Artist: In Flames
Title: Sounds Of A Playground Fading
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Release Date: 17th June 2011
Label: Century Media Records
Album Review
IN FLAMES have been founded in 1990 an ever since have established themselves as one of the most famous and influencing acts in Melodic Death Metal. Over the years, 10 studio records were released and in 2010, the last original member Jesper Strömblad left the band. At the beginning of their career, the band played straight-forward Melodic Death Metal but has been developing towards a more modern sound, which is characterised by mostly clean vocal and increased use of electronic elements. Nowadays, their style is better to be described as Melodic Death Metal with Metalcore influences.
With their tenth studio output ‘Sounds of A Playground Fading’, IN FLAMES are once again going to split their fans into lovers and haters. If anyone expected a return to their previous style, he has surely been mistaken. Already the opener ‘Sounds of A Playground fading’ pinpoints the modern attitude - demanding guitar work is combined with catchy melodies and pop-like song structures. Whilst the title track appears to be pretty straight-forward, the following ‘Deliver Us’ and ‘All for Me’ lack of distinctive features – although they are surely listenable, one pretty soon forgets about them. Yet, songs like ‘Fear is the Weakness’, ‘Ropes’ or ‘A New Dawn’ are very powerful, fast and enjoyable. ‘The Puzzle’ starts off like a proper Death Metal song, but soon gets rid of its force.
Consequently, the album sounds like a logical continuation of their pursued style - in this case, it’s a matter of taste if one evaluates this album as grown up (in reference to the title) or as too soft. In my opinion, the new IN FLAMES do not have much in common with their early works.
Tracklist
01. Sounds Of A Playground Fading (4:44)
02. Deliver Us (3:31)
03. All For Me (4:31)
04. The Puzzle (4:34)
05. Fear Is The Weakness (4:07)
06. Where The Dead Ships Dwell (4:27)
07. The Attic (3:18)
08. Darker Times (3:25)
09. Ropes (3:42)
10. Enter Tragedy (3:59)
11. Jester’s Door (2:38)
12. A New Dawn (5:52)
13. Liberation (5:10)
Line-up
Anders Fridén – Vocals
Björn Gelotte – Guitars
Peter Iwers – Bass
Daniel Svensson – Drums
Niclas Engelin – Guitars
Website
www.myspace.com/inflames / www.inflames.com
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 6
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 7.5 / 10
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