Artist: In Flames
Title: The Jester Race Black Ash Inheritance
Label: Nuclear Blast
Cat #: NB54432
Release Year: 2021
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Jewel Case

The Jester Race, the illustrious second studio album by the renowned Swedish heavy metal band In Flames, made its mark in February 1996. This significant release showcased the talents of Anders Fridén as the band's vocalist, Björn Gelotte as the drummer, and introduced the iconic Jester Head as the band's beloved mascot.

Following the broader recognition garnered by their 1995 EP, Subterranean, The Jester Race emerged as the band's second full-length album. The recording took place at Studio Fredman under the expert guidance of Fredrik Nordström, who not only served as the album's producer but also contributed keyboards to its captivating sound.

Notably, The Jester Race features the inclusion of two tracks, "Dead Eternity" and "Dead God in Me," which originally appeared on the Subterranean EP. However, in this album, these songs received new lyrics, distinctive endings, and slightly altered solos, breathing fresh life into their already compelling compositions.

This monumental release holds a special place within the melodic death metal genre, regarded as a classic alongside At the Gates' "Slaughter of the Soul" and Dark Tranquillity's "The Gallery." The album encapsulates the genre's signature elements, including dual guitar leads, guttural vocals, and evocative acoustic passages.

A remixed version of the track "Moonshield" found its way onto the EP titled "Trigger," while an accompanying music video accompanied the song "Artifacts of the Black Rain."

In an interview with Wall of Sound, Matthew K. Heafy, the frontman of Trivium, expressed that The Jester Race stands as an essential metal album that every enthusiast should experience firsthand.

In summary, The Jester Race solidifies its place in heavy metal history, delivering an impressive lineup of talent, remarkable compositions, and an enduring presence within the melodic death metal canon.

Recommended if you like: Opeth, Soilwork, Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth, Trivium, Gojira, Disturbed, Slipknot, Nightwish, Hypocrisy, Dimmu Borgir, Ensiferum

Track Listing:
The Jester Race    
1. Moonshield
2. The Jester's Dance
3. Artifacts Of The Black Rain
4. Graveland
5. Lord Hypnos
6. Dead Eternity
7. The Jester Race
8. December Flower
9. Wayfaerer
10. Dead God In Me

Black-Ash Inheritance    
11. Goliaths Disarm Their Davids
12. Gyroscope
13. Acoustic Medley
14. Behind Space - Live