The Tokyo Showdown

Let's go back to Japan for some Live records this week. First up is some more of that Swedish Metal goodness. In Flames along with other Swedes At The Gates and Dark Tranquillity helped pioneer what would become to be known as the Gothenburg Sound in the early and mid '90's. In fact In Flames and Dark Tranquillity swapped vocalists in the early days. Formed in '90, In Flames has consistently been a figure in the Metal scene and now is more featured in the mainstream Rock/Alternative scene, evolving their sound from their classic sound to a more modern refined Rock approach that has left many longtime fans alienated.

For a band that's been around nearly 25 years now, the band has only one official Live release. That release is the '01 effort 'The Tokyo Showdown'. Recorded over the Japanese tour in November of 2000, this album captures what is pretty much the last of the classic sound before the evolution began. Fifteen tracks that cover their albums, 'Clayman', 'Colony', 'Whoracle' and 'The Jester Race'. Clocking in a just about an hour long, this gives the listener a rare glimpse into an In Flames Live show. The audio for me on this is a bit sub par and really could've been better. After all this is a Live record.

Of course in recent years In Flames has become a pale comparison of what they used to be. Their latest effort, 'Siren Charms' is for me just a staple of all the bland modern Rock that mainstream radio currently plays. Sadly the band doesn't seem to keen on revisiting the early days and sound of the band anytime soon. I've gotten the chance to see In Flames twice now. Once opening for Slayer in support of their 'ReRoute To Remain' album and then again in '08 as part of the Gigantour tour. Both times the band has been solid Live. Loads of energy on stage and cranking through sets and taking names. A lot of people, including myself, would love for a return to the old sound, but I don't see that happening. This however is a good reminder of what the band used to be like.

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