So my CD arrived a day early and have now listened to the album 3 times. Here is my brief review: *LONG POST WARNING*
Drained - Great intro, awesome riff. Vocals good, Chorus catchy. Solo is another passable but forgettable Wah-fest. 8/10
The End - Another great song, love the main riff/melody. Chorus is a bit dull, but the section after the second chorus is awesome. 8/10
Like Sand - Took me 2 or 3 listens to get this song, but now I really like it. sounds like a mix of All for Me and Satellites and Astronauts. Rreally neat chorus, good vocals. 7.5/10
The Truth - Still hate that intro. Great catchy verses, bad chorus. Good Solo from Bjorn. 5/10
In My Room - Intro forgettable, cool verses. Transition to the chorus sounds really funny and doesn't work, ruining the song for me - it sounds like 2 good songs mashed together. 4/10
Before I Fall - Love that intro, good vocals and an awesome chorus. Proper good laid back In Flames song. Solo another typical Bjorn wah-wah-wah-wank. Not bad, but doesn't do anything to progress the song. 8/10
Through my Eyes - Don't like the main riff, or the verse riff. Pproduction still sounds weird on this one. Chorus and Prechorus ae really nice. Alright solo, but is mixed too loud. 6.5/10
Battles - Short, Rock-y. Chorus sounds like Sum 41 (seriously, listen to War by Sum 41, and then this and you'll see what I mean). Rest of the song otherwise forgettable. 6/10
Here Until Forever - Meaning behind the song is good, but the intro melody sounds too cheesy with the riff in the background. Chorus is over the top 'epic' and sounds forced, like they were going for arena rock (Like *shudders* Bring me the Horizon). 4/10
Underneath my Skin - Main riff sounds like Laid to Rest by Lamb of god, but in a good way. weird verses. Good chorus. Interesting solo. 7.5/10
Wallflower - Good, but not as good as it was hyped to be. Lyrics bleh. (except the last 4 lines, the bit about age and feeling old) Good riffs. 7/10
Save Me - Meh intro, Awesome melodic guitars. Meh verses. Meh Chorus, etc etc. 6/10
Greatest Greed - Awesome intro, Dig the chorus. Good song IMO. 8/10
Us Against The World - Oh god... Nice intro, good verses, but it's way too happy, and the Chorus is just cringy.... Leaves a bad taste in the mouth as it ends a generally good album. 3/10
Overall: 7/10. Some Great songs, some Good songs, some very Forgettable ones. Better than Siren Charms, mostly due to the more 'upbeat' feel and the more energy in the songs. Also Anders' not whining vocals make a nice change from SC's questionable work.
