Search - In Flames :: Tokyo Showdown: Live

Flamin' for In Flames

Omar | Anders Friden's basement | 06/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Very recently, I obtained a copy of the Tokyo Showdown live album. I have to honestly say that it is one of the better live albums. However, whether you will like this CD or not depends on your preference of live performance quality. Some people prefer a very polished live album that has been remastered in the studio such as live albums from Pantera and Metallica. However, I, like many of my friends, prefer a very raw live sound. The quality of this CD really appealed to me because when I listen to a live recording, I like to hear what it was really like at the show. Not every live performance is absolutely perfect and a lot of bands try to make it seem that way by re-recording over parts of the performance they felt were lacking. But the fact that the sound is the way it is shows that In Flames really are just a few very talented musicians playing their music in front of a large crowd, they're not trying to make it seem like something it isn't. They're not trying to convince the listeners that they are the Alpha and Omega of metal bands. Regardless of the sound quality, In Flames puts on an excellent performance and chose a perfect set list that encompasses most of their early work before Reroute to Remain. Overall, if you are a big In Flames fan or are just looking for a live recording that's in your face for one straight hour, this album is highly recommended."

Pretty dissapointed....

keith | temecula socal | 07/13/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"i was at Best Buy a few days ago, when i came across this cd. being an avid fan of in flames, i decided to check this one out. I saw the track listing on the back and thought "wow this show must have been awsome". the track list had many of my favorite songs off Whroacle and Colony, and a few of Clayman. So i get home, pop it in. Bullet ride - okay. Embody the invisible-one of my favs in studio, but after i heard this, i thought something must be wrong.....turns out EVERY SONG has Anders sounding like dog crap, and with some shoddy production on every song. I mean, i have MXPX At The Show, and it sounds harder and better than this!! geez. but Dont get me wrong, there ARE some good points, as songs like Episode 666 are played with tons of emotion, the guitar IS existent (though anders voice isnt, but by the sound of it, in this concert u wouldnt want to hear his voice anyways) so u can hear the blazing leads and riffs, and if u really enjoy in flames the production shouldnt be a runing factor for you on the songs you like. But, i feel sorry for the people who saw that concert since it didnt seem very hyped, or maybe those poeple were just lame because the crowd-cheering-noise is almost non-existent, OR, the production was just bad (my bet on that one) so u cant hear them. Anyways, i was dissapointed, but i wouldnt call it a complete waste, as i felt some songs were still worth listing to. Buy this if you are a big In Flames fan, not if you are new to them or own only one of their cds. 3 stars is pushing it"

Makes them sound human

horsenutz | Las Vegas, NV | 04/30/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Wow... this cd makes In Flames sound average at best. Very poorly produced and the vocals are terrible. The guitars, when in harmony, sound off key and the timing is off. There is some improvization present, which makes this a fairly interesting listen. At one point, they break down into "Raining Blood", which while cool, has been done by just about every band out there. Hell, Strung Out pulled it off better. That shouldn't be. There are gaps in vocals where it seems that Anders took a break and had a smoke, or it trying to coax the crowd into singing along. Either way, nothing shows up. They should really try to do another live album, and really nail the production. I have heard other live albums from other metal bands (Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera) and those blow this away. Its not even close. Still, if you are into In Flames, it is fun to listen to. It is a good cd to learn their music to if you play guitar because everything is fairly easy to pick out. Rock on."