In Flames. Ah. The Gothenburg metal scene founders. Back in the day, when Mikael Stanne (now of Dark Tranquillity) still sung (using the term loosely) for this band, they didn't know they would found one of the most popular scenes within Metal, and that they would go on to be one of the greats of metal history. They first released Lunar Strain, which was good, they then released the crushing Jester Race, the mind-blowing Whoracle, the good Colony, and then comes this album, Clayman.
By some it is called the beginning of the end. Others see it as their last great album. Some hate it altogether. However, I think this album is the pinnacle achievement of In Flames. Their previous albums were really good, I will admit, but I prefer Clayman due to the tendency to draw you in. Some songs on Whoracle and Jester Race really take a while to sink in and get used to, while this is just easy Death Metal listening.
On top of that, Fridén doesn't sound like a wounded rabbit on this album. He sometimes uses his clean voice, which can get quite annoying at times (I like his scream better), and may be a put-off for some people. But it sounds better than constant shouting, allowing for more variety in the songs. And In Flames can write slow passages.
The guitars sound like an up-volume Iron Maiden, which isn't bad at all, and the solos are quite good (they've quit soloing on recent albums which really is a shame; they are ***ing good at it).
As usual you can't hear the bass in any Metal band, and the drums are efficient enough to work along with the guitar.
Some songs are still classic In Flames. The opening song Bullet Ride begins with a riff that kicks you in the face, makes you sit down, relax as the music volume is slowly turned down, and when it speeds up, it makes you feel like you're in a rollercoaster, but without the nausea.
Only For The Weak is probably the catchiest song on here. The keyboards can sound a little stuffy, but I really like the melody they give to this song (and face it, what is In Flames without their trademark melodic sound?). Overall one of the better tracks on this album.
Clayman is another highlight with lightning-quick drum work that really gets you on your toes.
The only complaint I have with this album is that some of the songs sound quite alike. It's why this album gets a superb rating and not a classic rating. In Flames really churn out their stuff, they are musically on top of their game; but if they would give their songs just slightly more variety in style, it might have been a classic.
The later albums do have this, by the way, but the guitars sound like Linkin Park gone Death Metal, and overall the sound is just worse.
Therefore I consider this album one of the greats of its genre, and a classic of Death Metal; but not a classic of Metal itself. If it had just slightly more variety like "Master Of Puppets" or "Number Of The Beast" it would have been a timeless album.
Nevertheless, In Flames are definitely an awesome band, and if you're into their genre, check this out. You won't be disappointed.
