Frantic metal band
In Flames can deliver a good melody around the militaristic, precision drumming of Daniel Svensson and the occasionally guttural yelps of frontman Anders Frid?n. Whether it's a tight, polished effort like "
The Mirror's Truth" with traces of classic metal ? la Iron Maiden or especially Judas Priest,
In Flames definitely bring
a sense of purpose to this record. From there, the group increase the Metallica-ish franticness with "
Disconnected" that relies on heavy guitar riffs but a far lighter, almost airy chorus and bridge. This is improved upon later on the album as "
I'm the Highway" takes the record to another level. Probably the heaviest track is "
Condemned", that again is driven by Svensson and the guitar tandem of Jesper Str?mblad and Bj?rn Gelotte. These less intense moments are rarities, though, as "
Sleepless Again" almost contains slight "emo" characteristics throughout. The group truly strike gold with the deliberate but delectable "
Alias" that brings to mind classic Led Zeppelin in the various twists and turns it takes. Following a beefy, brawn-saturated "
Move Through Me",
In Flames save the crowning achievement for the lengthy, winding "
The Chosen Pessimist", which opens like a reflective, introspective piece of music by Sigur R?s before finding its way effortlessly.
In Flames continue to make their mark by being rooted in a strong metal or hard rock foundation but being musically and creatively inquisitive enough to seek out something more.
A Sense Of Purpose review by allmusic.com