In Flames - Sounds of a Playground Fading

\r\n I’ll make myself clear from the very begining: there is no way I’ll start nagging about In Flames not playing like they used to, back in the days of Colony or The Jester Race. It’s 2011 so I think it’s a "take it or leave it" thing. I cannot expect to listen to mid 90’s melodic death metal when pressing the play button. I will deal with them the way they are now, a musical entity that dwells in TODAY and I will not make irrelevant comparisons with their past. But let’s see what the music is about this time, enough with the introductions.
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\r\n It’s truth that my curiosity was bigger in regards to their new steps, especially now that Jesper is out of the band. Slowly but steadily the swedes changed their sound to something else, something modern, simple(it always has been..) and catchy. "Sounds of a Playground Fading" is yet another part of the evolution I’m talking about, the natural next step after "A Sense of Purpose". You may find more experimental songs like "Jester’s Door" that brings Depeche Mode to mind(like Friden had stated a month back), some "fast" ones like "All For Me" or "Enter Tragedy", dual guitar parts("A New Dawn", "Ropes") and a great variety in sounds and emotions. Anders’ vocals are once again a step further from what he used to be. Colourful and actually singing. So, the point from now on is if the songs are worth the time...unfortunately there are tracks like "Liberation" that could be heard on a tv commercial(baaad..) but you may also discover great tunes("Ropes") that will pay off. Really, it all comes down to personal taste in the end.
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\r\n I think the album is cool. Kinda "nice" but that is as far as it goes for now. I think time will let it dig deeper within me but this is my first impression.  In Flames once again dare to move towards all kind of directions. I think the audience needs at least to be open minded and not judge according to once’s past. I will savour SOAPF for now, waiting for its after effects to show up within me, this trippy feeling of the beloved swedes is still there..In total, the album is so damn controvertial so proceed at your own risk!\r\n

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\r\nGiannis rem3dy Nakos \r\n

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