About this album
Where they were
Released in 2011, 'Sounds of a Playground Fading' is In Flames' tenth studio album, marking a significant shift in their sound towards a more melodic and atmospheric approach. This release followed the departure of guitarist Jesper Strömblad, impacting the band's dynamics and songwriting direction as they sought to redefine their identity in the evolving metal scene.
Why it matters
'Sounds of a Playground Fading' debuted at number 28 on the Billboard 200, showcasing In Flames' sustained popularity in the metal genre. The album's blend of melody and heaviness received mixed to positive reviews, but it notably influenced emerging metalcore bands, reflecting the continued evolution of melodic death metal.
Essential tracks
- "Deliver Us" — This track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of despair and resilience, featuring powerful riffs paired with poignant lyrics.
- "Where the Dead Ships Dwell" — With its haunting melodies and emotional depth, this song showcases In Flames’ ability to combine heaviness with introspective lyricism.
- "Ropes" — A standout for its rhythmic complexity and lyrical vulnerability, 'Ropes' highlights the band’s transitional sound while retaining their signature intensity.
- "A New Dawn" — 'A New Dawn' serves as an anthem of renewal, blending melodic hooks with a driving rhythm that exemplifies the album's overarching themes.
Release Date
January 1, 2011
Artist Origin
Sweden
Tracklist
- 1 Sounds of a Playground Fading 4:44
- 2 Deliver Us 3:30
- 3 All for Me 4:31
- 4 The Puzzle 4:34
- 5 Fear Is the Weakness 4:07
- 6 Where the Dead Ships Dwell 4:27
- 7 The Attic 3:18
- 8 Darker Times 3:25
- 9 Ropes 3:42
- 10 Enter Tragedy 3:59
- 11 Jester’s Door 2:38
- 12 A New Dawn 5:52
- 13 Liberation 5:10
