Album Review: In Flames - Siren Charms

These Swedish metallers’ creative decline is well-documented, but having attracted a fresh crop of devotees during the past decade, any barbs likely bother them little. Some disgruntled long-timers will have already made up their minds before hearing a note; after snoozefest recent releases that’s understandable. Although stronger, this still becomes mired in tedious riffage and tepid choruses. Conversely, Everything’s Gone and its chugging groove bristles; singer Anders Fridén’s grasp of melody is more confident in With Eyes Wide Open. Female vocal-laden When The World Explodes convincingly straddles heaviness and ambience.