Sonoma State Star

Issue date: 3/18/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment

"A Sense of Purpose" finds In Flames continuing to write passionate and epic songs like they have since their formation in 1990. [Click to enlarge]

Consistency is a difficult thing to find in the world of metal music.

Bands are at the constant mercy of their fickle fan base. For the multitude of flash in the pan one-hit wonders, this fear forces bands the progress in two very specific ways.

They can either attempt to experiment with sounds or instruments that aren't native to metal music, or they can attempt to simply make a heavier record than their predecessors.

Either extreme can spell disaster, but bands that steadily tinker within their established sound, in addition to growing as song-writers, tend to be the ones that last the longest.

Sweden's In Flames are no exception.

"A Sense of Purpose," is the band's ninth studio album together and it all at once is a step forward for the band, as well as a humble look back at their distinct take on melodic death metal.

The band's new material excels at climbing melodies, thunderous drumming, and arena-sized choruses.

Yet it has a subtle but evident shift in sound that allows for rich atmospheric touches and seamless musical transitions.

The band recorded the songs in their Gothenburg based studio and decided to self-produce this album like 2006's "Come Clarity."

And from the sounds of things, the band doesn't really require an outside producer.

"A Sense of Purpose" greatly benefits from immaculate production, allowing listeners to absorb the wonderfully textured moments on the album.

Every squealing arpeggio and grinding riff is given enough space to breathe in these compositions, with nothing overpowering the mix.

Fans can actually feel Peter Iwers' growling bass work unlike other contemporary metal bands that needlessly bury their bass lines.

Nuanced electronic touches add depth, while seamless transitions to intricate acoustic guitar passages make for an incredibly dynamic listen.

The album's first single, "The Mirror's Truth" serves as the perfect introduction to the material.

Continued...

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