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So here we have the often discussed, massively appreciated, and occasionally ridiculed 'The Jester Race' from much-revered and alternatively maligned melodic metal band In Flames. Seen as taking the same flight-path as a band like Metallica, and unleashing mediocrisy when they could achieve brilliance, it pays to once again look to the past and appreciate one the most praised albums in the history of metal. So, what are we hearing here? 'Moonshield' opens with a beautiful harmonized acoustic riff before opening up on a song of startling melodies, with a folky/bouncing rhythm and powerful lyrical imagery. It slides into 'The Jester's Dance', an instrumental that displays an astounding melodic sensibility. 'Artifacts of the Black Rain' has classic, essential riffage, amazing song-writing, a smooth solo section, everything you could ask and hope for. 'Graveland' is a wonderful highlight, simply kicking ass and expressing some menacing lyrical ideas at the same time. The melodic groove of 'Lord Hypnos' seuges into a bombastic midsection of harmonized guitars, 'Dead Eternity' is layered and layered with juicy melodies, 'The Jester Race' is a mid-paced power-trip, 'December Flower' home of one the best solos in the history of music. 'Wayfaerer' is another instrumental that throws keyboards into the mix and simply floors you with it's melodies. 'Dead God in Me' has the most infectious riffage you will ever hear. Overall, 'The Jester Race', in my opinion, totally deserves all the praise it has given. Metal has simply never been this, well, melodic, not in such a detailed and cleanly executed way. It has never had such consistant quality, it has never made such a clear and unified statement as it has on 'The Jester Race'. In Flames may be crashing and burning with current releases, but I will never forget that they once forged this melodic masterwork. An essential album for anyone, anywhere, at any time. I'm not going to hold current transgressions against the band, I'm just going to cosy up with their awesome back-catalogue. Get 'The Jester Race', because it really is that good. If you don't like it...you must have something wrong with ya. ;P
| Tracklist |
| 1. Moonshield |
| 2. The Jester's Dance |
| 3. Artifacts Of The Black Rain |
| 4. Graveland |
| 5. Lord Hypnos |
| 6. Dead Eternity |
| 7. The Jester Race |
| 8. December Flower |
| 9. Wayfaerer |
| 10. Dead God In Me |
: 40.10
| Buy other In Flames albums |
