In Flames - A Sense Of Purpose

When In Flames decided to reroute their musical approach (in order to remain), the choices we were given were either to follow them or to confine ourselves with what they had already offered us. Many were really disappointed and me, I was pretty surprised by the band’s new commercial profile. So, after 3 albums and their new release A Sense Of Purpose, In Flames managed to divide my opinion again. On one hand, in some songs there is a melodic feeling in the air (something we lately almost had forgotten) bringing back at least some few memories of Colony and Clayman, and on the other hand the familiar "modern" In Flames tracks with an american scent. In the album, the proportion of those two is 50-50 and if that was combined with good songs I would be completely content. But unfortunately, despite the inspiration in compositions none of the tracks didn’t stick in my mind after two hearings except maybe "The Chosen Pessimist" and that’s because that particular song reminded me more of Radiohead than In Flames. Powerful refrains simply don’t exist in the album although there are plenty strong musical themes. Friden sounds improved, even though a little bit "soft", but still he doesn’t impress me at all. In general, this album gave me the impression of "we have good ideas but we don’ know what to do with them". Personally I will listen to the album many times before putting it to my drawer, but I fear that since it’s in there it’s not coming out again...
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\r\nStergios Kanaropoulos
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\r\nTranslation: Barbara Karpodini\r\n