Entertainment

Andrew’s Judgmental Album Reviews: In Flames – Foregone (2023)

In Flames has a few newer pieces and a new album! Does it survive judgment?

Published

2 years ago

February 19, 2023

As we’ve established over the years, I tend to like my heavy metal fast, attacking, but with cleaner vocals. So any incarnation of Death Metal is either an acquired taste for me, or a listen at request of friends. In Flames, is definitely a band where friends have tried to turn me on to them. Admittedly, Clayman was a great album, but I found myself very hit and miss with them after that point.

This album however, started off with a strong single of Meet Your Maker and reminded me that Chris Broderick recently joined up with the band. Chris was the touring guitarist for Nevermore a few times and spent 7 years as the lead guitarist of Megadeth. So my bias for those bands helped to stoke the fires of interest. It is time to see if my dislike for the band is foregone conclusion; or if the judgment hammer will swing the other way!

In Flames is: Bjorn Gelotte (Lead Guitar), Anders Friden (Lead Vocals), Chris Broderick (Rhythm Guitar), Tanner Wayne (Drums). Bryce Paul (Bass)

Artist: In Flames
Album: Foregone (2023)
Label: Nuclear Blast
Total Track Time: 46:49

The Beginning of All Things That Will End is an acoustic and nearly bardic instrumental that kicks off the album. Somber, soothing, nice implementation of violin and what I believe sounds like a cello. Not how I anticipated things kicking off, but its beautiful and I’m not mad. State of Slow Decay immediately punches you in the mouth with crunchy rhythms, double bass and the quicker expected death metal instrumentation. Lyrically it analogizes the state of the world with slowly slipping through a portal to something worse. The slow decay where you can’t even necessarily recognize yourself anymore. While it doesn’t quite stick the landing, it was a fairly good song to get the blood flowing after the melodic opening song. Meet Your Maker is the most recent single from the album and it fuses the Death Metal backbeats with more Metalcore arrangements, including the pre-chorus and chorus being sung cleanly. Continuing the imagery of speaking your mind when things are coming to end, this sticks the landing much better. The color and tone are more rebellious and give the aura of fighting for something to believe in. Bleeding Out while it stays in the lyrical tone the album has set so far, this definitely is a miss. It feels like something that Bullet For My Valentine left on the cutting room floor and In Flames just decided to grab it up. Taking a slower tempo and feeling like “fighting to survive” it just struggles to really hit a groove with the arrangement.

Foregone Pt. 1 at least starts off promising, sounds like a Dethklok song. “And the world has closed its eyes, Mother time draws her final breath, The innocent washed away, The condemned, the dance of death”, not a new concept, but I just liked the phrasing of the chorus here. Interesting aspect with this song is its very fast and attacking, except for moments after the chorus. A quick like acoustic sound interlude the first time, and then the harmonic dual guitar breakdown is more mid tempo. So it sets up the verses well to stay aggressive by taking the foot off the gas just a little after choruses. Foregone Pt. 2 definitely has more of the Metalcore elements. It reminds me more of a God Forbid or All That Remains song. “Nothing is holy for the clouded eye, The tremors, the thunder, the lights go out, With all the lies, the ultimate consequence, We all know what’s the end of this route”, again, this is more of me just liking the lyric for this one. Given that it is the part two, the first being more aggressive and rebellious while the second is slower and coming to terms with the harsh reality; gives an imagery of both growing up and growing complacent. Which the past few years have been an odd combination of those for many of us.

Pure Light of Mind is a song I wanted to dislike immediately, but it really just strikes the right balance. Its definitely a little whiny/ballad-esque, but the imagery is cute in regard to someone being the thing that saved him. Getting pulled out of the darkness, walking a mile…its sweet without being too sappy. A weird balance I didn’t know if it would work, but I’m happy to say that I feel like it does. The Great Deceiver is sonically surprising. I wasn’t expecting a Demons & Wizards sounding song. This has an interesting mid verse tempo change before firing back into a pretty heavy and overall attacking sound. There is more complexity in this song than I was expecting, and I’m here for all of it. Which the complexity of the music fits the lyrics perfectly since its about all the fake news and false flags of the past few years. Just a damn great song from structure to lyrics, everything. In The Dark has a very dark, heavy, marching first half; “We have to fight through the shadows, I feel we’ve lost the spark, Ignite the dampened spirits, And build a brand new arc”. It has a weird little stripped down interlude before the first chorus, and I feel like that hurts the song a bit. If they kept the marching, dark, torrent of Soulfly-esque instrumentation; this would’ve been a great song. That little breakdown is either going to have to grow on me, or it ruined the song. A Dialogue in B Flat Minor is sadly a victim of saying too much of the same as the rest of the album. The lyrics aren’t as clever, and the inclusion of the Metalcore harmonies and tone isn’t doing anything for me except making me consider the skip button. So sufficed to say…the song falls flat.

Cynosure opens with a very prominent bass line akin to Aerials from System of a Down. It is more in the classic Heavy Metal variety, and its very interesting. The song doesn’t do too much, keeps you locked in with the rhythm section and is generally a little captivating with the simplicity. End the Transmission takes a little bit of a spin on the general tone of the album. Its not just about the decay of society, it very bluntly states humanity is a cancer, so we need to end the transmission. “We got to end the transmission, Nothing makes sense and we’re running out of graves, We got to end the transmission, Nothing makes sense and no one is listening”, this is a much more direct way of stating their point. Its got a fantastic groove for the chorus, while the verses are short and frustrated. Another song beautifully painted with the lyrics and musical accompaniment. Agree or disagree, there are valid points and the general feeling is shared by many of people.

I am pleasantly surprised with how little I disliked about this album. I have noticed that over the last few years my opinion on some the harsher vocal stylings I used to have disdain for; has lessened quite a bit. Plus I do always enjoy double meanings, and the fact that End the Transmission ends the album and the lyrics are talking more about ending the transmission of the cancer…its a nice play on words. I really can’t be too upset honestly. Two songs didn’t sit well with me at all, the two part Foregone song I feel is the type that needs to grow on you and In the Dark just makes me mad with the seemingly random breakdown.

All in all, its a solid album and gives me hope that In Flames are back on track to being a band I consider more hit than miss. Good stuff.

Final Judgment: 7.45/10

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Entertainment

Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/9/25)

June will be electric!

Published

2 days ago

May 9, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Prepare for the most electrifying even of the HPW calendar!

While the stage is set for Blood & Thunder 4 and the HPW World Trios Championships, HPW must also address the return of KAGE!

Thundra Plateau is ready.

Wrestling is Life, but life has its stormy weather. The rain is going to be hot in June, but will the reign continue through the Summer? The Dark Forces may have failed to take the Undisputed Triforce World Championship from Zelda, but they still have the World Trios Championships. Harlequin, Lupay & Glutko will step inside the double ring, double cage to defend their gold. On one side, Arrow Club’s special combination of Fin Balure, Torbevito & Bad Croc Scaly. On the other, a new combination of its own in Cia, Lana & Midna.

Speaking of Cia, Lana & Midna…

The three of them are together, dressed in workout attire, in what appears to be a dance studio. This is a collaboration stream for Midna and Lana as they’re both big presences on the internet, aka “influencers.” Lana and Midna wave and say hi, and they give introductions, including Cia, who is reluctant to be standing there. Cia doesn’t know why they need to do this. Lana says they have to improve their teamwork. They may have won against Los Taros Locos, but it was really sketchy there for a second. Midna adds that doing a dance routine together is great for their timing and coordination.

Cia says she didn’t mean that, she meant having to stream it! Oh, well obviously, combining Midna’s viewing audience with Lana’s, and HPW’s overall, this makes huge numbers! So? And huge money…! Cia raises her eyebrow and says, “Oh really?” The trio sets up, and Lana says obviously they first have to learn the steps. Midna brings up, “Wait, what song are we dancing to?” Oh, good point. Lana was thinking something from Lulu. Cia asks, “Lulu? From the Indigo-Go’s?” Midna says Lulu’s got a great solo album. Lana agrees! That’s so great that they like the same music. Cia isn’t as familiar with her solo stuff, so she’ll rely on them for this.

Lana suggests they go with Energetic Me. For one, it has the most energy, duh. And it still has a dance vibe, which is the whole point. Midna says she might’ve gone with Royal Discotheque or Ten Outta Ten, but she sees Lana’s point. Lana shows them the dance moves she has in mind. Left arm up, bent at the elbow, and the hand up against the side of the chest. Then they switch so the right arm goes up to mirror that position while the left hand goes back to the hip. Maybe add a little hip pop as that happens. Do that a couple times, and then turn to the right. This puts the left hand on the back of the hip, right hand on the back of the neck for a sexy pose.

Then you turn to flip it the other way, then do a 360 with a big neck whipping, hair flipping move. Then finish with feet apart and double V’s up by the eyes, maybe with a wink. Cia says, “Yeah, okay…” while Midna says, “I like it!” Midna says she’ll set up in the middle. Cia asks why Midna is in the middle, and Midna says it’s symmetry. She’s the tallest, Cia and Lana are about the same, it makes sense. Yeah, but it also means Midna is the center of attention. Well, that’s just coincidental. Lana says it doesn’t matter, the point is them doing it all in synch. Cia sighs and says, “Fine.” Midna is in the middle, Cia is on her right, and the music plays.

Left arm, right arm, left arm, right arm, pose to the right, pose to the left, 360 spin and neck whip, then double V. Midna nailed it, but Cia was lagging. Cia defends she was not, but Lana says it’s alright, they’ll just keep trying. They run through it a couple more times, they do tighten it up, and all three feel really good about how that went.

The Dark Forces are watching.

They aren’t impressed by the “little dance party.” Harlequin says the Faces of Evil are way better anyway. Especially with the classics like the Thriller dance and Macarena. Zant says, “The Macarena? Pfft, and people think I’m a dork…” Harlequin says, “Don’t you dare mock the Macarena!” Harlequin changes tabs on the computer and starts playing the song! After the introduction, he lifts his right arm up flat, then his left. Then he turns the right hand up, the left hand up, puts his right hand on his left shoulder, left hand on right shoulder, then moves right hand up behind his head, and then his left.

Now his arms crisscross, right hand on left hip and left hand on right hip, to then switch so right hand on right hip and left hand on left hip. And of course, he swivels his hips in one big circle to go with “HEY~ Macarena! AIGHT!” Zant rolls his eyes while Harlequin keeps going, jumping 90 degrees to his left. Ganon walks in, Ghirahim following behind, and he tells Harlequin to “turn that crap off.” Harlequin pouts but he does as told. Ganon seethes as he takes a seat in his big arm chair. “Needless to say… Wrestling is Life didn’t go how I’d hoped. What was Kage even doing there?! Did either of you have any idea he was going to betray us?!”

Zant and Ghirahim are a bit flustered. Zant isn’t even sure Kage was part of The Dark Forces at the time Ganon took ownership. He’d kinda gone rogue at some point, didn’t he? Ghirahim agrees, it didn’t seem like he was even aligned with Cia and the others. All the more reason for Kage to keep his nose out of Ganon’s business! If Kage cared about the Dark Forces, then he would’ve helped them fight back at HyruleMania, or any time since. Kage clearly just wants the title, same as Ganon, so he’s a dead man walking. Speaking of that… Where’s Kevin? He came back in April, why isn’t he here?

Somewhere dark and spooky…

Heavy footsteps can be heard echoing as Kevin Gibdo moves down the hallway. He speaks with a low, airy voice, “Majora… Your madness… spread like wildfire… You thought by setting me ablaze… I would crumble into ash… You were wrong! Instead, I have been purified…! Purged of flaws and weaknesses… I now come forth… as gold!” There’s a light at the end of the hall, and Kevin enters a grand hall, with treasure gleaming in the light. At the center is the sarcophagus. Kevin walks up to it, opens it, and then his burnt and tattered bandages fall away before he steps inside. The sarcophagus closes, then the eyes on it begin to glow… Then the entire thing glows!

The glowing becomes a shining light, and that shining becomes so bright that nothing can be seen. It is clear things between Kevin and Majora are not over. Will the Masked Monster even stand a chance once the Gibdo of All Gibdos is restored to full strength?

Back to the Dark Forces…

Shabonne says, “I’m sure Kevin is just fine doing whatever Gibdos do on their time off.” Tali says, “What matters is what I’m about to do to that tiny little weasel with the Goddess Championship. If The Dark Forces is gonna have all the gold, then I need to squash her like a bug and take that title off of whatever’s left!” Ganon nods and says he likes the initiative. Tali will start on her own Triple Crown as the Dark Forces will make Hyrule Pro-Wrestling their kingdom! The group cheers while raising a toast! And then Harlequin gets Glutko and Lupay to join in on the Macarena, to which Ganon groans and facepalms.

And so, the ThunderStruck card is set!

The double ring, double cage will rattle with Blood & Thunder as the HPW World Trios Championships are on the line! The Gerudo Ace looks to settle a grudge with the Hero’s Shadow! And now, the Million Rupee Championship and HPW Goddess Championships will also be on the line! Will the Dark Forces absolutely dominate the Summer? Be ready to endure the heat on Friday, June 20th!

About Chairshot Radio Network

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Bandwagon Nerds

Bandwagon Nerds #287: Filling A Void

The Nerds review Thunderbolts*, check out the latest trailers, and celebrate Star Wars Day as only they can!

Published

7 days ago

May 5, 2025

PC Tunney

The Bandwagon is stripped down this week as Dave and PC Tunney helm the ship for a big week in the Nerdosphere. Naturally, we are covering Thunderbolts as Dave, Tunney (and the rest of the Bandwagon, for that matter) all saw the latest entry into the MCU. What was the consensus, and did the longest post-credit scene in MCU history push the Universe in the right direction? In other MCU News, we discovered why Hawkeye had no second season. From there, the guys head into the Trailer Park to look at the latest, including a sizzle reel for Netflix’s TUDUM event, Dwayne “The Rock ” Johnson’s latest movie, The Smashing Machine, and a very creepy look at Weapons. GTA 6 got delayed, again….but could that be a blessing in disguise? But this Episode was recorded on Star Wars Day, and to commemorate the event, Dave tries his best to convince Tunney to watch Andor, while Tunney tells Dave what he likes most about one of the most successful franchises of all time. All that, plus Dave tells you why The Last of Us is the best show anywhere on TV. Dave & Tunney cover a lot of ground in an action-packed episode of BWN, so make sure you tune in!

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About Bandwagon Nerds

Join Patrick O’Dowd, David Ungar, PC Tunney, Rey Cash, and DPP as they keep everyone up on all things nerd and maybe add some new nerds along the way. It’s the Bandwagon Nerds Podcast!