This is the popification of death metal. On In Flames’ latest accomplishment, Come Clarity, the Swedish Gothenburg maestros fuse fearsome, Metallica-emulating guitar riffs with FM staple hooks.

Since the mid-’90s, the band has been equally revered and reviled by the heavy metal community. The release of Clayman in 2000 and Reroute to Remain in 2002 marked the beginning of their bildungsroman story – an ascent into the rock mainstream complete with sing-along choruses and concise song structures. As expected, they received vile backlash from traditionalist metal bloggers and critics alike. But clearly, they’ve also become one of the best metal bands in the world, as Come Clarity lives up to its crisp, concise name.

Singer Anders Frid