Pain – Cynic Paradise (2010)

We really do not understand the point of re-releasing for the USA an album that has been out for almost a year in Europe, but hey, it’s Pain and Cynic Paradise is indeed a very solid album that we loved since it came out (in Europe!). With their intoxicating Industrial Metal, Pain is the brain child of Peter Tägtgren and is considerably different from any of his other projects.

“Cynic Paradise” has taken even more electronic/techno influences than before and it’s pushing the boundaries of Industrial Metal quite far with its pop-ish influences in songs like “Follow Me”, which by the way has vocals provided by Anette Olzon from Nightwish. As a very versatile musician, Peter Tägtgren shows that he can do very bombastic music that will please people that are usually repulsed by his other projects (people that do not listen to metal).

Every track in “Cynic Paradise” has its unique and intoxicating beat that will surely get stuck in your head. While the songs are not as catchy (or aggressive) as Turmion Katilot’s music, Pain does a great job in creating very accessible songs that are well varied and never produce dull moments.

As we mentioned the electronic/techno elements are even more bombastic than before and mixed together with powerful distorted guitars and intricate drumming achieve a level of perfection similar to “Musique” by Theatre Of Tragedy. We have been fans of the band since the beginning and we love how Pain has evolved over the years.

Featuring 12 tracks, 1 more than the standard European version, anybody will get their fix of Industrial Metal with “Cynic Paradise”. We recommend you go and pick up this release when available in the USA and get your dance on.

Release: June 8th, 2010

Country: Sweden