ALBUM REVIEW: Behind the veil - In Flames stupendous on I, Mask

THE evolution of modern music has been weird - vocal warbling on pop songs, dance DJs pretending to mix as tracks from their computer, and some metal bands stuck in a rut. But when it comes to In Flames they have evolved, without betraying their past. Now they have gone one step further.

New release 'I, Mask' is complex, yet straight forward; layered, yet easy to 'get'; and, introspective and outward-looking.

Their last release, in 2016, 'Battles' (reviewed here) was a soul-searching examination of so much, and while magnificent some thought they had strayed a little too far from their roots. They were wrong, but hey ho, we fast forward to 2019 and I, Mask...

This is a statement release. It is an album that challenges and has heft and beauty in equal measure. For every riff battering you into submission, then entrances with melody and clean vocals.

The opener 'Voices' sets the tone for the release, yet is just the tease of the greatness within.

And, the title track rages and tears from the off as Anders Fridén roars before adding the melody chorus. Whatever has been the instigation of I, Mask in toto, new writing processes or a change in attitude it matters not: this is a band reclaiming melodic metal for itself.

The playing is exquisite in places - each riff and solo measured. Björn Gelotte and Niclas Engelin taking the sections of each song and deploying their guitars in a way that compliments the overall song.

'I Am Above' broods and threatens and realises personal strength and fragility in its lyrics. While 'Battles' felt like an exposition of personal issues I, Mask deals with much more.

As well as dealing with the personal it is a call to avoid falling down the social media rabbit hole, avoid isolation - and the wondrous 'Follow Me' is a choker when you listen to it properly.

Equally the strident '(This Is Our) House' is a call to arms to save the planet, propelled by anger and a battle cry to unite to save Earth. While it has it's climate change theme it is could also contain a lyric that sums up In Flames own trajectory: "We Won't Back Down".

Indeed that is something that In Flames encapsulate; in their 30-year career they have stood on their own terms as fads come and go, while examining what they do, how they do it and adapting to what they want.

While 'Burn' roars off the blocks and 'Deep Inside' eases in with almost middle-Eastern tones, they showcase a band that is prepared to risk their considerable reputation by doing what they want. And, that surely is the key to any band's integrity - and success be true unto thyself.

Closer 'Stay With Me' almost has the feel of power balladery without becoming a cliché: tenderness and self-abasement and hope - exquisite.

I, Mask is a defining moment for this generation. Man of the acts professing to be 'modern metal' need to sit down listen to this, and learn.

In Flames' reputation was already intact, but now with I, Mask they can genuinely stand peerless.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

I, Mask is available now on Nuclear Blast

ALBUM REVIEW: In Flames muscular, melancholic maturity on Battles release

THEY have had many detractors over recent years, as In Flames have moved from their original Swedish melodic death metal roots, but seemingly they neither care, nor are they about to change direction.

And, on their latest platter they have continued their sonic evolution, and to hell with detractors. What is more the bands they took from to diversify their sound, and those influenced by them, will see on 'Battles' that In Flames have exceeded them, and left all wondering where the hell did that come from.

Lyrically melancholic, musically mature, well arranged, this is a stunner of a modern metal album. Sure those that want to compartmentalise In Flames with their early work will complain about this, that or the other but that is to miss the point. They are carving their own path and are ageing more than well.

Björn and Niclas are on fire in eeking out guitar lines and riffs that have melody and power, as well as measured solos, such as on 'Through My Eyes'.

But, there is not a bad track amongst the dozen offered up here. Anders sounds pained throughout, and the whole feel of the words is one of someone looking back on their life, their choices, those that have hurt, and those who could, if they want heal. Being released at the tail end of 2016, one could imagine sitting back reflecting on the year on New Year's Eve, a wee dram at the side to sip on reflectively.

The title track is magnificent, with real groove and purpose in the melody, while 'Here Until Tomorrow' is plaintive and that purity of bathos resounding in its music and words.

The band admit that the album came together much quicker than they intended after Anders and Bjorn took a break in LA, where the whole thing came together more quickly than intended.

However, some may frown at the choice of producer, Howard Benson, who is perhaps best known for his work with My Chemical Romance and The Used, but the evidence on 'Battles' is such that it proved to be a sage decision. He has not tried to change In Flames, and while the effects and occasion electronica is there, it is restrained and purposeful.


The closing pair of tracks showcase this well, with seven minute plus 'Wallflower' exuding musical mastery. It is metal, but not shackled as the song grows with fantastic flourishes of guitar, all propelled by Peter's bass. Delicate elements sit ready for the delivery of the might.

Closer 'Save Me' has perhaps the most effects, but there is real meat as it emerges as a powerful piece of metal poetry, with a chorus rock bands and pop punks would sell their souls and right legs to have in their repertoire, never mind the middle eight and the restrained beauty of the guitar line halfway through.

And, if you don't like to even consider a metal band producing choruses this good...this is what Anders has to say.

“The beautiful thing about this band is that you can do whatever the fuck you want and that's the whole point of the music because all of the restrictions and labelling kills it in a way,” he said.

 “This time around we had the Howard filter to come in and give us a new perspective on how we could approach these songs, but ultimately what it comes down to is very simple: Is it good or is it bad? If it's something that all of us can stand behind and be proud of then we know that it's an In Flames song.”

Or to put it another way, if you have a mate who likes his rock, but is wary of tip toeing into metal., then buy them this for Christmas, he'll thank you for the rest of your life.

At times we have been reserved about this type of evolution in metal: it is after all easier to allow yourself to close off an act when they change, or step outside pre-conceived borders, but In Flames have pulled something extraordinary out of the bag, something poignant, something powerful and something that will be long listened to by those prepared to open their ears.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

NEWS: In Flames prepare for autumn release of live DVD

THEY break the rules, re-invent themselves with every album and are considered to be Gothenburg's brightest metal pearl - since the early 90's, In Flames have delivered a spectacular progression which has seen them transform their sound from classic melodic death metal to their current modern and unique style.

The Swedes never cease to challenge their artistic boundaries, and on September 23rd, the band will release an impressive demonstration of their current live expertise on DVD – ‘Sounds From The Heart Of Gothenburg’.

Watch the teaser to the first 'Making Of' below.

Nostalgia or a return to their roots has never been an option for the progressive In Flames, but the setlist of this bombastic concert DVD tears through the band's entire history.

With 20 tracks, the show that was recorded at Gothenburg's Scandinavium, reaches a length of one and a half hours, and achieves in capturing the band at their very best, celebrating current hits such as 'Through Oblivion’, 'With Eyes Wide Open‘ and 'Rusted Nail‘ to a packed out arena. But of course, old school classics such as 'Trigger‘, 'Cloud Connected‘ and the hypnotic finisher 'Take This Life‘ are not left out. 

Prepare for an intensive and visually explosive performance in front of 10,000 fans featuring pyros, circle pits, flying crowdsurfers and In Flames' incomparable riffs. 

"This DVD is for everyone who was been following our career; we have songs from the early years, the middle years and the new era. It has to be fun for us to play but also fun for the audience to watch and we try to get a good flow with nice dynamics and different songs,” said Björn Gelotte. 

Watch the first trailer here:

IN FLAMES are:
Anders Fridén | vocals
Björn Gelotte | guitars
Peter Iwers | bass
Niclas Engelin | guitars

In Flames tour cancelled

In Flames have cancelled their UK and Ireland tour, including the Mandella Hall gig. Stated reason is that guitarist Jesper Stromblad is in rehab and bassist Peter Iwers is about to become a father.

Refunds are available from original point of purchase.

Below is the statement from the band:

We are very sad to announce that the UK & Ireland tour will not happen as planned. As you already know, Jesper is currently at an alcohol rehabilitation clinic and is taking some time off to get better. Peter is about to become a dad. We obviously knew about Peter becoming a dad again and originally planned to have a replacement bassist, but with the recent events surrounding Jesper we simply feel that it is not fair on the fans to see a completely different line up, which in our eyes is not In Flames. Again, sorry to make any UK & Irish fans disappointed and we hope to make it up to you very soon! - In Flames

More batty action

Total Rock is reporting that Cancer Bats will support In Flames' Belfast Mandella Hall appearance on 23rd April...more soon

Flaming good Belfast date!

As if the queue of metal bands set to play Belfast wasn't getting ridiculous enough as it is, Swedish mentallists In Flames have posted a Mandella Hall date on their Myspace.

The proposed date is April 23rd next year.

No definite confirmation from a promoter as yet, though this looks a certainty :)