Admit it, expectations for the new In Flames disc were decidedly low, given the Swedes' recent track record of embracing nu-metalcore, in image and sound. Thankfully, after a 2 - 3 album sojourn, the melodic death metal they helped pioneer is prominent once again.

That's not to say the Flamers have forgotten what they learned from North America (for better or worse), as is evident on the staccato 'Leeches', surrounded by a swirl of electronic effects and a whiny, pedestrian 'Reflect The Storm'.

Unfortunately, this pair is up early, but the bulk of the 13 tracks are built around twin guitar harmonies and infectious choruses, even if some verses are delivered in a static, shouted manner. Certainly not Subterranean, or even Jester's Race, but Come Clarity could sidle into the back catalog as a worthy successor to Colony (ie. the album where they first glimpsed multinational stardom).

The songs are shorter (several under 3:30!), adding a sense of urgency, with the quick hitting 'Dead End' featuring guest female vocals. The acoustic guitar tinged title track will probably be the band's first stab at FM radio. 'Scream', while heavy, is a repetitive/simplistic throwaway track, but the later 2/3 of the album is strongest.

'Vacuum' rights the ship, sounding comfortably old-school (albeit with increasingly accessible vocal harmonies, come the chorus). 'Crawl Through Knives' (great visual imagery), features some nice guitar interplay, which is continued at the start of 'Versus Terminus' (another "old" sounding tune). 'Vanishing Light' has a lot of open space, no-vocal sections, allowing the guitars to dominate. Check out the intricacies at work beneath the main rhythm. 'Pacing Death's Trail' and 'Our Infinite Struggle' are noggin tottlers.

The closing 'Your Bedtime Story Is Scaring Everyone' is an experimental piece of theater. At 5:25 it's the longest track, utilizing radio static, piano and minimalistic tendencies. Vocals arrive only in the final 90 seconds. Strange way to end an aggressive album, but it couldn't have been placed elsewhere (apart from a CD single B-side).

Welcome back In Flames, skoal!

Mark Gromen - 8