CD Review: In Flames

Sam July 1, 2011 1

Oriinality
Vocals
Overall Impact
Production
Sound

ARTIST: In Flames
TITLE: Sounds of a Playground Fading
YEAR: 2011
LABEL: Century Media
Author: Sam Yakou

Sweden’s melodic death metal champs In Flames return with Sounds of a Playground Fading; their first studio album following the departure of founding guitarist Jesper Strömblad. Despite the lineup change the band has delivered a worthy collection of tracks that should please fans with an open mind towards their newer style.

The title track starts things off with a delicate acoustic intro before fading into a heavy groove with textured guitar lines. The pace doesn’t vary much after that. The songs are a mix of up-tempo, keyboard-laden rockers with gravel-throated vocals, soaring choruses and melodic guitar lines throughout. The band proves to be in fine form and playing with purpose across the 13 cuts. You can feel the restraint in the playing; a sure sign that the songs will be played at a higher tempo live.

Musically, the album is solid but not groundbreaking; with solos and instrumental passages humming along as expected. Sounds of a Playground Fading probably isn’t destined to be a classic record. Rather it is an improvement of the sound presented in recent efforts. Not bad by any means; Sounds of a Playground Fading comes across as a safe, predictable effort to prove the band can still be relevant without Strömblad.

Bottom line: Sounds of a Playground Fading is a good, solid collection of songs for fans of more recent In Flames records. Longtime fans may be disappointed with the more progressive feel.

Buy Album