In Flames Soundtrack To Your Escape
Nuclear Blast NB1231-2 - 2004
By Rodrigo Escandon
Ok, lets get the obvious out of the way. For those of you expecting the In Flames of old, responsible for albums like The Jester Race, and who did not like Reroute to Remain, then I recommend that you stay clear away from Soundtrack To Your Escape. That In Flames sound of old is a thing of the past, and it has been quite obvious since Clayman that the band has been progressing to a newer style. Now, if you are on of those people who enjoyed Reroute to Remain, like I did, then this album will definitely be to your liking, because it is only the natural progression in the bands musical direction.
This time around Anders has decided to use less of his clean voice, which basically only appears in some of the choruses, and has returned to singing primarily in his screaming voice. This was definitely a wise decision, as his clean voice could sound very whiny and annoying, and his screaming is far stronger. Soundtrack To Your Escape is also heavier than its predecessor, recalling the aggression from earlier efforts. Songs like opener F(r)iend, In Search for I, Like You Better Dead and Superhero of the Computer Rage showcase the bands heavier sound through more straightforward chord-strumming riffs. But, unlike Reroute to Remain, there is a wider use of leads and solos, which were either missing, or played by the synthesizers in the aforementioned album. Jesper and Björn have managed to strike a middle ground as far as their sound is concerned, and Borders and Shading is a good example of this.
But the experimentation or progression of sound is still prevalent. Some of the most interesting songs are The Quiet Place and My Sweet Shadow, due to their use of strange and eerie melodies that appear in the beginning, and reoccur throughout each track. This is stuff that we have not heard from In Flames in the past, and it is actually very cool sounding. Another interesting thing I noticed was the sound of Daniels drumming. It is great as always, but in this album it has a very distinct sound - especially in the cymbals - which can sound flat and punchier, something I really enjoy.
Soundtrack To Your Escape is superior to Reroute to Remain, simply because the band just sounds better with this style. Two weak areas, the clean vocals and lack of guitar leads, have been solved, and the group sounds confident and in control of the direction they want to take or escape to. Open your mind (or in this case your ears) and enjoy the ride!
Nuclear Blast NB1231-2 - 2004
By Rodrigo Escandon
Ok, lets get the obvious out of the way. For those of you expecting the In Flames of old, responsible for albums like The Jester Race, and who did not like Reroute to Remain, then I recommend that you stay clear away from Soundtrack To Your Escape. That In Flames sound of old is a thing of the past, and it has been quite obvious since Clayman that the band has been progressing to a newer style. Now, if you are on of those people who enjoyed Reroute to Remain, like I did, then this album will definitely be to your liking, because it is only the natural progression in the bands musical direction.
This time around Anders has decided to use less of his clean voice, which basically only appears in some of the choruses, and has returned to singing primarily in his screaming voice. This was definitely a wise decision, as his clean voice could sound very whiny and annoying, and his screaming is far stronger. Soundtrack To Your Escape is also heavier than its predecessor, recalling the aggression from earlier efforts. Songs like opener F(r)iend, In Search for I, Like You Better Dead and Superhero of the Computer Rage showcase the bands heavier sound through more straightforward chord-strumming riffs. But, unlike Reroute to Remain, there is a wider use of leads and solos, which were either missing, or played by the synthesizers in the aforementioned album. Jesper and Björn have managed to strike a middle ground as far as their sound is concerned, and Borders and Shading is a good example of this.
But the experimentation or progression of sound is still prevalent. Some of the most interesting songs are The Quiet Place and My Sweet Shadow, due to their use of strange and eerie melodies that appear in the beginning, and reoccur throughout each track. This is stuff that we have not heard from In Flames in the past, and it is actually very cool sounding. Another interesting thing I noticed was the sound of Daniels drumming. It is great as always, but in this album it has a very distinct sound - especially in the cymbals - which can sound flat and punchier, something I really enjoy.
Soundtrack To Your Escape is superior to Reroute to Remain, simply because the band just sounds better with this style. Two weak areas, the clean vocals and lack of guitar leads, have been solved, and the group sounds confident and in control of the direction they want to take or escape to. Open your mind (or in this case your ears) and enjoy the ride!
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