CD REVIEW
In Flames
Sounds of a Playground Fading
Century Media
Extreme metal unit In Flames cut its collective teeth perfecting its own distinctive take on melodic death metal during much of the ’90s, a trait that made them one of the more beloved/iconic bands in the world of heavy music. Well, who says you can’t teach a dog a new trick? For the new album Sounds of a Playground Fading, the guys from Gothenburg dug deep and added doses of alternative and melodic rock to its thunderous, songwriting arsenal. In Flames has chummed around a bit with Pendulum, a U.K. drum ‘n’ bass/rock outfit, and you can pick up on some of those influences through the electronic touches on “Ropes” and the glitchy keyboards on “Dead Ships Dwell.” You want heavy ballads? The band delivers “The Attic,” a tune that seamlessly blends frontman Anders Fridén’s kitten-gentle vocals with the band’s Himalaya-heavy blast of wailing/crying guitars. It’s been 23 years since In Flames came together. With this new lease on life, I bet you they’re good for another 23. (Matt Tapia)
