In Flames, 'A Sense of Purpose' (Koch)
Long-suffering Swedish OGs of bummer-metal balladry.
By Aaron Burgess 05.15.08 2:34 PM
So many flat-ironed, guylinered brats have aped In Flames that you'd be forgiven for thinking this quintet's 18-year-strong trademark -- pummeling death metal infused with melancholy hooks -- originated on the Warped Tour circuit. A Sense of Purpose may not change that misconception: Whether raging full on ("Disconnected") or in a sullen, epic ballad ("The Chosen Pessimist"), there's a fine line between this stuff and Avenged Sevenfold or Atreyu. But for anyone skeptical of those other bands' originality, this could convince you that there's a difference worth noting.
