A Sense of Purpose

A Sense of Purpose is the ninth studio album by Swedish melodic metalcore band In Flames. The album was released first in Japan on 26 March 2008 with 15 tracks and later in Europe on 4 April 2008 through Nuclear Blast and through Koch Records in North America on 1 April. This is the band's last album with guitarist and founding member Jesper Stromblad before he quit in February 2010. The album debuted at number 1 on the official Swedish album chart. On 21 May 2009, the song "Disconnected" became an available download for the video game, Guitar Hero World Tour.

Musical style

Similar to previous In Flames albums, A Sense of Purpose showcased the band's influence to combine many elements such as rich keyboard use and distinct melodies, with thrash and heavy metal sounds. A Sense of Purpose contains the band's longest recorded song to date, "The Chosen Pessimist".

In an interview with Björn Gelotte, he had this to say about the album:

Release

The album was released in a limited edition boxset version of which only 1500 copies were made. This release became available on the same day as the European release. A limited edition Digipak came with a making-of DVD. In the documentary, it is stated that they recorded 17 songs and used 12 for the album and another three for the single. This makes two previously unknown songs that have not been released yet.

Sense of Purpose

Sense of Purpose was a hardcore punk band from Melbourne, Australia. Formed in 1996, they were initially called Nextstep.

History

Sense of Purpose were a Melbourne band who injected their own brand of fast, positive, passionate hardcore into the Australian scene between 1996 and 2006. The band had an outspoken stance on a range of political and social issues.

The band released their first full length CD, "A Matter Of Respect" in February 2001 along with the previously unreleased EP "End Of A New Beginning" which was recorded in December 1998 when the band was known as Nextstep. The band played under the moniker of Nextstep between 1996 and 1999 and released a demo tape "Together We Can Make A Difference" and a 7" EP "Time To Speak Up".

In 2003, drummer Pete was brought up front with Chris to give the band a dual vocal attack. Good friend Grant Johns of Dying Breed, was brought in to fill the void on drums.

In February 2004, the band headed back to Birdland Studios to record their second full length CD. "Tomorrow's Too Late" was released in mid-2004, a time which also saw the band sign with UK hardcore label Go-Team Records who released the CD internationally later that year, with all new artwork. Soon after the band parted ways with original guitarist Leith Gow, who went on to form In Name And Blood and brought in new guitarist Brad O'Gorman, who previously played in UK outfit Insight.