Colony

Colony is a fulfilling fourth album on which In Flames splendidly pulls together sharply chopping riffs, speeding powerful drums and striking, beautiful twin-guitar melody. A record that led the Gothenburg sound of the previous works to one of its peaks. Even beneath the fiercely roaring vocals, the guitar keeps drawing deep sorrow and powerful lift, creating a rich, sure emotional layer in the songs. A record on which the band’s mature ability is fully displayed. From the power of the speeding opening classic “Embody the Invisible” and the drama of “Ordinary Story” to the title track “Colony,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Zombie Inc.” and “Scorn” convey the work’s fullness. Precise, deft arrangement and a straight, powerful drive are united at an extremely high level, and the album moves strongly forward. An extremely important record that dug the rich expression of melodic death metal one step deeper. It inscribes one arrival point of the early masterpieces continuing from The Jester Race and Whoracle. In particular, its balance of melody and aggression gave immense influence to many later bands. A powerful, engaging masterpiece symbolizing the golden age of the Gothenburg sound — an essential record for fans.