In Flames - Clayman (Nuclear Blast Records)
A follow-up release from "Colony" and well I esteem this release over their
predecessor. Even though it has a more "Happy" tone to each track I still
think that the riffs are awesome. I would still consider it to be Melodic
Death Metal.
There's a mix of vocals on here clean and high-end screams that Anders
displays here. It suits the music quite well. The guitar pieces are way
melodic/"happy" but that doesn't take away from the greatness of a release
that this is. There's actually a guest solo by Christopher Amott (Arch
Enemy) on "Suburban Me".
The clean guitar parts are pretty sweet they tune way down on some songs
even to I think A-tuning! I like the variety that this album has to offer.
It just isn't straight Melodic Death the songwriting is quite diverse. If
you listen to any track on here you'll hear what I mean (check out "Bullet
Ride") for a sample.
For many they were turned off by this release because it isn't the heaviest
In Flames to date but for me I think it's a great release. Not only is the
production better than "Colony" but the mix of all instruments/vocals
dominates thanks to Charlie Storm (programming and synth) and Fredrik
Nordstrom (additional programming and synth) who was also the producer.
This was recorded at the infamous Studio Fredman where many Melodic Death
acts record. Some individuals would give this release a negative rating
because of the "happiness" to it but I esteem it quite highly! I still think
"Whoracle" and "The Jester Race" are their best albums but "Clayman" is
third on that list!
Like I said check out some tracks first to get the aura of the album check
out "Brush The Dust Away" and "Pinball Map".
Rating: 8.5/10.