In a way it's like a worse version of those mixed with their two latest shit piles. It's better than the last 2, but worse than the 2 you mentioned.

Album Rating: 2.0

"Not to mention, the all too consistently maligned Anders Friden sounds better than he has in a while."



Id love to hear him explain this one. Wait, thats it? You just make two declarations (too consistently maligned, and he sounds better), and then thats it. No explanation. Genius.

Album Rating: 3.5

I'd say Anders really needs no explanation at this point. Most people have already made up their mind on the guy.

Why are you just ignoring criticisms

Album Rating: 2.0

"This should really be expected at this point, but I, the Mask isn’t an album that really holds up to the standards of their heyday."



No fucking shit to the 1000th degree, another pointless sentence.

Album Rating: 3.5

@Steak: I edited my third paragraph to my own dismay because of Nazz's critique, if that helps.

Album Rating: 2.0

"I'd say Anders really needs no explanation at this point. Most people have already made up their mind on the guy."



So what, the whole point of a review is to argue your viewpoint, why even write reviews if thats gonna be your attitude. Lazy ass.

I’m not going to neg this but yeah this review really says nothing of substance

Album Rating: 2.0

"Perhaps I, the Mask might be the answer."



Either "perhaps" or "might", otherwise its redundant.

Album Rating: 3.5

"Either "perhaps" or "might", otherwise its redundant."

Touche.

Album Rating: 2.0

"I’m not going to neg this"



Dont worry, ill neg on your behalf.

Album Rating: 3.5

"So what, the whole point of a review is to argue your viewpoint, why even write reviews if thats gonna be your attitude. Lazy ass."

What hasn't been said about him already? Did any of you see Friv's critique of my Wristmeetrazor review? I've been attempting to put those to good use.

It's probably not best practices to write a review assuming the reader already has a ton of background knowledge on the subject. Clearly anyone reading this review already knows In Flames, but still.

Album Rating: 2.0

"What hasn't been said about him already?"



I dont know, you tell me. Youre the one who said he sounds better this time.

Album Rating: 3.5

@Nazz: Fair point.

@Adolf: How about this: Anders' harsh vocals are more reminiscent of his performances on albums like Come Clarity than they were on the last couple releases, and his clean vocals are a more refined version of what In Flames were doing recently.

Album Rating: 3.5

I'll work that in the review too.

Even if you assume something it's widely known is always interesting to know your opinion and why you think that, I mean, that's the substance of a review imho.

Album Rating: 3.5

Ugh, now my paragraphs look fucked up compared to the last half dozen or so reviews I've done. But if that's what needs to change, so be it.

@Dewi: True.

Album Rating: 1.5

The riffage has never left in flames but the vocals... good god

Album Rating: 2.5

This is pretty much a watered down version of Sounds Of a Playground Fading with bland production and some elements of A Sense Of Purpose thrown in.

With that said, it’s surprisingly good. Way better than Battles and Siren Charms.