In Flames – “Come Clarity”

Every time I go to the local record store and see a new In Flames album, I fight with myself about weather I should buy it or not. I play the old game of picking it up and putting it down… over and over again. I used to be a huge fan during their earlier stuff ala The Jester Race. It seems that In Flames has gone the route of softening their sound (less technical music and weaker vocals) to sell more albums… alienating their original audience. This is true no longer.

Come Clarity is a fine return to form with an injection of melody. The twin guitar assault is back. The creative song-writing and harsh vocals (a great deal of the time) are back. In Flames are back!

This is not to say that Anders Friden’s vocals do not fluctuate between screaming and singing. However, he seems to have attained a greater grasp of the instrument that is his voice. The abrasive vocals are as scathing as ever and the clean singing is hypnotic and soothing.

The first track “Take This Life” kicks you right in the face once you press play. Choppy guitars and blast beats mutate into the harmonious alchemy that they are known for. Song two is “Leeches.” This track starts with a tribal-type riff with some electronic soundscapes over it. The tune goes from scathing to an almost sing along chorus. This track is a nice balance between brutality and harmony.

“Reflect the Storm” is next. A nice and strong track; it’s both catchy and heavy. “Dead End” starts with a double bass onslaught accompanied by a barrage of riffs. From here we get the angelic vocals of Lisa Miskovsky that blend nicely with the song. “Scream” is the next track. This song screams “metal”! It even has the classic background vocals of old metals albums where it sounds as if the guys in the band had all their friends in the studio to yell the chorus. A Quality track!

“Come Clarity” is a track that starts with some nice acoustic work. However, if you are not a fan of the singer’s “clean” singing… then this track will be you least favourite. Most of the time the vocals meld with the song… sometimes they sound a little too emo. Like a kick in the face, “Vacuum” starts and continues throughout the length of the song. In Flames seem to have found the perfect blend of heaviness and catchy choruses.

“Pacing Death’s Trail” has a nice amount of syncopated vocals that play off this rhythmic track. “Crawl Through Knives” and “Versus Terminus” are supercharged tracks that beckon back to the drive of earlier albums. The rest of the album follows suit until the final track, “Your Bedtime Story is Scaring Everyone”… which is probably one of the oddest song titles I have heard in a while. This ambient track is a nice way to end this heavy piece of music.

This is not the In Flames of old. This is the sound of a band that has matured and grown confident with what they are presenting. The songs are finely crafted and well executed. The production is crisp and clean with every instrument given room to express its particular voice. Come Clarity is one of those albums that you keep pressing play when the it’s over. In Flames have not sounded this comfortable in their skin since their earlier work. Come musical evolution… “Come Clarity.”  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Take This Life
02. Leeches
03. Reflect The Storm
04. Dead End
05. Scream
06. Come Clarity
07. Vacuum
08. Pacing Death’s Trail
09. Crawl Through Knives
10. Versus Terminus
11. Our Infinite Struggle
12. Vanishing Light
13. Your Bedtime Story Is Scaring Everyone

Run Time: 48:06
Release Date: 2006