The Swedish metal band that many love to hate is back with a new album entitled, "A Sense of Purpose." It's really to think that depending on which long hair you talk to, you get very mixed reviews ranging from subtitle praise to down right disgust; from what I gather the stem of hatred comes from simple progression in their sound. But for those that actually like the band, and have continued to follow the band through their musical changes, this album is really a step up from their previous album, "Come Clarity." Unlike "Come Clarity", this album is more spaced out in emotions with songs such as "The Chosen Pessimist" and "Alias." The album still features In Flames signature style but the newest thing featured this time around is Anders Fridén attempt at a more clean vocal. With songs such as "Disconnected" and "The Chosen Pessimist", emotion seems to be the focus of the album; this can be attributed to Anders' clean vocal in verses and choruses.
Aside from emotion, In Flames still focuses the usual energy and intensity that they are known for. "I am the highway" and "Sober and Irrevelant" are stand out tracks that provide the perfect intense "groove" to push the album forward to its conclusion. The album's single, "The Mirror's Truth", is a perfect track to start the album because it sets up the pace, the song starts slow and then blasts into full drive in a blink of an eye.
"A Sense of Purpose" is actually one of In Flames' better "post-death metal" albums and for those that actually give In Flames a decent chance will find themselves enjoying the new little features that they chose to throw in this time around. The album has several standout tracks, personally, I think the most memorable track is the epic "The Chosen Pessimist", that will play very nicely when In Flames begins to incorporate them to their live sets. The time for In Flames isn't over yet because the energy and emotion they have come to be known for is still present and stronger than ever.
