Even if you were to listen to “Colony” just once, you could likely find yourself humming the opening harmony of “Embody The Invisible” for years to come. That says a lot for an album that never blatantly pursues catchiness in any sense. “Colony” is simply a masterpiece. Beautifully catchy and seemingly effortless melodies weave through songs which never lose an ounce of their epic feeling.

Vocalist Anders Friden growls, screams, whispers and howls like a feral beast in a brilliantly diverse showing, while drummer Daniel Svenson delivers one of his most capable performances in the group’s history. As for the aforementioned “effortless melodies,” guitar duo Jesper Strömblad and Bjorn Gelotte encompass the definition of IN FLAMES with their unparalleled songwriting abilities.

After the opening awesomeness of “Embody The Invisible,” the album’s vast variation begins to show with “Ordinary Story.” An entire range of vocals and a piano part are showcased. “Scorn” brings more harmonies and heaviness. “Colony” is one of IN FLAMES most epic tracks, from the intro to the solo to the final verse. The rest of the album, including a remarkable break with clean guitars in “Zombie Inc”, one of the most emotional choruses of IN FLAMES history on “Coerced Coexistence,” an intense rendition of “Behind Space,” and a mean shred-and-tap solo in “The New Word,” is an outstanding listen that only ages with time.

The entire album is an amazing, epic experience from start to finish. Everything from the cover art to the intricate and grand lyrics to the unbeatable songs makes “Colony” an unforgettable mark in the history of IN FLAMES. (Online September 5, 2006)