In Flames
Reroute to Remain
Nuclear Blast
2002
by Nathan Pearce
If In Flames fans didnt see this album coming, they didnt listen to Clayman and they didnt pay attention to the major touring the band has been adding to their list of high profile appearances. In Flames have progressed from a guitar driven melodic-death metal band to a vocal driven melodic-death metal band. Each and every song on this album has what I like to call The Magnificent Chorus. What Im referring to is the way each song goes from a short verse, a short guitar melody, or a short catchy guitar riff to a big magnificent chorus.
In Flames would have to totally change personnel to totally rid themselves of the cool twin guitar melodies of past fame. The guitar melodies are just as catchy and just as fun to hum along to, but they do take a back seat to the vocals. The band has also managed to keep the speed intact most of the time as well. With the exception of a few songs (especially the ballads Dawn of a New Day and Metaphor), most songs are very reminiscent of a progression In Flames has taken over the past couple of albums. Is this a bad thing? Depends on how conservative a listener you are.
While In Flames has chosen to incorporate new sounds and styles into their music (electronics, ballads, and clean vocals), the core sound of the past still permeates enough to challenge most listeners of the past. Album highlights are probably harder to pick out than on any other In Flames album. Reroute to Remain, System, and Minus seem to catch my attention the most, but every song has a place on this album. That is something that couldnt be said about past albums. While each song might not be a favorite, they all seem to flow cohesively.
For anybody afraid of change, approach Reroute to Remain cautiously. However, if you believe a band has the right to distance themselves from a stagnating metal sub-genre, this album could easily leave a positive impression.
www.inflames.com
Reroute to Remain
Nuclear Blast
2002
by Nathan Pearce
If In Flames fans didnt see this album coming, they didnt listen to Clayman and they didnt pay attention to the major touring the band has been adding to their list of high profile appearances. In Flames have progressed from a guitar driven melodic-death metal band to a vocal driven melodic-death metal band. Each and every song on this album has what I like to call The Magnificent Chorus. What Im referring to is the way each song goes from a short verse, a short guitar melody, or a short catchy guitar riff to a big magnificent chorus.
In Flames would have to totally change personnel to totally rid themselves of the cool twin guitar melodies of past fame. The guitar melodies are just as catchy and just as fun to hum along to, but they do take a back seat to the vocals. The band has also managed to keep the speed intact most of the time as well. With the exception of a few songs (especially the ballads Dawn of a New Day and Metaphor), most songs are very reminiscent of a progression In Flames has taken over the past couple of albums. Is this a bad thing? Depends on how conservative a listener you are.
While In Flames has chosen to incorporate new sounds and styles into their music (electronics, ballads, and clean vocals), the core sound of the past still permeates enough to challenge most listeners of the past. Album highlights are probably harder to pick out than on any other In Flames album. Reroute to Remain, System, and Minus seem to catch my attention the most, but every song has a place on this album. That is something that couldnt be said about past albums. While each song might not be a favorite, they all seem to flow cohesively.
For anybody afraid of change, approach Reroute to Remain cautiously. However, if you believe a band has the right to distance themselves from a stagnating metal sub-genre, this album could easily leave a positive impression.
www.inflames.com