IN FLAMES
Come Clarity
(Nuclear Blast)

“Come Clarity” is indication that even after nine studio albums the fire of In Flames isn’t dying out any time soon. Even though Nuclear Blast made the agonizing choice to cut all the tracks short on the promotional CD right before the guitar solo, I heard enough and I eventually got the full one.

“Come Clarity” continues in the more electronic vein of “Reroute to Remain” while still providing In Flames’ trademark exquisite guitarwork (in fine Iron Maiden tradition) and intricately tight drum and bass unit complemented by the supreme vocal style of vocalist Anders Friden – there are few vocalists who can screech and make it sound good rather than like dying cat cacophony.

If the PR on this disc is aimed right it could probably do quite well commercially. The production is pretty slick, it’s like the longer the band is in business the shinier it gets. The music is still awesomely intense and fast but it’s of lighter emotion. It’s introspective and even spiritual but there isn’t anything as heavy/dark as “Clayman”, which means they must just be happier nowadays or something. “Take This Life” is speed freak rhythm alternating with catchy riffs and it’s grand (also awesome live – see pics of their February NYC show here). In “Dead End” they use a female vocalist. When she sings alone it teeters dangerously on the verge of Evanescence (IT’S TOO PRETTY) but her voice contrasting with Friden’s during the chorus sounds cool as hell. “Reflecting the Storm” is well, calming and “Come Clarity” is a gorgeous song that could have found super ballad status back in the 80’s. I can have “Crawling Through Knives” on repeat for hours cause it’s like audio soul caffeine.

In Flames is one of the most uplifting bands around these days and there’s something in their sound that elicits a pure kind of yearning. “Come Clarity” is yet another progression in style, not exactly like their older stuff. Definitely recommended.