Sounds of a Playground Fading
by In Flames
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. BBC Music
    Jul 12, 2011
    80
    With the constant variation found on the record--and what is probably Friden's most comfortable vocal performance of his career--they sound like a brand-new outfit, and you wouldn't bet against the Swedes gaining a whole new lease of life as a result.
  2. Kerrang!
    Jul 12, 2011
    80
    This certainly proves that they are still a formidable force in contemporary metal. [11 Jun 2011, p.50]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. AllMusic
    Jan 13, 2012
    70
    On their tenth studio album, In Flames officially complete their transition from Swedish melodic death metal pioneers to unpredictable Swedish progressive pop/rock/neo-classical metal innovators... It's as epic as Scandinavia is cold.
  5. Revolver
    Jul 12, 2011
    70
    Sounds of a Playground Fading hews closely to the melodic-death-metal-meets-alt-rock style these guys have spearheaded since 2002's Reroute to Remain, with crunchy riffs regularly giving way to soaring choruses that could seduce a Muse fan.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. Happymonk
    Dec 8, 2011
    10
    Quite simply, this is the best In Flames has ever been. I really like where they are going with the new record, Anders' vocals are top notch,Quite simply, this is the best In Flames has ever been. I really like where they are going with the new record, Anders' vocals are top notch, it has a darker, heavier feel to it then past efforts. I really hope they can continue the amazing quality of this album with their next release.… Full Review »
  2. Lordeldar
    Nov 11, 2012
    6
    The album opener "Sounds of a Playground Fading" is just amazing, no other way to put it. "Deliver us" also delivered, despite not beingThe album opener "Sounds of a Playground Fading" is just amazing, no other way to put it. "Deliver us" also delivered, despite not being anywhere near the opener. But then again, few songs can get close to it. However, after that it all goes downhill. While the occasional good song does pop up, I had to put up with a lot of songs that I didn't enjoy. A lot of them also felt like they were fillers too (Jester's Door in particular) Overall, it was a good album. But it was let down by a few songs… Full Review »
  3. Theley
    Dec 5, 2019
    10
    Fear is the Weakness and Sounds of a Playground Fading are my absolute favourites. In Flames never disappointed me, and this album has been onFear is the Weakness and Sounds of a Playground Fading are my absolute favourites. In Flames never disappointed me, and this album has been on my Top 3 since it came out.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »