Review: In Flames – Sounds Of A Playground Fading

Palmer reviews In Flames’ Sounds of a Playground Fading.

Album Name: Sounds of a Playground Fading
Artist Name: In Flames
Year: 2011
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Label: Century Media Records

In Flames have been around for years. Formed in 1990, they have proven themselves time and time again with their music, consistently releasing records to critical acclaim. Sounds of a Playground Fading adds to their repertoire of stellar record releases showing that they’re still very capable of producing music that is simultaneously crushing and beautiful.

Sounds of a Playground Fading demonstrates a new level of musicianship from In Flames with guitar solos that are much more fitting and precise than their previous releases. Beautiful clean guitar intros are located on several tracks that add an almost classical guitar feel to their heavier counterparts. Most of the tracks contain catchy swing riffs that will have anyone drowning in the rhythm. Anders Friden’s lyrics and vocal ability have improved significantly. His singing is finally on par with his screaming ability and it complements the guitar sound perfectly. His range has improved drastically as well.

The album’s mixing is very well done. The instruments blend very well with one another and everything is heard with incredible clarity. It’s clear that In Flames took their time with the release of this album and it shows. This is a stellar release from an amazing band. Anyone who appreciates metal and hard rock owes it to themselves to check out this record.

Best Tracks: ‘Sounds of a Playground Fading’, ‘All for Me’, ‘Deliver Us’, and ‘Fear is the Weakness’

90/100

- Palmer Sturman