Whoracle

The production and recording is superb, with a clear crisp reproduction of the band’s complex and layered sound. Guitarist Bjorn Gelotte played both guitars and drums on the album showing off his musical talent well. At the time of this recording, the group’s line-up included three guitar players – the already mentioned Bjorn Gelotte, Jesper Stromblad and Glenn Ljungstrom.

The album was released in three different versions. There was the original 1997 version, the Japanese version which includes the entire “Black Ash Inheritance EP” and the more recent 2002 ‘Deluxe Edition’ re-release which includes the bonus track “Clad In Shadows ‘99” and the following extras for a computer:
- Video Clip “Jotun”
- Photogallery
- Lyrics
- Winamp Skins
- Wallpapers
- Screensavers

The CD takes you through a weird world created through their inspirational death metal. It includes a cover version of the Depeche Mode song “Everything Counts” that is truly awesome. If you haven’t heard this album yet, I strongly recommend that you pick up a copy straight away. This is a work of genius by this long standing melodic death metal group.


Brilliant   January 3, 2006
This has got to be In Flames' best album, and probably won't be beaten.

Most of the songs are memorable, and the few that are less so are still good songs. The production is sharp and full compared to the previous releases, and everything sounds better. Anders voice
You can hear the Metallica influences, from the palm muted riffs of Food for the Gods and the descending harmonies in Jester Script, but In Flames take those influences and turn it into something original. For instance the solo in The Hive is a little like One, but the backing guitars make it sound so right and melodic. The combination of acoustic folk style parts with the heavy parts gives the album more character and melody, such as the tracks Gyroscope, Dialogue with the Stars and Whoracle. Gyroscope is one of the greatest songs I have heard from In Flames. Epidsode 666 is a fast and memorable riff that is great. The Opening riff on Jotun and Food for the Gods are powerful, and the mid sections are not repeated but built upon so they sound a little different to the the original theme. This is probably what makes the album listenable over and over again. As a guitar player, this album is also quite satisfying to play for the same reasons!

Overall, this is an originally outstanding and sometimes even beautiful album from those Swedes.


Whoracle   October 1, 2005
This is a truly awesome album and definitely among In Flames' finest. Although it is a fine album and packed with great songs the best tracks are probably:
Jotun with its unforgettable intro melody and guitar harmony;
Gyroscope with an excellent mix of light and heavy;
the brutal Morphing Into Primal and, of course;
Episode 666 which features one of the best riffs you will EVER hear.
A brilliant album that any fan of melodic death metal will love.


Absolute genius   July 7, 2005
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

It was this album in which In Flames really perfected their sound. Everything about this album is fantastic from the awesome melody introducing Jotun, to the wonderful album outro, Whoracle. Anders Friden moves away from the more American death metal voice that he used for The Jester Race and adopts a more distinctive one, and one which is fundamentally flawless. The lead guitar on this album drives it with one memorable melody after another. From Jotun to Jester Script Transfigured to Everything Counts, this album is filled with incredible musicianship and heart. However, it seems that this album is missing one of the key elements which most albums of the 90's seem to contain; the album filler. Every track is magnificent, there is nothing missing from this classic and it should not be missing from anyone's CD collection.