This debut recording (originally released in 1997) by Swedish prog metal band Pain of Salvation proved to be a well-needed breath of fresh air for a genre that was full of self-parody and self-indulgence. Led by vocalist/lyricist Daniel Gildenlow, their unique style draws from influences such as Dream Theater, Queensrÿche, Faith No More, King's X, Pink Floyd, and Frank Zappa, to name a few. Their theatrical, concept-like approach is offered in three chapters and is delivered with emotion, intelligence, integrity, passion, and poignancy. These qualities, which are often strived for but rarely attained, seem to come from the number of years the band spent together honing their craft. Their fine musicianship serves the music first and rarely falls into self-aggrandizing. While their fastidious approach would eventually push them to even greater creative heights, Entropia marked the arrival of one of the genre's few innovators. ~ Robert Taylor, All Music Guide
Anders Hansson (Engineer), Pain of Salvation (Main Performer), Fredrik Hermansson (Keyboards), Fredrik Hermansson (Liner Notes), Daniel Gildenlow (Guitar), Daniel Gildenlow (Vocals), Daniel Gildenlow (Liner Notes), Johan Langell (Drums), Johan Langell (Vocals), Johan Langell (Liner Notes), Kristoffer Gildenlow (Bass), Kristoffer Gildenlow (Vocals), Kristoffer Gildenlow (Liner Notes), Johanna Iggsten (Photography), Anders "Theo" Theander (Producer)
Entropia is Pain of Salvation's first studio album. It is a concept album concerning a family in a fictional society that is torn apart by a war. The title is a portmanteau of Entropy (from thermodynamics, the measure of disorder present in a system), and Utopia (the ideal society). This is the only album to feature Daniel Magdic on guitar.
Note: This portmanteau (between "Entropy" and "Utopia") acts as such only in the English language. The word "Entropia", in Spanish and in Portuguese, means "Entropy" in English.
Entropia was first released by the Japanese company Marquee on their Avalon label in August 1997 (see 1997 in music). Following favourable reviews and positive fan reactions in the progressive rock/metal world, Marquee decided to fly Daniel over to Tokyo a week in October 1997 to promote the album. While in Tokyo, Daniel featured in various TV and radio shows, did interviews for the Japanese metal press, and performed in selected record stores. Around this time, purchasing albums through online record stores was commonplace, and fans from around the world began to do so with Entropia.
It was subsequently released in Romania (1998 on Rocris Discs), in Europe (September 1999 on InsideOut Music), in South America (September 1999 on Hellion), and in the USA (2000 on InsideOut America). This elaborate release history is indicative of an emerging band's first album, and the fact that they do not have a long-term contract with a major record label. As a result, the album is released a number of times on a number of different labels in a number of countries, as demonstrated with Pain of Salvation.
Overview
Entropia is perhaps best described as a groovy blend of progressive metal. While there are many metal sections to the songs, it is perhaps Pain of Salvation's "funkiest" album, and also incorporates many slower songs and passages.
Themes
Effect of war on family
Father leaves family to fight in war (to protect family)
Son being led astray and fall to poverty.
Death of son -> Man's conflict with God
Move to West Entropia (swears to protect loved ones)
Hostile new life
Death of wife -> Man's conflict with God
Comes to terms with guilt for failing to protect loved ones
Chronological order of songs (mention that: the "time markers" that were to supposedly allow the chronological ordering of songs possible were somehow omitted from the final booklet production)
Track listing
Prologue:
1. "! (Foreword)" - (6:11)
Chapter 1:
2. "Welcome to Entropia" - (1:22)
3. "Winning a War" - (6:33)
4. "People Passing By" - (9:07)
1. "Awakening"
1. "Daybreak"
2. "Midday"
2. "Memorials" (Instrumental)
3. "Nightfall"
5. "Oblivion Ocean" - (4:43)
Chapter 2:
6. "Stress" - (5:01)
7. "Revival" - (7:39)
8. "Void of Her" - (1:46)
9. "To the End" - (4:57)
Chapter 3:
10. "Circles" - (0:55)
11. "Nightmist" - (6:49)
12. "Plains of Dawn" - (7:23)
Epilogue:
13. "Leaving Entropia (Epilogue)" - (2:31)
Additional information
The Japanese version of "Entropia" has a bonus track after "To the End" titled "Never Learn to Fly".
All music by Daniel Gildenlöw except 1, 4 (part 2), 6, 7 & 9 by Daniel Gildenlöw and Daniel Magdic.
