name	Salvation!
director	Beth B.
producer	Beth B.
writer	Beth B.Tom Robinson
starring	Stephen McHattieDominique DavalosExene CervenkaViggo MortensenRockets Redglare
music	New Order
cinematography	Francis Kenny
editing	Elizabeth Kling
distributor	Circle Films
released
runtime	80 min
country
language	English
gross	}}

''Salvation!'' is a 1987 film by Beth B., starring Viggo Mortensen, Exene Cervenka and Stephen McHattie. The film is a spoof of televangelism released right after the real-life Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart scandals.

Plot[link]

McHattie plays Reverend Randall, a Staten Island-based televangelist who has been bilking his flock and secretly watches pornography while he is rehearsing his sermons in his stately home. Cervenka plays Rhonda Stample, a born again Christian. After Rhonda's non-believer husband , Jerome (Viggo Mortensen), loses his factory job, he and two cousins enlist Rhonda in a plot to entrap Rev. Randall in a sex scandal and blackmail him.

The film's theme music is by New Order, who also contributed a further four original pieces to the soundtrack including "Touched by the Hand of God".

Tagline: SEX. POWER. MONEY. All in the name of God

This film is only available on VHS.

Legacy[link]

Exene Cervenka and Viggo Mortensen met on the film's set in 1986, and they married on July 8, 1987. On January 28, 1988, Cervenka gave birth to her only child, Henry Blake Mortensen. Mortensen and Cervenka separated in 1992, and were divorced in 1997.

External links[link]

Category:1987 films Category:1980s comedy films Category:American comedy films Category:English-language films Category:Satirical films

name	Vengeance Rising
background	group_or_band
origin	Los Angeles, CA
genre	Thrash metal, Christian metal (early)
years active	1987–1992 - 2004
label	Intense Records
past members	}}

Vengeance Rising was an American Christian thrash metal band from Los Angeles, CA. Fronted by vocalist Roger Martinez, they originally formed as Vengeance in 1987, but changed their name in 1989 to avoid conflict with another band from the Netherlands. Band members Larry Farkas, Doug Thieme, Roger Dale Martin, and Glenn Mancaruso left following ''Once Dead'' and formed the band Die Happy. Roger Martinez stayed on to record two more studio albums, but aside from him, Vengeance Rising's lineup changed for each subsequent album. While the group was a ground breaking Christian metal band, today Vengeance Rising is known for vocalist Martinez' turning from Christianity to Satanism to Atheism, since he has continuously done interviews about it. Allmusic describes Vengeance Rising's history as "one of the most entertaining and bizarre stories in the realm of heavy metal"

Biography[link]

The band was known for its fascination with violent themes, as reflected lyrically in their first two albums. Their first two albums, before the split into Die Happy, are considered their best. Their debut ''Human Sacrifice'' was called "the most radical Christian album ever released" by ''HM Magazine'' editor Doug Van Pelt. Their penchant for violence extended to the stage, and the band would graphically portray the crucifixion of Christ at their shows. Extreme graphics also appeared in the cover art of the band's albums. Both ''Human Sacrifice'' and ''Once Dead'' were pulled from some Christian book sellers at least partially because of their violent graphical content.

A review of ''Once Dead'' in ''CCM'' found that the cover of that albums depiction of "resurrection from spiritual death" was "grisly". Musically, the album showed an influence of speed metal, with thrash arrangements on some songs, like the cover of Deep Purple's Space Truckin', and "Out of the Will", which reminded one reviewer of One Bad Pig. While the vocals often sounded "like someone gargling razor blades", the lyrics were found to be "very Bible based," and matched with the scriptural references from which they were drawn.

Frontman Roger Martinez had a background in the Pentecostal Foursquare Church, and was baptized there. He eventually rose to be pastor of a Hollywood area church, though by ''Released Upon the Earth'' he had left to pursue music full time. While there, he began to look into the practice of faith healing, and he claimed to have found it to be a fraud.

In the mid 1990s, Martinez left the Christian faith, telling ''HM'' that he was a committed Atheist in 1997. Today, Martinez has obtained rights to the band name for future projects. According to Scott Waters and Steve Rowe, Martinez began to make tapes counteracting the tapes he made during his Christian career. He created a website that renounced his previous output and posted articles portraying Christian leaders in a negative light. Martinez then began making death threats to individuals he claimed "stabbed him in the back", which included friend Steve Rowe of Mortification, a band Martinez helped get their first record contract.

Although he has stated that he is currently working on future material to be released under the name "Vengeance Rising" with more of an anti-Christian, Satanic Atheism theme, no albums have been released. Vocalist Scott Waters of Ultimatum and "Once Dead" stated on his metal music review website that "''Allmusic'' lists two releases... both of which I doubt ever existed... Former drummer Shannon Frye claims that Roger was impossible to work with and could not hold on to members long enough to even record a demo". He also claims that Martinez only kept the name of Vengeance Rising because of "continued curiosity from metal fans and Christians alike".

After the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred, Martinez offered free albums from his website for military personnel to encourage a "holy war against Christians". Former fans and critics believe this to be an attack on former bandmates and Christianity, due to the straining situation of debt that he was left with when band members departed after the "Once Dead Tour".

Former founding members of Vengeance Rising along with Ultimatum vocalist Scott Waters reformed in 2004 to play a reunion show at a small club called Chain Reaction in Anaheim, California. Since Martinez owns the rights to the name "Vengeance Rising," they used the name Once Dead. They released a DVD of that show called ''Return with a Vengeance''.

Discography[link]

''Human Sacrifice'' (1989, Intense Records, Reviews: ''Cross Rhythms'', PowerMetal.de ) ''Once Dead'' (1990, Intense, Reviews: ''Cross Rhythms (1)'', ''Cross Rhythms (2)'') ''Destruction Comes'' (1991, Intense, Review: ''Cross Rhythms'')

''Released Upon The Earth'' (1992, Intense)

''Anthology'' (1993, Intense, compilation)

Members[link]

:''Many members have participated in other projects.''

Roger Martinez - vocals/rhythm guitar

Larry Farkas - (1987–1990) guitars

Doug Thieme - (1987–1990) guitars

Roger Martin - (1987–1990) bass

Glenn Mancaruso - (1987–1990) drums

Chris Hyde - (1991) drums

Derek Sean - (1991) lead guitar

Jamie Mitchell - (1991 Session) lead guitar

Victor Macias (aka Joe Monsorb'nik) - (1991 Session) bass

Jimmy Brown (aka Simon Dawg) - (1991 Session)

Johnny Vasquez - (1991–1992) drums

George Ochoa - (1992 Tour) guitars

Daniel Cordova - (1992 Tour) guitars

Michael Wagel - (1992 Tour) bass

Side projects[link]

Larry Farkas, Doug Thieme, Roger Martin, and Glenn Mancaruso played in Die Happy.

Jamie Mitchell played in the punk band Scaterd Few.

Chris Hyde played in Deliverance.

Daniel Cordova made a guest appearance on "Sons of Thunder" CD by Driver.

Roger Martinez produced a demo for the band Ritual in 1991.

References[link]

External links[link]

Vengeance Rising at MySpace

Info on the Christian-Era "Vengeance Rising" from a fan

Category:Thrash metal musical groups from California Category:American Christian metal musical groups Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles, California Category:Musical groups established in 1987 Category:Christian extreme metal groups

de:Vengeance Rising it:Vengeance Rising pt:Vengeance Rising fi:Vengeance Rising

name	Kenneth Copeland
residence	Fort Worth, Texas
birth date	December 06, 1936
birth place	Lubbock, Texas, United States
occupation	Author Speaker Televangelist
nationality	American
religion	Word of Faith, Pentecostal
spouse	Gloria Copeland
children	John Copeland, Kellie Swisher, Terri Pearsons
website	www.kcm.org
weight	}}

Kenneth Copeland (born December 6, 1936 in Lubbock, Texas) is an American author, public speaker, and televangelist. He is the founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, and known for teaching “prosperity gospel” which says that believers can become wealthy through tithing, giving offerings and using faith, as well as sound financial practices.

Early life and education[link]

Prior to his conversion to Christianity in November 1962, Copeland was a recording artist on the Imperial Records label, having one ''Billboard'' Top 40 hit ("Pledge of Love", which charted in the Top 40 on April 20, 1957, stayed on the charts for eight weeks, and peaked at #12).

Following his religious conversion, Copeland turned the rest of his life over to the gospel and ministry work. In the 1960s, he was a pilot and chauffeur for Oral Roberts. In the fall of 1967, he enrolled in Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kenneth is married to Gloria Copeland. His children are John Copeland, Kellie Copeland and Terri Pearsons.

He was a member of the Oral Roberts University Board of Regents until 2008. Copeland's oldest daughter, Terri, is married to pastor George Pearsons, who served until January 2008 as the ORU Board chairman.

Kenneth Copeland Ministries, programming and theology[link]

In late November 2007, Mike Huckabee, a 2008 Republican presidential primary candidate, made six appearances on Copeland's daily television program ''Believer's Voice of Victory'', discussing "Integrity of Character". Subsequently, in January 2008, the Huckabee campaign paid for use of Kenneth Copeland Ministries' facilities for a fundraiser. The fundraising at the church was criticized by the Trinity Foundation.

Airport and ministry jets[link]

The Kenneth Copeland Airport is a private airport established by Kenneth Copeland Ministries to serve the area of Fort Worth, Texas.

In 2007 Copeland was accused of using his $20 million Cessna Citation X jet for personal vacations and friends. The Copelands' financial records are not publicly available, and a list of the Board of Directors is not accessible as these details are protected and known confidentially by the Internal Revenue Service. Responding to media questions, Copeland pointed to an accounting firm's declaration that all jet travel complies with federal tax laws.

In December 2008, Copeland's 1998 Cessna Bravo 550, his second jet, valued at $3.6 million, was denied tax exemption after Copeland refused to submit to disclosure laws for the state of Texas.

Senate investigation[link]

On November 6, 2007, United States Senator Chuck Grassley, Republican of Iowa, announced an investigation of Copeland's ministry by the United States Senate Committee on Finance. The Associated Press reported that Grassley said the investigation was a response to complaints from the public and news media. Grassley stated, "The allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces." IRS guidelines require that pastors' compensation be "reasonable" and net earnings may not benefit any private individual. Grassley asked for the ministry to divulge financial information (Grassley's letter) to the committee to determine if Copeland made any personal profit from financial donations, and requested that Copeland's ministry make the information available by December 6, 2007. The Copelands responded with a "Financial report from Kenneth Copeland Ministries." KCM created a website to help explain their side of the inquiry.

Publications[link]

''Load Up Pocket Devotional: 31 Devotions to Revolutionize Your Future'' (Harrison House, July 2004) ISBN 1577943996 ISBN 978-1577943990

''You Are Healed'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, July 1999) ISBN 0881147338 ISBN 978-0881147339

''A Ceremony of Marriage'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, December 1996) ISBN 0938458159 ISBN 978-0938458159

''Prayer: Your Foundation for Success'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, June 1999) ISBN 1577941551 ISBN 978-1577941552

''Kenneth Copeland Reference Bible – Leather Bound'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, December 1996) ISBN 0881142964 ISBN 978-0881142969

''Becoming Subject to the Authority of Jesus'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, 2001) ISBN 0881149721 ISBN 978-0881149722

''How to Discipline Your Flesh'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, June 1999) ISBN 1575621169 ISBN 978-1575621166

''From Faith to Faith: A Daily Guide to Victory'' (Harrison House, May 2000) ISBN 1577942256 ISBN 978-1577942252

''Pursuit of His Presence: Daily Devotional'' (Harrison House, September 1998) ISBN 1577941373 ISBN 978-1577941378

''The Wake-up Call'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, 2002) ISBN 1575627922 ISBN 978-1575627922

''Classic Redemption'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, 2001) ISBN 0938458582 ISBN 978-0938458586

''The Laws of Prosperity'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, December 1995) ISBN 0881149527 ISBN 978-0881149524

''Prosperity: The Choice Is Yours'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, June 1992) ISBN 0881147281 ISBN 978-0881147285

''Healing Promises'' (Kenneth Copeland Publications, August 1994) ISBN 0881149497 ISBN 978-0881149494

''Over the Edge: Youth Devotional'' (Harrison House, September 1998) ISBN 1577941381 ISBN 978-1577941385

''Big Band Gospel'' (KCP Records, 2003) ASIN B000A7WLEQ

See also[link]

Pentecostalism

Charismatic movement

Word of Faith

Prosperity Gospel

Notes and references[link]

External links[link]

Kenneth Copeland Ministries USA

Eagle Mountain International Church AKA Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Believer's Voice of Victory Live Stream and On Demand website

Believers Stand United for Religious Freedom in America

Trinity Foundation (Opposing Viewpoint)

Rich Vermillion (Opposing Viewpoint)

MinistryWatch.com's Kenneth Copeland Ministries Profile

Category:1936 births Category:Living people Category:American Pentecostals Category:American television evangelists Category:Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity Category:Imperial Records artists Category:Oral Roberts University people Category:People from Fort Worth, Texas Category:People from Lubbock, Texas Category:Pentecostal writers Category:Oral Roberts University alumni Category:Converts to Christianity from Judaism Category:Faith healers

es:Kenneth Copeland ko:케네스 코플랜드 pt:Kenneth Copeland fi:Kenneth Copeland sv:Kenneth Copeland

Name	Mike Dierickx
Background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth name	Dirk Dierickx, but changed his name to Mike Dierickx in 2000
Alias	M.I.K.E, Solar Factor, The Blackmaster , Return Of The Native, Plastic Boy, Project M.C. Absolute & Push
Birth date	February 20, 1973
Birth place	Antwerp, Belgium
Instrument	Synthesizer, drum machine, equalizer
Genre	Trance, progressive
Occupation	DJ, producer , technical engineer
Years active	1992–present
Label	Club Elite, Maximized Digital, Armada Music
Associated acts	Armin Van Buuren, Tetsuya Komuro
Website	www.mike.be
Notable instruments	}}

Mike Dierickx (born 20 February 1973), formerly known as Dirk Dierickx, and most commonly recognized under the aliases M.I.K.E., Push or Plastic Boy, is a Belgian DJ. Best known for the song "Universal Nation", he has also released other singles including "The Legacy" and "Strange World". His style is primarily progressive trance.

Biography[link]

Producing and DJing under the name M.I.K.E., he has been releasing records under the guises: Solar Factor, M.I.K.E, The Blackmaster, Return Of The Native, Plastic Boy, Šand, and Push. In total, there are around 85 different aliases that span his career, because of either collaborations with other artists, or adapting new aliases simply to suit the nature of a particular track, covering the trance, techno and house scenes. As a DJ, Mike's style is very similar to the music he makes—progressive trance with a techy-edge. He is at the forefront of Europe's new sound, regularly topping the dance charts in several leading countries.

As an 11 year old boy he discovered the potential of samplers and keyboards, his interest in electronic music developed further over the next years. At the age of 18, Mike handed his first demo tape to the Antwerp-based record company, USA Import. Shortly after, his first record, "Vision Act" was released on the Atom label in 1992. Mike released a series of successful records before he signed up with Lightning back in 1996.

M.I.K.E's became very popular and, in 1998, although a commercial crossover had never been anticipated, 'Universal Nation' won several dance awards, and is recognized as one of the classic dance-records of the trance era until this day. The number 1 position of the song in worldwide dance charts helped putting the Belgian dance scene firmly on the map. His Push follow-up single 'Strange World' was also a hit and played throughout hundreds of clubs all across Europe. This was followed by another excellent performing release, 'The Legacy', once again topping most dance charts across Europe and entering the British National charts at #21. Over the years Mike received several music awards including best club singles and best dance-producer, and entered 6 times the national top 40 in the UK.

Mike also teamed up and did remixes for Sinéad O'Connor, Moby, Mauro Picotto, Bomfunk MC's, Oliver Lieb, Psy'Aviah, and Ian Van Dahl. This kind of success did not go unnoticed as M.I.K.E. was asked to DJ at some of the best venues in the world, including 'Gatecrasher' and 'Godskitchen' in the UK, 'Fura' and 'Velfarre' in Japan, 'Dance Valley' and 'Trance Energy' in the Netherlands, and 'Spirit' and 'Spundae' in the U.S. Mike still holds residencies in Godskitchen and The Gallery in London.

In 1999 he decided to start-up his own label, Scanner-Records. The music stands for minimal electric dance. Scanner's back-catalogue can be found on www.scanner-records.be, but the project is on hold as Mike is concentrating on his new label Club Elite. The label will boost tech grooves and the better electro-trance.

Discography[link]

As Push[link]

Albums[link]

2000 ''From Beyond''

2002 ''Strange World''

2004 ''Electric Eclipse''

2009 ''Global Age''

Singles[link]

1997 "Universal Nation"

1999 "Cosmonautica"

1999 "Till We Meet Again"

1999 "Universal Nation '99"

2000 "Electro Fever"

2000 "Strange World" (2000 Remake)

2000 "The Legacy"

2000 "Tranzy State Of Mind"

2001 "The Legacy" (2001 Remake)

2001 Push vs. Sunscreem - "Please Save Me"

2002 "Journey Of Life"

2002 "Strange World" (2002 remake)

2002 "Universal Nation 2002"

2003 "Universal Nation 2003"

2002 Globe vs. Push - "Dreams From Above"

2003 Push vs. Globe – "Tranceformation"

2004 "Blue Midnight" (limited edition)

2004 "Electric Eclipse"

2004 "R.E.S.P.E.C.T."

2006 "Strange World" 2006 (Club Elite)

2008 ''Universal Voice'' E.P. (Club Elite)

2008 ''Impact'' E.P. (Club Elite late 2008)

As Plastic Boy[link]

Albums[link]

2005 ''It's A Plastic World''

2011 ''Plastic Infusion''

Singles[link]

1998 "Twixt"

1998 "Life Isn't Easy"

1999 "Angel Dust"

2000 "Can You Feel It"

2001 "Silver Bath"

2003 "Live Another Life"

2004 "Twixt 2004"

2005 "From Here to Nowhere"

2008 "Rise Up" / "A New Life"

2010 "Chocolate Infusion" / "Exposed"

2010 "Aquarius" / "Journey Of A Man" / "We're Back To Stay"

2011 "RED E.P"

As M.I.K.E.[link]

Albums[link]

2006 ''The Perfect Blend''

2007 ''Moving On In Life''

Singles[link]

1999 "Futurism"

2000 "Sunrise At Palamos"

2002 M.I.K.E. vs. John '00' Fleming - "Ice Cream"

2003 "Turn Out The lights"

2004 "Totally Fascinated"

2004 M.I.K.E. vs. Armin van Buuren - "Pound"

2004 M.I.K.E. vs. Armin van Buuren - "Intruder"

2004 M.I.K.E. vs John '00' Fleming - "Dame Blanche"

2005 "Massive Motion"

2005 "Fuego Caliente"

2006 "Voices From The Inside"

2006 "Salvation"

2006 "Strange World 2006"

2006 M.I.K.E. with Andrew Bennet - "Into The Danger"

2007 "Changes 'R Good"

2008 "Nu Senstation"

2008 M.I.K.E. with Andrew Bennet - "A Better World" - The Mixes

2010 "Art of love"

2011 "Back In Time"

2012 M.I.K.E. & Maor Levi "Coleurs Du Soleil"

As Solar Factor[link]

2001 "Deep Sonar"

2002 "No Return"

2002 "Urban Shakedown"

2004 "Fashion Slam"

2005 "Global Getaways"

2005 "The Rising Sun"

As Project M.C.[link]

2010 "Kontrol" / "Crossing The Sun"

Remixes[link]

Art Of Trance: "Madagascar" (Push Remix)

Cygnus X: "The Orange Theme" (Push Remix)

Mauro Picotto: "Back To Cali" (Push Remix)

Moby: "In This World" (Push Vocal Mix)

Rio Klein: "Fearless" (Push Remix)

Sinéad O'Connor: "Troy – Phoenix From The Flame" (Push Remix)

Sunscreem: "Exodus" (Push Remix)

The Space Brothers: "Everywhere I Go" (Push Trancendental Remix)

Yves DeRuyter: "Music Non Stop" (Push Remix)

Robert Gitelman: "Things 2 Say" (M.I.K.E. Remix)

The Gift: "Love Angel" (M.I.K.E. Remix)

Armin Van Buuren: "In And Out Of Love" (Push Trancedental Remix)

Arnej: "They Always Come Back" (M.I.K.E. Remix)

Ramirez Vs. Nebula: "Hablando" (Push Remix)

Ayumi Hamasaki: "Boys & Girls" (Push Remix)

Ayumi Hamasaki: "Carols" (Push Remix)

Psy'Aviah: "Ok" (M.I.K.E. Remix)

References [link]

External links[link]

M.I.K.E.'s website

Complete M.I.K.E. discography

M.I.K.E.'s MySpace

TranceSound.net M.I.K.E. aka Push interview August 2008

Category:Living people Category:Club DJs Category:Remixers Category:Belgian DJs Category:1973 births Category:Belgian trance musicians Category:Armada Music artists

bg:Майк Дирикс de:Mike Dierickx fr:Push (musicien) it:Mike Dierickx nl:M.I.K.E. ru:M.I.K.E. sv:Mike Dierickx

name	Pain of Salvation
origin	Eskilstuna, Sweden
landscape	yes
background	group_or_band
years active	1984−1991 (as Reality)1991−present (as Pain of Salvation)
genre	Progressive metal, progressive rock.
label	InsideOut Music
associated acts	Crypt of KerberosQ-krunkers from HellThe Flower KingsProgramming DefacedTransatlantic
website
current members	Daniel GildenlöwGustaf HielmLéo MargaritDaniel KarlssonRagnar ZSolberg
past members	Joakim StrandbergMikael PetterssonDaniel MagdicJohan LangellMagnus JohanssonKristoffer GildenlöwFredrik HermanssonJohan HallgrenSimon Andersson }}

Pain of Salvation is a Swedish progressive rock band headed by Daniel Gildenlöw; the band's lyricist, chief composer, guitarist, and lead vocalist. Their sound is characterised by powerful, accentuated guitar work, broad vocal range, abrupt switching between heavy and calm passages, intense syncopation, and polyrhythmic experimentation. Another trademark of the band is that each album is a concept album. Some of the topics addressed in the band's albums include sexuality, war and its effect on family and humanity, environmental issues (such as nuclear power), the forming of the individual, and the nature of God, humankind, and existence.

Etymology[link]

The name "Pain of Salvation" was devised by Daniel Gildenlöw, whose intention was to incorporate the notion of balance, which he believed to be of vital significance, e.g. good and bad, light and dark, life and death; pain and salvation.

:"I wanted a name that meant something, a name that was more than a cool expression. For me, Pain of Salvation has the meaning of balance. Taking the good with the bad. It is also a good expression in everyday use, when something does not go the way you planned; "well, that’s just the pain of salvation," to indicate that this is just a slight setback on an otherwise painless journey towards your goal."

:"The idea with the name is that everything has two sides, everything is in balance."

:"Imagine yourself exhausted in the middle of a desert... Sitting down will take away your pain, but it will kill you. The walk for water will hurt, but it may save your life."

:"I formed my first band at eleven, I called it Reality. When I turned 15, I decided to change, because I did not the same as in the age of 11. I tried to come up with a new band name. It was during a math lesson, I was writing band names. I wrote Pain of Salvation and it stuck. I showed it to my classmate, who later became a member of the band, he said too long, nobody would remember that!"

Biography[link]

Early days (1984-1996)[link]

In 1984, Daniel Gildenlöw (at the age of eleven) founded the band "Reality" in Eskilstuna, Sweden. One of the early members was Daniel Magdic, who would remain with the band until after the first album was eventually recorded in 1997. In 1987, Reality qualified to participate in the Swedish Annual Music Contest "Rock-SM" (this is the same contest that fellow Swedes Europe won in 1982, earning them international recognition in the early 80s). They were the youngest competitors ever to enter the competition and Daniel Gildenlöw also won the prize for "Best Vocalist".

1990 saw a number of line-up changes, including the addition of talented Johan Langell (then 14 years old) on drums; as the core composers Gildenlöw and Magdic found it difficult to fully implement their musical ideas with the current members. Also joining the band was Gustaf Hielm on bass guitar. Somewhat disillusioned and bored of the "Reality" moniker, Gildenlöw renamed the band to "Pain of Salvation" in 1991. For the next 3 years, the band achieved national success in several contests and competitions. Some of the songs performed during this era can be found on the earlier albums.

In 1994, Kristoffer Gildenlöw (Daniel’s younger brother) replaced Gustaf Hielm (who later went on to join fellow Swedish metal band Meshuggah) on the bass. This resulted in a steady group consisting of the Gildenlöws, Daniel Magdic and Johan Langell. The band entered a local studio soon after to record a demo, Hereafter, with a combination of old and new material. While they had recorded several tapes before, this was the first to be actually sent to a record company in the hope of procuring a record deal. This demo however was recorded without a keyboardist. To complete the line up (and sonic requirements) of the band, they began the search for one. It was through this Hereafter tape that Fredrik Hermansson got interested in the band and after an introduction to the band through a fellow student he got the invitation to do an audition. In the autumn of 1996, Fredrik Hermansson became the fifth member of the band.

First album recorded and released (1996-1997)[link]

Two of the first companies that the band sent their demo to were Marquee/Belle Antique (a record company in Japan/Asia) and Roasting House (a professional recording studio in Malmö, Sweden). In early 1997, they entered the Roasting House Studio to record their debut studio album, ''Entropia'', which was released in Asia on the Marquee’s Avalon label in August 1997 to positive local reviews. As a result, Marquee decided to fly Daniel over to Tokyo, Japan in October for a week of promotional performances and interviews to the metal press. It was about this time that purchasing albums through online music stores was commonplace, and fans from around the world began to do so with ''Entropia''. As a result, interest in Pain of Salvation grew around the world progressive metal scene, leading to another licensing deal – this time for Romania with SC Rocris Discs in late 1997.

The album was eventually released in Europe in 1999, when Pain of Salvation signed to major progressive music label InsideOut Music following the success of their second album ''One Hour by the Concrete Lake''. It was also released in South America on Hellion Records in 1999.

Follow-up album and record label deal (1998-1999)[link]

Preparations for the band’s second album were somewhat disrupted by the departure of Daniel Magdic from the band prior to recording. The departure was due to Magdic's continuing disagreements with the others over committing to the increasing demands of the band as a result of their initial success. He still remains a friend of the band to this day. After a short audition period, Johan Hallgren was his initial replacement. Johan had played for a short period together with Daniel in the band Crypt of Kerberos. Johan was immediately involved in the recording process, facing the daunting tasks of learning all the new songs with extreme short notice. Indeed, because of the complexity of the guitar parts in the new material, Daniel Gildenlöw was prepared to play all the guitar parts himself. Hallgren surprised all (he learned the whole album in three weeks), however, and was able to play on the album as a full member of the band. This worked out so well that he was announced as Magdic’s official replacement in April 1998.

The resultant album, ''One Hour by the Concrete Lake'', was released in Asia (once again on Avalon) in July 1998 with an even more positive reception than their debut album. It was immediately hailed as a classic masterpiece, receiving extensive attention from fans and magazines all around the world. It was described as heavier and darker than ''Entropia'', and considered a much more mature effort, with every existing positive about the band focussed and improved on. The buzz about the band had well and truly spread to Europe by now, and the multitude of positive reactions was the catalyst for the band to be signed to major progressive music label InsideOut Music and later their American counterpart, InsideOut Music America.

During the South American release (once again on Hellion) in May 1999, the band embarked on a European tour supporting fellow progressive metal bands Threshold (U.K.) and Eldritch (Italy). They also played at their first ProgPower festival in Tilburg, The Netherlands on November 14, 1999.

Critical acclaim (2000-2003)[link]

After a short break to regroup, Pain of Salvation recorded their third album, ''The Perfect Element, part I'' in March to July 2000. Released in October 2000, the album garnered a huge response from media and fans all over the world. In support of the album, the band toured Europe again in September and October 2000, this time with Arena (UK). In February 2001 the band played their first show in the USA, as headliners of the famed ProgPower USA festival, with the likes of Symphony X and Evergrey. Later that month, they also paid a visit to Iceland.

In late 2001, Pain of Salvation recorded their fourth album, ''Remedy Lane''. It is remarkable in the fact that it was almost entirely written during a two-month period from August to September 2001 by Daniel Gildenlöw. Released in January 2002, it was also greeted with extensive praise from the progressive metal community, being hailed as their finest creation yet. During the Remedy Tour, Pain of Salvation were invited as a special guest opener for Dream Theater.

Both albums (and the band's earlier catalogue) were now much more accessible to music listeners now that they were on a major label. They were hailed as bringing originality and diversity to the genre, which many followers had been considering quite stagnant. They are often praised for their excellent conceptual cohesion. ''The Perfect Element, part I'' is a work examining the events that form an individual as they move from adolescence through to adulthood. Scarsick, released in 2007, is ''The Perfect Element, part II'', although not in name. ''Remedy Lane'' is a part-autobiographical, part-fictional tale of a period of Daniel Gildenlöw’s life dealing with the issues of love, lust and life. Both albums were once again recorded at Roasting House Studio in Sweden.

On May 12, 2003, Pain of Salvation performed an acoustic concert in their hometown of Eskilstuna before a crowd of 80 special guests. The concert was recorded and released as ''12:5'' in early 2004. It featured dramatically rearranged versions of the band’s past material, owning to Daniel Gildenlöw’s desire not to simply create a “Pain of Salvation: Unplugged” record. As a result, the band and fans consider the album as a stand-alone work, and not just a 'live album'. The album was widely applauded for its audacity in re-interpreting past material in such a way, though others found the new versions of favourite songs much less enjoyable.

''"BE"'' (2004-2005)[link]

For the better part of 2003 and 2004, the band worked on their most serious undertaking to date: a concept album about the nature of existence of God and humankind. It was Daniel Gildenlöw who has been working on and off on it since 1996. The recording of the album was preceded by a number of live shows in Eskilstuna, where the band performed the album in its entirety. The shows were full productions; with costumes, stage props and screen projections. They also featured a nine-part orchestra, ''The Orchestra of Eternity'', whom Gildenlöw had in mind while composing the music. As a result, the orchestra features prominently in the material, and is essential to its sound. After the conclusion of the shows, the material was tweaked and refined by Gildenlöw before the recording began in February 2004.

In September 2004, the band’s most ambitious album, ''"BE"'', was released. It was the first album to divide the fan-base in opinion, because of its musically experimental and philosophical nature; and perhaps also its lack of cohesive progressive metal pieces. It once again featured ''The Orchestra of Eternity'', and included a memorable song whereby the band had set up a phone line for fans from around the world to ring and leave their message on “God’s answering machine”. There was an overwhelming response from fans who laughed, cried and poured their soul into their messages. The messages were collated and presented with a peaceful instrumental accompaniment, resulting in what the band considers to be one of their most touching tracks they have ever recorded.

''Scarsick'' and the "Road Salt Sequence" (2005-present)[link]

Pain of Salvation has not played in the United States since 2004, when Daniel Gildenlöw expressed his refusal to take part in the US policy of fingerprinting all out-of-country visitors, as well as his contempt for the Bush administration. He feels it infringes his democratic rights and personal integrity. On 22 January 2009 he announced his support for the newly elected President Barack Obama and said the band will be lifting their embargo on the country, but reaffirmed his position on the fingerprinting policy.

On 21 February 2006, Kristoffer Gildenlöw was asked to leave the band for not being able to attend rehearsals, since he lived in Holland and the band lived in Sweden. Kristoffer has a solo album planned for the future, as well as a side project called Dial, born with the release of "Synchronized" in 2007.

The next studio album ''Scarsick'' was released on January 22, 2007, despite having being leaked early in December 2006. The album met mixed reviews criticizing its different approach to the bands music, being significantly more band oriented than the previous album ''"BE"''. Interviews with Daniel revealed that Scarsick is a continuation of The Perfect Element, part I, using similar themes touched in that album. Because of Kristoffer's departure, Daniel played bass in the studio on the album. The band toured Europe, and a few shows outside of Europe, including one in Egypt. A touring bassist was recruited, and on March 10, 2007 he was made a full member of the band and is credited so on the second live DVD recorded. The concert featured on their second live DVD, Ending Themes (On the Two Deaths of Pain of Salvation) was performed in Amsterdam and it features a cover of the popular Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah. Following numerous delays, the DVD was released on March 24, 2009.

On April 29, 2007, an official statement was published on the official site announcing that Johan Langell was departing because of his desire to become a full-time parent and husband. He stayed with the band to finish the rest of the tour off before leaving completely. He also stated that he might remain on close terms with the band in order to teach drum parts to his replacement. On October 6, 2007, during the show at the "Motstøy" festival in Notodden, it was announced that Johan Langell's replacement will be Leo Margarit. Both drummers attended the show and Leo entered the band by doing a 3 minute drumsolo in the end of the song "Nightmist". Similarly, late in 2008, Simon Andersson left the band and was added to the graveyard section of the official website. An official statement regarding this incident was released by Simon indicating his decision to leave was understood by the rest of that band, further stating it would allow him more time on his own side projects as well as recuperation from the previous tour in support of Scarsick.

On February 13, 2009, it was announced on Myspace that Pain of Salvation would take part in Dream Theater's "Progressive Nation 2009" tour beginning in the summer. It would have been their first tour of America in more than 5 years. However, the recent bankruptcy of SPV forced both Pain of Salvation and Beardfish to back out of the tour because of a lack of financial backing.

In a recent interview with Inside the Pain, Daniel Gildenlöw stated that the new album was planned for release sometime in mid August, during their now cancelled Progressive Nation tour appearance, however this release date was not likely. On November 1, 2008, the band debuted a new song, "Mortar Grind", from their upcoming studio album and EP. According to the same interview with Inside the Pain, it was revealed that the new album would feature 2 CDs, 22 songs in a concept similar in style to that of Remedy Lane. The music written is 'different to anything the band has ever done before' featuring experimental and psychedelic style performances.

In a recent update on the band's official website, it was stated that the final steps in the completion of the new album were put on hold because of the bankruptcy of SPV. Recently however it was announced that InsideOut Music was picked up by Century Media, allowing progress on the album to continue.

On October 5, 2009, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater announced that Pain of Salvation would be their supporting act for a tour of Australia.

In December 2009, it was confirmed that the title track of the new double album, "Road Salt," would be an entry in the 2010 edition of Melodifestivalen, Sweden's national final for the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest. The band performed during the first semi-final and qualified for the runners-up broadcast, on march 6th on Swedish national television. However, they did not progress to the finals, losing to Pernilla Wahlgren by a slim margin.

On February 19, 2010, Daniel Gildenlöw revealed on his Facebook page that the name of the first part of the Road Salt albums to be released later that year would be "Road Salt 1: Ivory". He also posted a brief lyrical excerpt from a song on the album called "Curiosity". The actual release dates were set for May 17 in most of Europe and June 8 in the U.S. The release includes both a standard edition and limited edition with a bonus track and extended versions of 'No Way' and 'Road Salt'. On May 9, Road Salt One leaked on the internet.

Pain of Salvation made their first tour of India in January with performances at Manfest organised by Indian Institute of Management(IIM), Lucknow on 22 January and at Saarang, organised by Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) Madras on 29 January.

On March 9, 2011, Daniel Gildenlöw announced on his Facebook page, that 'Road Salt Two' would be mixed and mastered in mid-May 2011, and released in September 2011. It is said to have a darker sound than Road Salt One. He also revealed the titles of several songs set to appear on the album: new, remixed versions of "Mortar Grind", "Conditioned", "Healing Now", "1979", "To The Shoreline", "Through The Distance", "Softly She Cries", "In The Physics of Grindlock" and "The Deeper Cut". Moreover, he announced that the video to 'Where it Hurts' will be released globally in mid-March.

On October 21, 2011, the band announced that Johan Hallgren would be leaving the band at the end of the year, citing his need to remain in Sweden with his growing family. On November 8, 2011, a message to fans by Daniel Gildenlöw noted that Fredrik Hermansson would also be leaving the band at the conclusion of the current tour.

On December 23, 2011, Daniel announced that Daniel Karlsson is the new replacement for Fredrik. On January 5, 2012, Pain of Salvation announced that Icelandic guitarist Ragnar Zolberg will be replacing Johan Hallgren as their guitarist.

Also on December 23, 2011, it was announced on the bands website that Gustaf Hielm (Meshuggah) would be returning on bass guitar.

Band members[link]

;Current members

Daniel Gildenlöw - lead vocals, guitar (1984−present)

Gustaf Hielm - bass guitar, backing vocals (1992–1994, 2011–present)

Léo Margarit - drums, backing vocals (2007−present)

Daniel Karlsson - keyboards, backing vocals, bass guitar (2011–present; touring: 2011)

Ragnar ZSolberg - guitar, lead & backing vocals (2012–present)

;Former members

Joakim Strandberg - bass guitar (1984–1990)

Mikael Pettersson - drums (1984–1989)

Daniel Magdic - guitar, backing vocals (1986−1997)

Johan Langell - drums, percussion, backing vocals (1989−2007)

Magnus Johansson - bass guitar (1990–1992)

Kristoffer Gildenlöw - bass guitar, cello, backing vocals (1994−2006)

Fredrik Hermansson - keyboards, synthesizers (1996−2011)

Johan Hallgren - guitar, lead & backing vocals (1998−2011)

Simon Andersson - bass guitar, backing vocals (2007–2008)

;Touring

Per Schelander - bass guitar, backing vocals (2008–2010)

Timeline[link]

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

Year	Album details	Chart peak positions
		! style="width:4em;font-size:75%"	! style="width:4em;font-size:75%"	! style="width:4em;font-size:75%"
1997		*Released: August 1997
1998	''One Hour by the Concrete Lake''	*Released: July 1998
2000	''The Perfect Element, Part I''	*Released: 31 October 2000
2002	''Remedy Lane''	*Released: February 2002
2004		*Released: September 2004
2007	''Scarsick''	*Released: 22 January 2007
2010	''Road Salt One''	*Released: 17 May 2010
2011	''Road Salt Two''	*Released: 26 September 2011

EPs[link]

''Linoleum'' (2009)

Live albums[link]

''12:5'' (2004)

''"BE" (Original Stage Production)'' (2005)

''Ending Themes (On the Two Deaths of Pain of Salvation)'' (2009)

Singles[link]

''Ashes'' (2000)

''Road Salt (2010)

''Sisters'' (2010)

''Where It Hurts'' (2011)

Demos[link]

''Hereafter'' (1996)

''Repent'' (91-92)

''Unknowing'' (1993)

Videography[link]

''"BE" (Original Stage Production)'' (2005, live DVD)

''Ending Themes (On the Two Deaths of Pain of Salvation)'' (2009, live DVD)

References[link]

Pain of Salvation. Pain of Salvation's official website. (Retrieved September 2005 onwards)

Foreword Brazil. Pain of Salvation's official Brazilian fan club.

* ''Biography'' . (History information)

InsideOut Music. Pain of Salvation at InsideOut Music. (Retrieved September 2005 onwards)

InsideOut Music America. Pain of Salvation at InsideOut Music America. (Retrieved September 2005 onwards)

The Pavement: Winter Edition 2005 nr.4 Interview with Fredrik Hermansson, pages 14–15

External links[link]

Pain of Salvation's official website

0ne Hour by the Concrete Lake review on Lebmetal.com

Category:Swedish progressive metal musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 1984 Category:Melodifestivalen contestants

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