It's been a 6 long years since their last studio album, Road Salt Two.  Road Salt was quite the departure in their sound, focusing on shorter song oriented tunes.  The change was too much some fans, and it split the fanbase.  

For me, after the initial shock wore off from hearing the opening track, I was on totally on board with it.  The album had a classic rock vibe to it, while still maintaining spurts of proggy Pain of Salvation.

In 2014, Daniel Gildenlow was supposed to tour with Transatlantic in support of the excellent Kaleidoscope. He had to back out of the tour, and was replaced by the very capable Ted Leonard.

Turns out Daniel was hospitalized with a deadly flesh eating bacteria, and had to deal with the possibility of actually dying from it.  In the Passing Light of Day chronicles his stay in the hospital, and is a return to form.  Personal tragedies can be absolutely devestating, but the silver lining is what comes from it.  Heartbreak and despair creates some of the best albums out there, and this one is no different.  

In the Passing Light of Day channels Meshuggah and The Dillinger Escape Plan, kicking off aggressively with the opening epic, On a Tuesday.  The music and the emotions run from rage to sadness to hope, weaving in and out of the different styles beautifully.  This also the first studio album with Ragnar Zolberg, trading vocal duties and guitar work with Daniel.  His vocal style may not be for everybody, but I think it works well with Daniel's voice.  

I've only listened to this album once, and while distracted at work.  Once I get a physical copy of this, I'm going to give it the proper headphone treatment, and the attention it deserves.  As it stands right now, this is a serious contender for album of the year.