"Forgettable" is how I would describe this album. I listened to it on Friday and, as I sit here on Tuesday, all lasting impression is gone. This album came and went and was fine, I guess.
I have notes from when I listened to it, though:
The all clean vocal songs make it feel more proggy, which isn't terrible, I guess. Like listening to the second Sons of Aurelius album:
After falling in love with the first Sons of Aurelius album:
Ultimately, it took some getting used to, but I like both albums now. I commented that, similarly, maybe I could get to like newer In Flames. That was past-Josh. Present Josh is much less open-minded.
It's more industrial metal or nu-metal than or Alt Metal than other In Flames.
There are several notes saying that I'm not enjoying it.
I compared part of a song to Creed.
I apparently really didn't like when the World Exploded (dumb title).
I noted that my mind wandered alot, again. For instance, how does writing in In Flames work? Like, does one guy come in with some heat like "Hey guys, I have this gnarly metal riff" and everyone gets pumped and Anders is like "yeah, then I can cry-yell over this part and we'll layer in some synths" and everyone just begrudgingly agrees, because they're getting paid, or are they all on board with this nonsense?
I commented that Rusted Nail started promising, but would turn bad, then it turned bad.
I don't remember much about this listen, so here's what other people have to say:
The album Charted well, for the most part. #1 on Swedish, Finnish and US Hard Rock charts
It was not universally loved, #87 on French charts - they do not give a shit about alternative metal.
Allmusic.com says it's:
"a bit too casual... a solidly written and executed metal album" and that fans of the bands latest material will likely enjoy it.
An About.com reviewer says it's:
"not the abomination some have made it out to be."
Sputnikmusic says it's:
"an unforgivable misstep containing oversights in both songwriting and execution that such a veteran band should be able to spot and correct."
I think those are probably accurate-ish. Ultimately, the guitar work is on point. The vocals and the general performance are not. If this is your thing, whatever it is, then it's a great example of this thing. One with stellar guitar work and dynamic song writing at times, synth washes and very emotive vocals at others. It strikes me as music that would get angst-riddled teens into Soilwork and Dark Tranquility. Ultimately, not for me.
So what now, you ask? The Challenge is over, you say? There are no more In Flames albums, you propose! NAY, I SAY TO THEE!
I found Battles on a Russian metal blog. Up next, 2016's Battles!
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