This brings us to Come Clarity, In Flames’ seventh full-length effort. The band has made numerous statement in interviews that it is their best ever and that it is a fusion of all their past styles. After numerous listens, I can say that the latter prediction was for the most part accurate. Probably realizing that the nu-metal wave has crested, the band decided to do away with the crunchy Korn-style guitar sound heard on STYE and has gone back to the twin guitar harmonies that put them on the map in the first place. A highlight for me was the way the band often lets loose with twin guitar goodness on the bridges of the songs. Many will lament the continued use of Anders’ clean vocals but the fact is that they sound better here than on any previous In Flames CD. For evidence of this, compare this album’s ballad “Come Clarity” with “Dawn of a New Day,” the awkward ballad off Reroute to Remain. He sounds more confident and in tune, which is undoubtedly due to experience. In addition, the songwriting has been refined, which means the choruses are hookier and the guitar work is stronger. Also notable are the guest vocals by Swedish singer-songwriter Lisa Miskovsky. She sings on “Dead End” and the result is absolutely stunning. A final improvement over the band’s two previous albums is the production. The drums have a fuller sound and the electronic elements are blended into the mix instead of dominating it. In all the record is a refinement of all that In Flames has been working towards.

Whether it by through the use of Scandinavian folk or nu-metal, In Flames has always been about injecting melody into a genre often seen as unmelodic by outsiders. While it isn’t another Jester Race, it still is an enjoyable melodic metal album. Come Clarity is the sound of a band confident in its abilities and comfortable with their sound. After two flawed attempts, In Flames have finally perfected their new sound and crafted their finest album of the 2000s.

written by Scott Huffard

Playing time: 45.41