In Flames - Clayman 2020 EP
On Friday, July 24th, 2020, a special EP for the upcoming re-release of the legendary "Clayman" album which was originally released back in 2000. Many regards that album as one of the albums that pushed the Swedish, Melodic Death Metal sound forward and making that album (and style) so influential to so many up and coming bands in the early 2000s. With the 20th Anniversary remaster/release coming in August, In Flames released a special EP featuring all the re-recorded tracks on that anniversary release.
Many have already heard the single "Clayman" from the re-recorded session, this is the first time many have heard the other tracks and have these will leave older fans a little turned off while new fans might find these a little more enjoyable. The clear distinction of the re-recorded tracks, when compared against the original, is the energy that the songs present. The originals have a wave of anger to them but these new versions find a more jolly and happy band just playing their favorite tracks from the album. This might turn off old fans since, to many, the original album is near perfection. But what you are hearing is a band having fun with their material and playing it more maturely and even a little different; most notably is the vocals on tracks such as "Bullet Ride" which it's clean vocal approach.
Now is this a representation of the band? It is but in no way is a horrible reworking of the old songs, it paints a picture of a band who has matured, found more confidence in their performance, and ultimately just paying homage to a record made them so well known in the scene. The release is really a tease for the August release of the "Clayman" anniversary release, which will have all these songs as well, but you might find diehards passing on this release and playing the originals.