I have both Fig. No. Five and Soundtrack, and don't really absolutely hate either one. I actually like Soundtrack quite a bit, though it's not anywhere near the immortal Whoracle, and Figure has about 5 good songs, though all the rhythm parts sound exactly the same and the guitars in general are boring as fuck.
I don't find myself listening to either very often, though. Dark Tranquillity is lightyears ahead of both bands nowadays, so their newest material occupies my time much, much more. Of course, I still listen to Soilwork and In Flames' old classics all the time.
Their degeneration comes from the fact that both bands are trying to support themselves with their music. All the members of DT have other jobs, so their lack of dependency on their music to make them money removes the temptation to compromise. In fact, "Lost to Apathy" from the newest album is some of the thrashiest material they've done in a long time. Hooray for integrity!
I was very dissapointed a few years ago when I saw them live and they STUNK... hence my disinterest in anything they do.
