DVD live with an audience.

This album gets 7.5 out of 10, but would have been a 9 if they did it in the studio. It's a "get it today" purchase for people who love their prog on the darker side.

Their website is www.painofsalvation.com