In Flames’ latest interview with Metal Hammer magazine, words by Matt Mills.
In the early 2000s, In Flames ditched the growls and guitar harmonies of the genre they'd helped define, replacing them with nu metal melodies and electronics. And they've been steadfast in their refusal to cave in to pressure and turn back. However, when Hammer sits down with frontman Anders Fridén and guitarist Björn Gelotte in the lobby of their rather fancy London hotel, something unprecedented happens: the singer admits the band's latest material has been lacking.
"I feel that some of our mixes have been too laidback," Anders reflects, talking with a stern honesty he maintains throughout our conversation. "We didn't realise it back then. When we had this break during the pandemic, me and Björn talked about what we wanted to do. The first thing we both said - and the first thing that Howard [Benson, In Flames' producer] said to us - is that we should bring the guitar and drums back to the forefront. We want to make In Flames more 'metal, whatever that means, production-wise. We had a lot of great songs on the last few albums, but they could have had a bit more punch and attitude."
"We haven't just looked back and made The Jester Race Part 2, because that would be stupid," Anders explains. "It wouldn't be true to that album and we're not the same people as we were back then. So, we're keeping all of those roots with us but still looking forward to the future."
Despite the speculation of many a pundit, Anders and Björn insist their newfound aggression has nothing to do with The Halo Effect showing up and stealing headlines.
"I've never listened to them,” Anders states, uncharacteristically briefly.
Bjorn has. "The one song I have heard, I thought it was Dark Tranquillity,” he says. "It sounded, production-wise, awesome and obviously had Mikael on there."
"It really came as a surprise,” Anders adds, "but it's fine. They can do whatever they want. It doesn't affect our music. People ask us, 'Is there competition?' but this isn't the Eurovision Song Contest."
As apathetic as the singer claims to be, he also says he can't imagine touring with them any time soon: "Never say never, but I don't see it right now. We'd have to be talking first."
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"I think, in 10 years' time, Foregone will be an In Flames classic,” Anders concludes at the end of our chat. And, while Björn can't predict what In Flames will do next, he knows this album and this line-up have set the stage for a boundless future.
"The members that we have now, their skillset is not at all limiting" he says. "Now we can do crazy stuff with people that really love to show off. It makes me very much look forward to what's to come."
. I can't help it, though, I love dem growlz.