Kristoffer Gildenlöw – [Humanised]

Swedish musician/songwriter Kristoffer Gildenlöw released his sixth solo album in May this year. Entitled “[Humanised]” it consists of nine progressive rock/metal tracks. Anyone familiar with his work will know what a fine pedigree he has. His early career began with Pain of Salvation alongside his brother Daniel. Since then, as well as his solo albums he has also worked with many international artists.

Although Kristoffer is a multi-instrumentalist and handles most of the instruments and vocals on this album, he still invites guest musicians. The only other person who features across the whole album is drummer Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation, For All We Know). The pair never actually played in Pain of Salvation at the same time but have since worked together on several albums. There are a couple of other guests on the album, and I will get to them shortly.

There are two instrumental tracks on the album, the first of which opens proceedings. Fading slowly in ‘Rendering’ eases you in with melodic chiming guitar notes. After a short pause it steps up a couple of gears and progresses with changing rhythms and time signatures.  The other one which is ‘Intermezzo’ sits in the middle of the album and features just Kristoffer. He plays both guitar parts, the melody and the soft accompaniment.

The remainder of the album’s first half consists of three songs with completely different styles. I use the term songs because from here on in, every track has Kristoffer’s vocals. For ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ he layers his singing to produce harmonies in a multi paced, multi-faceted, catchy prog rock number. Complex time signatures abound in ‘Landfill’ which features a great guitar solo from Daniel Magdic (Prehistoric Animals / ex Pain of Salvation). Then taking us up to that half way point is the hypnotic ‘The Almosts’. Although it is quite simple in structure it has become one of my favourites. Perhaps it’s because of the slow build up and laid-back feel. Even Kristoffer’s lead break in the middle keeps the experience relaxed.

The mournful feel to ‘Nothing Stays the Same’ reminds me slightly of Crimson Glory’s ‘Lost Reflection’. It’s something about the long, drawn-out notes at the end of lines. The final guest takes on the guitar solo in ‘The Fields’. Thijmen van der Meer is an emerging young talent from the Netherlands who will (hopefully) join Kristoffer’s live band. As Kristoffer has also lived in the Netherlands for many years, Thijmen seems an obvious and excellent choice. His solo is the icing on the beautiful cake that this track is. The song switches back and forth between heavy rock and mellow atmospheric parts that have a vague Pink Floyd taste to them.

A short, growling bass run introduces ‘Before I Fail Asleep’. Leo joins in with some percussive acrobatics before they launch into a lengthy majestic prog rock number. The closing track ‘Binary’ has shades of Pain of Salvation, and I suppose that is inevitable. Some electronic effects have been applied but they’re not laid on too thick. There is a constant hook line throughout, and the track fades out to the sound of plaintive piano playing the same notes.

All being well I will witness this stuff live in November. I am looking forward to meeting up with my Progspace colleagues and friends for the 10^th anniversary party & pre-party. Kristoffer has been booked to play at the preparty, and I now feel better prepared for that. This album is one of those that gets better with every play. There will be more from this man, of that I have no doubt and I will be on the lookout for it.

Track-List:

1. 1. Rendering
2. 2. Nothing Lasts Forever
3. Landfill
4. The Almosts
5. Intermezzo
6. Nothing Stays the Same
7. The Fields
8. Before I Fail Asleep