Customer Reviews

Colony (Dlx)

5 star:		(103)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

IN FLAMES - Colony
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In the Swedish market place there are countless great melodic-death acts, In Flames is no exception. Colony, to me, is really the obvious progression after their last release, taking the melody one step further with this album... but under NO Circumstances selling-out. It's called progression folks... I also love their older works. [Jester's Race is likely my favorite IF album.]

From the opening track of `Embody the Invisible' onwards the listener is captivated by their ability to mix pure brutality and melody. Luckily this does not let up... every song is equally amazing. They also re-did, one of my favorite songs, Behind Space (Which was originally off Lunar Strain) with Anders on the Vocals.
Bjorn and Jesper are one of the best guitar duo's that have ever graced the Metal World. Peter's Bass is low and rumbling and provides a great back drop for the guitars. Daniel's Drumming is perfectly calculated... he is able to use simplistic (yet by no means do I mean Simple) drumming styles and always seems to add the right touch to the songs. Then of course you have Anders, whose voice (Prior to this point in their career.) sounds better than ever.
[Also after seeing the band live the other night I could not believe how good of a Vocalist he really is... Amazing!]

No matter what your feelings are of newer In Flames, Colony is an amazing album which is highly recommended for any fans of Melodic Death. It is probably the best of the `old vs. new' In Flames war. Also make sure to check out their previous work, Jester's Race, and Whoracle. After these albums came Clayman, (Also great.) Reroute to Remain, (Different but good.) Soundtrack to Your Escape, (Less a few good songs it is easily their weakest.) and also their Latest, Come Clarity (Which is there best since the Colony/Clayman days)

Favorite Songs: Behind Space 99, Embody the Invisible, Insipid 2000, and Zombie Inc.
-5 Stars


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This was my first In Flames album, and it remains second only to The Jester Race as my favorite album by this talented Swedish band. I don't think there's a single bad track on it, but "Ordinary Story" is the one that gets most of my attention. It has very poignant lyrics, which are delivered flawlessly over some great guitar work.

I'll be riding in my truck with other people and be playing In Flames. These folks are typically unaware of the band's existence; typically, they're nu-metal or 1991-onward Metallica buffs, and they ask me, "what the hell do you see in these guys? This all sounds like noise." For those types, In Flames is an inexplicable musical experience. Even for myself, they were more of an acquired taste. But listening to albums like this makes one realize that nu-metal is repetitive and bland, and melodic music like that of In Flames is where true talent lies. The sound isn't for everyone, as the Gothenborg sound can be overwhelming to 'easy listening' (like Metallica's ReLoad) fans. But if you can see the excellence that lies beneath the gruff sound of the guitars, the overpowering precision of the drums, and the raspy vocals, then you're going to love Colony.

Fantastic! What else words can describe this total masterpiece? The last work of these swedish metallers who created the new movement of "power-death metal" some years ago with a little disc called "Lunar Strain" is simply the essence of aggressive melody. The opener "Embody the Invisible" make you to bang your head 'til destruction, while the wonderful "Ordinary Story", for which In Flames recorded a videoclip, is a magic experimental song, where Anders Friden tests his beautiful clean voice. Passing by "Scorn" (great the filter effects on screamy voice!), 'til another masterpiece, the title track "Colony", where they also use an Hammond organ during the introduction creating a strange but wonderful Black Deep Purple effect. Zombie Inc. is another fantastic song, my favourite on this album!Ok, I think it's useless to write a report of the eleven songs contained in the CD, I can just say that if you like melodic music, but you also appreciate classic black metal vocals (why somebody tells Anders Friden has death voice???), well, you've found your group...allright, what the hell are you waiting for? BUY IT

"Colony" just like all the previous releases from In Flames is a masterpiece. Since their earlier works, In Flames has developed a unique sound that places them in a heavy metal category of their own. A style of metal, may I add, that perfectly combines melody to the rhythm that normally defines Death or Heavy Metal in general, therefore you have the term Melodic Death metal which I like to use.

Compared to their first two albums "Whoracle" and "Colony" do emphasize more on melody, the latter less than the former. However you don't have to worry, the combination of melody with rhythm os just perfect. I would recommend "Lunar Strain" or "The Jester Race" if you are more into death metal like many american metalheads are.

This album opens with the amazing "Embody The Invisible". A really strong track that In Flames opens their concerts with often. It is song that really kicks ass. I go insane everytime I hear it. "Ordinary Story" is by far the most famous track in this album. One of my favourite songs here. It starts with this drum beat and the riff kicks in. Amazing song. It is the song I play for those who have not heard In Flames before, so I agree with the band that it is the best song for a video in this album. Another favourite of mine is the title track "Colony". The riffs are just amazing. I don't understand how this band manages to keep such a low profile in america. They are thousands of times better than any american band that is making it big in the states. "Zombie Inc." and "Coerced Coexistence" deserve special mention too because of the intensity and raw emotion I get when listening to them. I love this album too much. Even though it is not my In Flames favourite. But I love them all. In Flames is definitely one of the best bands in the world.

The album also contains a remake of their song "Behind Space" which is a timeless classic in this area of metal. "Cololny" however did not need it to be a strong album unlike many bands that need to remake their more famous songs in order to remain famous.

In Flames is an amazing band and I urge you to at least try their music out because I know you will love this band afterwards. A true gift from the heavens.

Ratings on Amazon tend to be inflated; I guess people typically review what they are interested in (and hence usually like). But I had never listened to In Flames before this album. I can't think of anything to compare it to. The music is extremely heavy, yet melodic and uplifting. Production is very clear, and the songs are varied and distinct. Fun to listen to, and very high-energy. It may not satisfy death metal purists (not evil-sounding) but forget categories, this is good stuff . I imagine it could be popular if the band got more exposure. The only weak point is the lyrics; although the subject of the songs is worthy they are a bit weird; you can tell they don't speak English too well. But with their sound, who cares.

The title of this review is an excellent description of this CD. In the 90's, most fans were complaining of the sad state of extreme metal until the release of At The Gates' "Slaughter of the Soul". This album held up the genre through the rest of the decade. A band so powerful, talented, and passionate is a very rare find in today's world.
As far as the music goes, it is like an extreme metal library. Speed meets thrash, and easy listening meets death metal, all at the same time on this album. Starting from the ultra-powerful opener, "Embody The Invisible", the CD does not let up until the 6th track, "Pallar Anders Visa". And that breather lasts about 1:30. The assault of constant galloping rythyms, melodic guitars, earthshaking bass, and extreme vocals just doesn't let up. This is a death/thrash metal fan's fantasy.

#1): "Embody The Invisible": A perfect opener. Ultra-heavy drumming meets melodic guitars and a rumbling bass, with shredded-throat vocals. This track is a great way to get the listener's attention from the get-go. 9/10

#2): "Ordinary Story": A much lighter track, with some choppy transitions, but otherwise still powerful. One of the best on the CD. 10/10

#3): "Scorn": Follows the blueprint of the previous two tracks. Faster than the previous two as well, and a much better bass pattern. 10/10

#4): "Colony": Still a heavy song, but much lighter and slower than the first three tracks. A highly addictive guitar riff highlights this track. 9/10

#5): "Zombie, Inc.": The heaviest track on the CD, and also the longest. By far the best. Crushing percussion, melodic guitars, and harsh, extreme vocals highlight this track. 10/10

#6): "Pallar Anders Visa": A good breather after track 5. A simple acoustic passage thats about 1:40. Easy listening, but a surprisingly welcome addition to this CD. Some might think thats it's pure filler, though. 9/10

#7): "Coerced Coexistance": This is like "Scorn" meets "Zombie Inc.". A surprising mix of sounds that turns up a relatively decent song. 8/10

#8): "Resin": Pure-bred POWER. This is the most aggressive song. It's like a slower "Zombie, Inc." with a snare drum that sounds like a shotgun. The guitars are what really make this track. 9/10

#9): "Behind Space '99": A very haunting start, but leads into a very, very fast song. The fastest on the CD, but not one of the best. 8/10

#10): "Insipid 2000": Faster than all the songs except track 9. A very good rythym highlights this track. 8/10

#11): "The New World": A slow and very heavy closer. A good way to close this power-show out. 9/10

Overall, this album proves itself to be a melodic death masterpiece, and personally, I think it is In Flames' best. Get it now if you like metal. It will be a staple of your collection for years to come.

In Flames is one of those bands that comes along every now and then that not only changes your views on music, but life in general. Whenever I listen to Colony, I feel refreshed, reborn, and ready to tackle anything life throws my way. I can't describe how perfect this album is - it has EVERYTHING a good metal album should: awesome vocals, harmonic yet still intense guitars, a KILLER drummer and the most vicious bottom-heavy monster of a sound you've ever heard. If you're a metal fan and you don't have this album, go do yourself a favor and get in touch with what modern metal is for this century - IN FLAMES. This album and band are simply beyond words.

children of bodom were the band that really introduced me to melodic death, so i decided id try some other bands and i picked up colony. this cd blew me away, i am definately not used to hearing modern metal, much less modern music, with talent. even though for a long time i was not a fan of the death metal screaming vocals, i am really broadening my horizon. i still love old metal such as iron maiden, judas priest, metallica, slayer, led zeppelin, black sabbath, etc. but i love this stuff too. any fan of classic metal should by all means give melodic death like this, lamb of god, children of bodom, etc. a listen. my fav songs are embody the invisible, ordinary story, zombie inc, and coerced coexistence. great cd, highly reccommeded for any metal fan. STAY AWAY FROM MODERN (...) METAL SUCH AS: kittie, papa roach, limp bizkit, linkin park(as if they can even be considered metal in any way), korn, etc.

I picked this up one evening while recovering from a sinus infection, in dire need of finding new music to listen to, having thoroughly exhausted my collection while in bed. I had heard that a band from Sweden, In Flames, had released one of the years best cds, entitled Clayman. I searched for Clayman and was unsuccessful in locating it. I did however stumble upon this and a copy of Hypocrisy's latest album.

When I popped this into the cd changer, I was amazed at how talented these guys are. The guitars weave melodies intricately, flowing over some amazing basslines and drumwork. Just listen to the opener Embody The Invisible. The way the guitars weave such beautiful sounds over such furious drums is simply astounding. I personally think Flames' drummer is one of the more talented percussionists I have heard. And of course, the amazing vocals of Anders Friden, who goes from a high growl to a more guttaral sound, and manages to sound great. Standout tracks: Embody The Invisible, Colony, Zombie Inc.

If you like the melodic-death style, I reccomend Dark Tranquillity and Tiamat, they are both beautiful!!

P.S. As for all the "deathheads" who say this band isnt hard enough, I am a huge fan of such "brutal" bands like Exhumed, Deicide, and Nile, yet this cd is still very enjoyable to me. Bottom line, no matter what is said, you must try this out if youre a serious metal fan.

P.P.S. Hypocrisy hasnt gotten much attention yet, this cd is playing too much!!

I already own The Jester Race and Clayman and I am definitly a huge fan of In Flames. My first cd was Clayman and it definitley got me into the band. The Jester Race had a celtic feel yet a deep rage that gave the cd the power that it had. Simply amazing. Now I add Colony to my collection and Lunar Strain/Subterannean is in the mail.

Colony did not dissapoint me. In Flames doesnt show an signs of spreading too thin. Each song has its own fresh feel and are very innovative. The Jester Race's music was amazing and intricate but Friden didnt change up the vocals through the whole cd as he did on Clayman. I like to see some range. Colony they keep the hard riffs and of course genious guitar by Stromblad, but also Friden has his high growl and trade-mark death growl. Even in "Ordinary Story" he has a soft spoken passage. Each song is unique and the vocals are some of Fridens best.

As for songs on the CD to look for, almost the whole cd is pefect. "Ordinary Story has a great piano in the backround and also keeps up giving a strong chrous with trade-mark In Flames metal. Then comes "Scorn", one of my favs on the cd. They definitly have those double bass drums in there and Stromblads guitar work is amazing. The distorted voice Friden uses gives a nice touch as well. Then my definite favorite on the CD is "ZombieInc". It has a strange begining but once the song begins, In Flames comes together to blend their trademark chugging guitar riffs and the melodic guitar almost perfectly. Fridens top notch on this as well. I wont let it go by without saying Iwers is one of the best Bassists ive heard. He keeps a great rhythem.

This is definitly my second favorite cd in my In Flames library (Clayman just keeps my with "Only for the Weak" my current fav =D). Melodic death metal at its best. These guys open a whole new world. I hope to god they never go mainstream and stay the way they are, and of course the famous quote "Species come and go, but the Earth stands forever fast...". In Flames I hope will be here for a long time.