'Colony'. The album I didn't like that much in the past. Nowadays it sounds good in my ears. Maybe it is that, that In Flames are just a dull-edged "jump da fuck up" band these days, and I'm harking back to the days of yore. I gave this album a fair share of spins back in the end of the 1990s, but it didn't feel good apart from a few songs. In 2000, 'Clayman' got my attention and it was pretty much bye-bye for 'Colony'. The biggest hurdle with this album was, that I felt this was dull compared to their earlier material. In Flames had lost their sharpest vanguard for good in my opinion.
However, the passed years have opened my ears to hear, that 'Colony' is still a fine continuation of In Flames' masterful melodic Gothenburg metal. Death metal of the past haunted only in the form of growled vocals. Guitar riffage is pretty sturdy, and above it fly those fantastic lead guitars spellbinding a listener with epic, folky 'n' Scandinavian, catchy and lively nature. In Flames had created their trademark melodies a long time ago, and they are still sharp here. The rhythm section is simply heavy. Nothing outstanding in its performance, but it more than provides the backbone. The vocals are pretty varying. Growled, shouted, some cleanly sung... I have no slightest complain about the band's performance on any level. And when it's done energetic way like here... And individuality is another adjective I can come up with. Simply put, when it works, it works!
'Embody the Invisible', 'Scorn', Zombie Inc.', 'Coerced Coexistence', 'Insipid 2000' are clear continuation from 'Whoracle' (1997) era In Flames with those trademark melodies and harmonies, with irresistible drive leading it all. Million times copied by others, only the originators can come up with goods. 'Ordinary Story' shows the band's pop music influences with its electric piano work, but we should not forget that it was still forged into metal music (remember the Depeche Mode cover on 'Whoracle', eh?!). Synthesizer work includes different electronic bleeps and such, piano and Hammond stuff, and all these varying things fit perfectly into the songs. 'Colony' includes acoustic folky guitar work, another In Flames trait. 'Pallar Anders Visa' is an acoustic folk interlude, which feels to be out of place to tell the truth. Pure In Flames, but the song is totally loose in this context. 'Resin' is a celebration of folky melodies, and works perfectly here. Another out-of-place song is the remake of 'Behind Space', which is well enough done, but why it's featured here is beyond my understanding! 'The New Word' is somewhat lame ending for this album, even though it includes some hectic finger-tapping soloing. More epic ending would have been in order.
The production is hard-hitting and very well balanced, so that the elements have their places. The soundscape is rich. It still sound good, after nine years. The cover artwork continues magnificent Andreas Marschall trend, but the booklet looks damn boring otherwise. Well, inspecting the cover painting while listening to the music is all I need. Lyrics deals with the ultimate question behind the existence in different ways.
In Flames were able to stretch their trademark style pretty wide and on this album unfolded it further than ever before. They knew what they were doing, unlike at some turning point of their career... With all the skill, still there's two songs that feel totally out of place. 'Colony' is the small brother of 'Whoracle', and still metal to the bone. By the way, I'm not liking this just because the band are now what they are!
Rating: 8+ (out of 10)Reviewed by Lane
06/27/2008 12:14
Follow-up from the classic 'Whoracle' release back in 1997, 'Colony' has a little bit of a better recording quality than it's previous output, but the guitar riffs aren't as memorable. The throat is still high-end screaming by Anders which definitely fits the music, both clean tone rhythm guitar and heavier crunch tone distortion. A lot of the songs feature a combination of the 2 types of guitar work with a different tuning than 'Whoracle'. Instead of being in C, they are in A#.
There is less lead guitar work and more of a focus on milder tempos including acoustic medleys with a lot of aura behind them. I'd say that after their next album entitled 'Clayman' (2000), I lost interest in the band because they changed their style of music too much to the point to where I'd just want to say that they (like many other bands) sold out. I don't feel that way about 'Colony' because it's still within the melodic death metal category. Even though there are some songs with clean throat also, they still maintained themselves into being true to their roots.
The guitar riffs are at a milder tempo, but they still have some aggression behind the music whereas on 'Clayman', it's a little "happier" sounding. Noteworthy guitars, same lyrical concepts i.e. astronomy and fantasy, plus music that only features solid melodic death metal. This album is slower than 'Whoracle' in terms of the tempos, but like I previously said a solid release within the metal genre. A lot of chord progressions, some tremolo picked riffing (but not as much as 'Whoracle'), and a milder vibe to the music.
'Whoracle' was way more noteworthy than this one and I was surprised that it got a lower overall rating than 'Colony'. It was probably due to the recording quality (like I said) and a more solid drum work than it's predecessor. I'd have to say that I liked 'Whoracle' more, but I'm not saying that it's a total waste to pick up this album for yourself. It's definitely vintage In Flames, just milder and still featuring some form of aggression to the music.
In summation, 'Colony' is definitely an album get if you're a melodic death metal freak like me. As I previously stated, it's not as noteworthy as 'Whoracle', but it's still good musical outputs and overall musicianship by the band. Strange tuning on the guitars though, but they still kick butt with the rhythms. I think that a combination of clean/distorted guitar riffing was well put out here, but not as good as 'Whoracle' or even before that 'The Jester Race' (1996).
Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained
Reviewed by Death8699
01/13/2013 13:59
