In Flames's Reviews

Whoracle

(Average Rating: 8.98 out of 10)

An Overlooked Gem

(Rated this album with 10 out of 10)
Reviewed by Martin A. from Ferndale, Michigan United States

When Whoracle was released back in 1997, it was somewhat of a departure from 1995's The Jester Race. The celtic, middle Eastern influences on JR were reduced to a handful while the sound itself was a bit more streamlined and stripped down. Fortunately, In Flames hadn't (and IMO still hasn't) lost their edge with the album, and it IMO stands as one of their best releases overall.

Whoracle opens with the killer Jotun, with its incredibly powerful verses and rocking set of riffs (not to mention excellent use of tempo changes). Afterwards, we are treated to other melodic metal masterpieces such as the somewhat ballady Gyroscope, rocking instrumental Dialogue With The Stars, and epic Jester Script Transfigured (not to mention a somewhat disturbing title track). Even the famed Depeche Mode Cover (Everything Counts) is excellent thanks to a nice little beat and somewhat "piratey" chorus.

In Brief, Whoracle is not only one of In Flames' best albums, but also one of the most unfairly overlooked metal albums of the 90s. If you haven't picked it up already, you owe it to yourself to do so. You won't regret it.

Buy this album on Amazon at $14.99