(Rated this album with 8 out of 10) Reviewed by
seer___ rose
I LOVE CHANGE. And you should to. With this 2002 release, Reroute to Remain offered up a taste of the new In Flames. To get straight to the point, I call this my 2nd favourite In Flames release. . "System" has a standout riff with AMAZING lyrical arrangements. My only concern is the song begins with a frantic riff backed by manic vocals, only to cut abruptly into "...Slow I go" (thats irony), still....it derails a potentially classic song. 4/5 . "Drifter" from the get-go shows the old In Flames with their new muddy sound. Lots of melody here, a catchy chorus, and this time around much better musical arrangements than System (clean and death vocals complement eachother). 5/5 . "Trigger" a single, has a dreamlike chorus and thats about it....while the versus are playing, its like your waiting for the chorus to erupt! The clean vocals are MUCH better than SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR ESCAPE. As the vocals are very very well produced "Collect some stars to shine for you" 4/5 . "Cloud Connected" another single, showcases a little techno/dance music. "A True headbangers song". Over time however, it will not stand tall in the storm. Not saying the song is weak but any means, merely the best is yet to come! 4/5 . "Transparent" The heaviest song on the album, Drop D and extremely nu metal. It doesnt make me sick to my stomach, as some melody does exist. I usually skip over this track, but maybe.....it was poor track placement. Not a filler, a dark song.....just read the lyrics (perhaps the best on the album). "Spend more time with the broken, see what became of their mistake, and you'll know your lost when you feel transparent". 4/5 . "Dawn of a new day" is almost a breath of fresh air, from one extreme to the ballad on the album (another is "Metaphor" track 13". Beautifully written, devoid of any holes. This song is nearly complete. 4.5/5 . "Egonomic" Jumps back into high gear, with a thrashy number that could of been pulled of the "Colony" Record. This is the only song that doesnt take a 'breath' (nu-metal stop stars). Major riffs cut way this under three minute track. Definately reminiscent of Soilwork.....if you like this song, look into Soilwork. Again, the techno elements are evident, popping up in the ever so cathcy chorus... 5/5 . "Minus" Easily a song that could of replaced "Satelites and Astronauts" of Clayman. Again, a lot of melody here. 4/5 . "Dismiss the cynics" reminds me of "Transparent", in that, the intro is very muddy and heavy...THE BASS!!!! oh my god, intoxicating! In Flames, truly have accomplished a lot with Reroute, as many elements could very well be defined in this song. Again, the Keyboards build the song up, and perhaps give Reroute the "edge". 4.5/5 . "Free Fall" AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This should of been the first single! Quite amazing! Inspiring to say the least. Its beings with a "twinkle twinkle little star" feel to it, crunching into the best rock riff on the album. At this point....In Flames have already fulfiled every expectation. Note* My favourite lyrics exist here "Ill never seem to understand, the time the place and who I am, DEFINE away to stary alive, its like Im living a lie..." - Brilliant fadeout! 5/5 . "Dark Signs" A good song. Nothing special here. Very good in sections, just a boring chorus....However, as usual, half way through the song In Flames deliver some sweet guitar riffs. My least favourite on the album. The closest to "filler". 3.5/5. . "Metaphor" PERFECT TRACK PLACEMENT! There is nothing like an emotional ballad at the end of an album, and a classic one too. This made my Top 20 songs of all time, sitting in at no. 20 (smiles). "Let me in, Ill bury the pain". Simple but effective, Metaphor edges out "Dawn of a new day" and is a complete ballad. 5/5. . "Black and White" the albums closer, has patches of numetal headbanging, yet, Anders sounds like he is on drugs in this song... (u'll know what I mean in the softer parts - sounds disorientated). This song builds up every minute, with the late inclusion of keyboards. A good closer, not In Flames' best, yet, edges out "Bottled" "The new word" and "Dead god in me". 4.5/5 . "Reroute to Remain" the album opener, didnt interest me for reasons I cant explain. I guess.....it was a little slow for my liking. Although it has a killer riff, I know whats waiting and thats "System"....a better riff awaits! 3/5. . 14 songs of conscious insanity? Indeed. However, I felt the album could of done with 13. Just my opinion of course....it needed some tightening to be worthy of 5 stars, so Ive gave it 4.3/5. I am in favour of the "evolving" concept...With that said, for the diehards who like "The Jester Race" and "Whoracle", "Reroute to remain" is probably not for you. For those who welcome change in music and dont like "running in a wheel" hehe.....check out Reroute to Remain. Take if from me, listen for yourself, not just once and not just twice. It had taken me a good 30 spins to enjoy this album.
