The first trailer for "I, The Mask", the upcoming album from Swedish melodic heavyweights IN FLAMES, can be seen below. Due on March 1 via Nuclear Blast (worldwide, excluding North America) and Eleven Seven Music (North America), the 12-track disc reunites IN FLAMES with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, MOTÖRHEAD) who also produced 2016's "Battles". Additionally, the album was mixed by Grammy Award winner Chris Lord-Alge (CHEAP TRICK, LINKIN PARK) and mastered by Grammy-winning mastering engeneer Ted Jensen (PANTERA, EAGLES, GUNS N' ROSES). The album artwork is created by artist Blake Armstrong and depicts a unique interpretation of the band's mascot, The Jesterhead. The story of the cover will be revealed via the full album artwork on March 1, which coincides with each song on the album. Vocalist Anders Fridén states: "This album is really a special one to us. Since our last record, 'Battles', we've established our own annual festival in Sweden and have been touring non-stop worldwide, creating an even stronger bond with our fans. You could say it was a big part of our inspiration for this album. It's been such a long journey that just keeps going and growing. We feel extremely thankful for that, and for the support that makes it possible. We dedicate our 13th album, 'I, The Mask', to our fans who allow us to keep making music and playing it every night. IN JESTERHEADS WE TRUST." IN FLAMES previously debuted two killer tracks from "I, The Mask" — the superlative anthems "I Am Above" and "(This Is Our) House". A poignant video for "I Am Above" was also revealed, which features famous Swedish actor Martin Wallström ("Mr. Robot"). The video takes place in a pitch-black room with Martin who eerily lip syncs the metal ballad with expressive facial gestures that capture the song's emotion. Meanwhile, the lyric video for track "(This Is Our) House" features unseen footage from the band's first annual Swedish festival, Borgholm Brinner (Borgholm Is Burning). Said Wallström: "I was very intrigued by doing something I've never done before and honored getting the question from IN FLAMES. Also trying to portray a lively song in a dark room, sitting in front of a camera was challenging, but I felt strongly for the song and the lyrics, so that was a comfort." "I, The Mask" track listing: 01. Voices 02. I, The Mask 03. Call My Name 04. I Am Above 05. Follow Me 06. (This is Our) House 07. We Will Remember 08. In This Life 09. Burn 10. Deep Inside 11. All The Pain 12. Stay With Me IN FLAMES recruited American drummer Tanner Wayne, best known for his work with UNDERMINDED, SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS and CHIODOS, to sit behind the kit for the band for its 2018 live appearances. Wayne stepped into IN FLAMES following the apparent recent departure of Joe Rickard, who played on the band's 2016 studio album, "Battles". Tanner made his live debut with IN FLAMES in July 2018 in Brno, Czech Republic. Longtime IN FLAMES drummer Daniel Svensson announced in 2015 that he was leaving the band to focus on his family life. IN FLAMES' current lineup features American bassist Bryce Paul, who has been playing most of the shows with the group since longtime bassist Peter Iwers's November 2016 exit.
Continue reading...
Continue reading...
