Album Review: In Flames - Siren Charms

If there is a band that is a better example of the dangers that come with artistic evolution in the world of metal, I don't know of them.  In Flames has, over the course of their career, inspired more venomous rage amongst their fans than anyone this side of Metallica.  After pioneering melodic death metal with their early releases, they did the natural thing and changed course as they got older.  At first they dipped their toe into the sounds of nu metal, but quickly moved on to a mix of modern rock and sinewy guitar riffs that was more befitting a band of their age.

Throughout these shifts in sound, fans screamed with every album's release, demanding In Flames return to what they used to be.  Of course, the band's profile only grew, which had to be a sort of vindication.  By the time "Sounds Of A Playground Fading" came out, the usual chorus was worn out enough to admit that In Flames had found a good balance with their music.  That record was, to my ears, exactly what In Flames was aiming for, and was a record with slick guitar work and some captivating melodies.  It did border on pop at moments, but the juxtaposition of that with the heavier moments made the record work.

"Siren Charms" continues In Flames' evolution as a melodic metal band, free of their death metal roots.  It is also a significantly weaker record than the one it follows.  Whereas the previous record featured half a dozen songs with massive sing-along choruses, "Siren Charms" is a far more downbeat, introverted record.  These are not songs that are engaging, that want you to interact with them.  This is a record made for the songwriters, with the kind of dull melodies that don't translate to anyone but the writer.

Lead single "Rusted Nail" received terrible reviews from the online populace, but it is one of the better songs on the entire record.  It lacks the punch and immediacy of "Deliver Us" from the last album, but it has a solid enough hook, even if the song drags a little bit too much.  That complaint can be registered against most of the album, which sounds like a collection of B-sides from the last few records.  None of these songs boast the kinds of hooks, be it vocal or guitar, that make you sit up and take notice.

The record isn't a total loss, but there just isn't enough here to make it worth listening to more than once.  "Sounds Of A Playground Fading" might not have been what people wanted or expected from In Flames, but even many of the people who hate that album would still admit that the band was writing some solid songs.  That can't be said this time, and the blame has to fall on the shoulders of singer Anders Frieden.

Guitar wise, there's not much to separate this record from the last one.  The riffs follow the same patterns, and the tone is the same clean yet gritty wall that we've come to expect.  Where the album falls short is with the vocals, and not because of the prominence of clean tones.  In Flames is becoming more and more melodic with every album, but part of being melodic is having great melodies.  Anders doesn't provide enough of them for these songs to come to life.  They are flat, and as such the entire album comes across feeling lackluster. 


"Siren Charms" is a record that won't get the same level of hate as In Flames' past work, but only because so many have already given up on them.  I was on board with the band last time, but this album lost me.  The style is fine, and I know In Flames can do it well, but this just isn't interesting music in any way, shape, or form.

Chris C

Music Reviewer

Chris is a professional intellectual. He graciously shares his deep thoughts on the world of music with the world. You're welcome.