1.-Moonshield
2.-The Jester's Dance
3.-Artifacts Of The Black Rain
4.-Graveland
5.-Lord Hypnos
6.-Dead Eternity
7.-The Jester Race
8.-December Flower
9.-Wayfaerer
10.-Dead God In Me

  

   In Flames releases The Jester Race a little after their Lunar Strain. Those songs, though having a unique sound and a very acceptable originality, still sounded like demos, lacking a good production. In this sophomore album, the production is excellent, and even though In Flames strays a little bit from the original path, they still manage to deliver one of the most impressive melodic death metal works that I have ever heard. This CD has everything: solid riffage and melodic and precise solos. Of course, In Flames defies song formula, and the listener doesn't have any other choice than to perceive the artistic way the songs are written, really well-balanced tracks that accomplish melody through music, never predictable but with each sound perfectly fitted. Any song shines through because of its uniqueness, without a really weak track. "Moonshield", "Artifacts Of The Black Rain" or "Lord Hypnos" are good examples of the average track: beatiful riffs that reach an epic climax with their almost unbearably fine solos, filled with streaks of sadness and greatness. Other are instrumental songs that don't need words to express what they want to transmit to the listener, like "Wayfaerer" or "The Jester's Dance". Being the guitar work the most prominent feature in the album, an ocassional keyboard and a solid drumming support the wholeness in the sound. Only the bass stays a little behind, not really having an outstanding moment in the CD.

  

   An imponent yet melodic sound that will undoubtedly become a classic because of its almost beyond comparison quality and fineness.

 

95 OUT OF 100