In Flames – Come Clarity
Nuclear Blast Records – NB132889 - 03.02.2006
By Sam Brokenshaw
Let's not beat around the bush here, in recent times In Flames have become something of a laughing stock amongst the harder nucleus of the metal scene in general. Back in the days of grandiose epics such as '97's "Whoracle" and the earlier "Jester Race," In Flames successfully managed to straddle the line between commercial ambition and an intensity that solidified them as a key group in the hearts and minds of many metal fans. However, in recent times, the band's trend towards more commercial climes and, gulp, boiler suits, has alienated the more old school crowd. To the ears of many "Soundtrack to Your Escape" and "Reroute to Remain" were ultimately banal and lifeless in comparison to the band's classic era work.
Fast forward to 2006 and we get "Come Clarity". The first track, "Take this Life" kicks in and it's apparent something has changed here. The old ferocity is back in spades. Also apparent is a return to the guitar harmonies of old, the interplay between guitarists Jesper Strömblad and Björn Gelotte really stands out as an improvement over recent works. "Come Clarity" is not a total turn back to the tired ritual of yesteryear however, it manages to coherently enmesh the more modern stylistic trappings of the last two albums with the musical density of old. The title track also manages to bring the acoustic explorations ala "Reroute..." back into the fold. This time though, they fit and work with the material. Part of the reason for this is a seeming marked improvement in the polished vocals of Anders Fridén. He'll never be the next Mikael Åkerfeldt, but his level of competence here is above the bands former works.
The album more or less inhabits the form one would expect from a melodic death metal opus, the catchy chorus meets the scathing verse riff ad infinitum. Whilst there is really not a lot of variation here it tends to work for the album rather than against it. You might be skeptical, but give "Come Clarity" a spin, you may just be surprised.
7.5/10
In Flames' Official Website
Nuclear Blast's Official Website
Nuclear Blast Records – NB132889 - 03.02.2006
By Sam Brokenshaw
Let's not beat around the bush here, in recent times In Flames have become something of a laughing stock amongst the harder nucleus of the metal scene in general. Back in the days of grandiose epics such as '97's "Whoracle" and the earlier "Jester Race," In Flames successfully managed to straddle the line between commercial ambition and an intensity that solidified them as a key group in the hearts and minds of many metal fans. However, in recent times, the band's trend towards more commercial climes and, gulp, boiler suits, has alienated the more old school crowd. To the ears of many "Soundtrack to Your Escape" and "Reroute to Remain" were ultimately banal and lifeless in comparison to the band's classic era work.
Fast forward to 2006 and we get "Come Clarity". The first track, "Take this Life" kicks in and it's apparent something has changed here. The old ferocity is back in spades. Also apparent is a return to the guitar harmonies of old, the interplay between guitarists Jesper Strömblad and Björn Gelotte really stands out as an improvement over recent works. "Come Clarity" is not a total turn back to the tired ritual of yesteryear however, it manages to coherently enmesh the more modern stylistic trappings of the last two albums with the musical density of old. The title track also manages to bring the acoustic explorations ala "Reroute..." back into the fold. This time though, they fit and work with the material. Part of the reason for this is a seeming marked improvement in the polished vocals of Anders Fridén. He'll never be the next Mikael Åkerfeldt, but his level of competence here is above the bands former works.
The album more or less inhabits the form one would expect from a melodic death metal opus, the catchy chorus meets the scathing verse riff ad infinitum. Whilst there is really not a lot of variation here it tends to work for the album rather than against it. You might be skeptical, but give "Come Clarity" a spin, you may just be surprised.
7.5/10
In Flames' Official Website
Nuclear Blast's Official Website
