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                                                                                                                             In Flames

                                                                                                                            Title: I , The Mask

                                                                                                                            Label: Nuclear Blast

                                                                                                                            Release Date: 1st March 2019

I, Mask is Swedish Melodic Metal Core In Flames 13th Album and what an absolute belter this is!

I would say this is possibly the Bands most intense release to date, from the opening “Voices” the fierceness and deepness on this opener carry’s on throughout this twelve-track jewel of twenty first century Metal behemoth!

The title track follows which has already been released and given fans a taster of what is to follow as with the simply superb “I Am Above” a track I can’t get enough off, the Video that accompanies this song features famous Swedish actor Martin Wallström ("Mr. Robot"). The video takes place in a pitch-black room with Martin who eerily lip syncs the metal ballad with expressive facial gestures that capture the song's emotions.

 

In between these two tracks we get the bruising “Call my Name” I just love the passion and feeling in this track as Anders Fridén commands you to “Call my Name”. One of the most stunning songs on here must be the simply inspiring and deep “Follow Me”, this song personally means a lot to me and I am sure it will to anyone who has suffered, been hurt and let down in this thing we call life, the Guitar solo melts the ice caps and your heart, simply sublime. (This is our) house has to be played live, this is a fist punching head banging anthem as these Swedes don’t and won’t back down! “We will remember” and “In this life” continue to amaze as the meaningful lyrics continue to hit a nerve in this reviewer, you know I think this opus is the perfect gym buddy!

“Burn” inflames and brutalises your being this is vicious and unrepentant as this chugs and decimates you, love the technique and delivery on this one. “Deep Inside” has a middle eastern verve, I found this song quite mesmeric. Penultimate track “All the Pain” and the final song “Stay with me” are both moving and dig deep into your conscience. 

 

I can’t praise this release enough this is a deep, evocative and personal release the lyrics, the musician ship, goddam it everything is insanely and intensely fucking awesome, make sure you grab a hold of “I, Mask”. Intriguingly the Album artwork is created by artist Blake Armstrong and depicts a unique interpretation of the band's mascot, The Jesterhead. The story of the cover will be revealed via the full album artwork on March 1, which coincides with each song on this album.

 

Review: Seb Di Gatto            Score: 9.5/10

Reviewed:17/02/19

 

Track listing:                                            Facebook

1.Voices

2.I, The Mask

3.Call My Name

4.I Am Above

5.Follow Me

6.(This is our) House

7.We will remember

8.In this life

9.Burn

10.Deep inside

11.All the pain

12.Stay with me

 

 

Band Line up:

Anders Fridén

Björn Gelotte 

Niclas Engelin 

Bryce Paul Newman 

Tanner Wayne

 

The Metal Gods Meltdown

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