MP3: Pascal - Smärtstillande
When Pascal's debut album "Förbi fabriken" was released, the PR machine wanted them to be heralded as noiserock saviors. It was suggested that this was the band that supposed the sweep away all the weak-ass bullshit to make way for some real rock'n'roll. Trouble was, said album was flat and lifeless and didn't much of anything except maybe ennui. Now with the release of sophomore album "Galgberget", Pascal actually does start to live up to the hyperbole. It's loud and raw and full of renewed vibrancy. But don't mistake squalls of feedback for a Jesus and Mary Chain soundalike - where as JAMC are cool and detached, Pascal are energized and engaged. One listen to the chorus of lead single "Längtar efter dig" will show you that.
The song I'm most interested in however, would have to be their cover of Judas Priest's "Painkiller", named here in Swedish as "Smärtstillande". They successfully manage to take one of Priest's heaviest tracks and completely rework it in their own style. It's got the same sinister vibe, but it's definitely not metal. Here I thought that Death's excellent version was the be all end all, but nope, I was wrong. Pascal makes it their own and in that process, transforms it into something extra special. Exceptionally well done.
Pascal - Smärtstillande