CD review

Posted on Thursday, February 9th, 2006, 12:00 am

In Flames

‘Come Clarity’

Ferret Records, 2006

In Flames’ new CD “Come Clarity” is their eighth full-length release since 1994. The Swedish melodic metal pioneers have also put out multiple EPs, an excellent live album, and just this past summer, a two CD, two DVD effort called “Used and Abused.”

Being such a prolific band, the question must be asked: Can In Flames still maintain the sense of creativity that has pushed them to the top as one of the most highly regarded bands in metal? The answer is yes, and “Come Clarity” is a great example of this.

In Flames’ last two CDs were scorned by old-school fans of the group due to the their changing focus from harmonies and solos to simpler guitar parts and leaving the harmonies to Anders Friden’s vocals. “Come Clarity” has found a way to perfectly mix the newer sound of In Flames with their classic sound. The disc is full of guitar harmonies, solos, varied vocal styles from Anders, incredibly more interesting and technical drumming, and the one element that has always been an In Flames staple – beautifully infectious choruses.

The crushing opening riff of the album opener, “Take This Life,” may at first remind fans of In Flames’ last album opener, “F(r)iend.” But by the time the first chorus comes in, listeners will realize the first big change on “Come Clarity” – Anders’ clean vocals have ascended to a new level of confidence and ability. Long time In Flames fans will be blown away when they hear the full extent of Anders’ new melodic singing on the album’s ballad-esque title track.

While first time listeners will be pleasantly surprised with the mix of new and old sound in the album’s first few tracks, it’s the album’s second half that truly shines after dozens of listenings. The earlier tracks include an almost dance-club-like riff in “Leeches,” incredible harmonies in “Reflect The Storm,” and a female guest singer, Swedish singer-songwriter Lisa Miskovsky, on “Dead End.”

“Scream” is the album’s one less-than-great track, with a silly chorus and simple guitar riffs. However, it is followed up with the excellent title track and then the awesome tour de force of tracks 7-12. Songs like “Our Infinite Struggle,” “Pacing Death’s Trail,” “Vacuum,” and particularly “Crawl Through Knives” – which was originally slated to be the album title – are absolutely amazing.

While “Come Clarity” may be incapable of topping In Flames’ previous endeavors into perfection – see “Colony” or “Whoracle” – it is certainly one of their least tiresome albums. Take it from someone who has been listening to this album multiple times a day for weeks, “Come Clarity” is a brilliant album, and it will take a long, long time to get old.

-Zach Dionne