Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
In Flames
Title
Siren Charms
Type
LP/EP
Company
Sony Music
YOR
2014
Style
Progressive
10/20/2014 - Review by: Frank Hill

In Flames
Siren Charms

Company: Sony Music
Release: 2014
Genre: Progressive
Reviewer: Frank Hill

  • Doesn't sit alongside the best of their catalog



  • Anders Fridén's voice, whether soft or abrasive, has always appealed to me. The debate over early melodic death versus latter synth-soaked (or even Americanized -core) sounding In Flames was never an argument I'd join in since he has been a part of all eras of their output. He is the center of which all else revolves. Really, I just like the guy.

    What's missing from Siren Charms is a substantive instrumental compliment to the strong pathos of his vocals and the often obtuse lyrics. For the better half of the album, the lead melodies don't wring my emotions nor do the underlying riffs go along any paths that haven't already been worn down by their prior output. I like to have that with an In Flames record since they've already shown, multiple times, the capabilities of being a trend-setting band. Since Anders is more in focus, the overall result is a tamer release that's more introverted than aggressive; more progressive than thrashy.

    Siren Charms isn't a bad In Flames record, but it also doesn't sit alongside the best of their catalog.


    • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
      3 :AVE RATING

    ALL REVIEWS FOR: IN FLAMES
    TITLE
    DOR
    COMPANY
    REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
    A Sense of Purpose
    2008
    Nuclear Blast
    Frank Hill6/12/2008
    3
    Battles
    2016
    Nuclear Blast
    Eric Compton1/19/2017
    3
    Come Clarity
    2006
    Ferret Records
    Frank Hill3/8/2006
    -
    Lunar Strain/Subterranean (Reissues)
    2005
    Candlelight
    Eric Compton6/17/2005
    -
    Reroute to Remain
    2002
    Nuclear Blast
    Frank Hill2/4/2003
    4
    Reroute to Remain
    2002
    Nuclear Blast
    Guest1/21/2003
    4
    Siren Charms
    2014
    Sony Music
    Frank Hill10/20/2014
    3
    Sounds of a Playground Fading
    2011
    Century Media
    Eric Compton8/5/2011
    3.5
    Soundtrack to Your Escape
    2004
    Nuclear Blast
    Greg Watson4/30/2004
    -
    The Mirror's Truth
    2008
    Nuclear Blast
    Frank Hill3/14/2008
    4
    Trigger EP
    2003
    Nuclear Blast
    Frank Hill2/20/2004
    -

    ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: IN FLAMES
    INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE
    Anders FridenGreg Watson7/9/2004


    << back >>