Released 10 years ago
Battles
In Flames · 2016
59 min · 15 tracks · alternative metal
Melodic death metal intertwines with atmospheric rock, creating an introspective soundscape that reflects personal and existential struggles.
Top tracks — play these first
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Drained Start here — Opening the album with an intense blend of aggressive instrumentals and haunting melodies, this track sets the tone for the themes of struggle and resilience explored throughout.
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The End — A poignant exploration of finality and acceptance, this track features a powerful chorus that showcases the band’s ability to merge heavy elements with emotional depth.
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Battles — The title track encapsulates the overarching theme of personal conflict, combining dynamic shifts in tempo with relatable lyrical content that resonates with listeners facing their own struggles.
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Here Until Forever — This track highlights a more melodic approach, featuring lush instrumentation and introspective lyrics that reflect on perseverance, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances heavy riffs with introspective moments but lacks standout compositions that elevate it above its peers.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent use of heavy guitar riffs paired with melodic choruses, while the second half shifts towards more atmospheric and introspective arrangements.
- Several tracks incorporate clean vocals alongside growled sections, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album includes interludes and ambient passages that provide breathing space between heavier tracks, contributing to an overall sense of flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with emotional weight
- introspective lyrics for deep reflection
- melodic riffs that invite immersion
- consistent flow with climactic moments
- suitable for focused listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and exploration in sound during a transitional phase.
- Career context
- Released on November 11, 2016, 'Battles' is In Flames' twelfth studio album, following their commercial peak with 'Siren Charms' in 2014. The band was navigating a transitional phase while responding to changing metal landscapes and fan expectations, marking a deliberate shift toward more melodic and accessible songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dark Tranquillity· Soilwork· Arch Enemy
Tracklist
- 1 Drained Start here 4:06
- 2 The End 3:58
- 3 Like Sand 3:43
- 4 The Truth 3:04
- 5 In My Room 3:25
- 6 Before I Fall 3:27
- 7 Through My Eyes 3:50
- 8 Battles 2:58
- 9 Here Until Forever 4:19
- 10 Underneath My Skin 3:30
- 11 Wallflower 7:06
- 12 Save Me 4:12
- 13 Greatest Greed 4:08
- 14 Us Against the World 3:40
- 15 Here Until Forever (alternate version) 3:58
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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