IN FLAMES: Whoracle (DEATH METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

"The Jester Race" was a masterstroke and allowed its progenitors to make a name for themselves in the international metal scene. In Flames is also one of the leaders of the upcoming Death Melodic scene. But now it has to confirm and impose itself durably. And at this time the situation is favourable. The split of At The Gates left the number one position of the genre vacant, Arch Enemy had just been formed and Dark Tranquillity struggled to confirm the success of "The Gallery". The line up remained stable with Gelotte and Stromblad still in charge of the compositions. Only the typography of the logo has changed to become more simple and readable.

"Whoracle" is in the right line of "The Jester Race", of which it is the logical continuation. Less immediate because a little less drawn towards the melody, it also contains its share of anthems and very good tracks of which several playing on the heavy string.

The album starts with 'Jotun', fundamentally heavy, characterized by an aggressive voice and especially an unstoppable guitar riff very melodic. This tendency is confirmed on the first hit of the disc, 'Food For The Gods', a mixture of heavy sounds and death vocals with an absolutely unstoppable chorus. With 'Gyroscope', In Flames offers a track as they like it, with a soft acoustic introduction followed by quiet and powerful passages, the whole dominated by the huge voice of Anders Friden. The latter has progressed and is gradually becoming a great of the genre, not content with just screaming. 'Dialogue For The Stars' is the logical continuation of 'Gyroscope', a slightly heavier instrumental with a huge riff and a superb guitar duo that reminds us of the best of Iron Maiden.

If the continuation is slightly less effective, it contains however excellent titles like 'The Hive' typically melodic death, 'Morphing Into Primal' purely death metal and which distinguishes itself by its blasts, but especially 'Episode 666' which remains a must in concert. Starting with an ultra effective riff, the title turns out to be a nugget of melodic death metal gathering what the genre does best with a solo and melodic guitars, a powerful voice but audible for the uninitiated and finally a chorus easy to remember. We will also notice the discreet appearance of some clear voices on "Everythings Counts". What is only a draft here already clearly announces the future of the band, so much Friden shows that he has the voice for this kind of vocals.

"Whoracle" is obviously a confirmation of all the talent of In Flames. It is a good calling card of what the band can do and it announces a bright future for this unusual formation... - Official website

IN FLAMES

WHORACLE

NUCLEAR BLAST

DEATH METAL