Black & White--RealAudio

The band dabbles with some different styles on this disc, and while there are moments that their patented melodic-death sound comes through, some of what they've done is quite a deviation from expectations. Getting right to the point, a lot of the melodic, swift & intricate feel is missing, and often in its place is a chunky, bobbing sound that can almost be categorized with some of today's "nu-metal". Many of the chorus sections display features that you may hear on your local U.S. radio stations (and that's not a compliment, by the way). The vocals in the verses will keep the band from any sort of sheep-following breakthrough here in the States, but the simple fact that they've considered a move in this particular direction is a bit disturbing. There's nothing wrong with change, guys, but does it have to be by way of simplicity?
Good chops highlight the title song, and there are fair shares of adrenaline in "System". Some good mid-track riffage is on display with "Egonomic", and both "Trigger" and "Free Fall" are strong as well.
Numerous tracks will feature nice chops and/or some chunky and thick chord work, only to give way to nu-tendencies. Some examples would be "Drifter", "Cloud Connected", "Transparent", and "Black & White". All contain some good music, and overall they are decent enough songs... but longtime Flames' fans will likely find themselves double-checking the CD booklet the first few spins through.

TRACK LIST: Reroute to Remain/System/Drifter/Trigger/Cloud Connected/Transparent/Dawn of a New Day/Egonomic/Minus/Dismiss the Cynics/Free Fall/Dark Signs/Metaphor/Black & White