UNDERRATED: IN FLAMES
In Flames, founded in 1991, are generally known for being one of the pioneers of Melodic Death Metal through their own style that is known as the “Gothenburg Sound”, in relation to their hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. They, along with other bands in the Gothenburg scene (most notably At the Gates, Dark Tranquillity, and Soilwork), have either further developed this scene or transitioned into a totally different subgenre. In Flames are known for their extremely melodic riffs and menacing guitar solos, as well as the occasional use of keyboards and violins in their songs. With the recent transition of the band into a style unfamiliar to their fans with their new album, Siren Charms, which has received mixed reactions, we take a look at their top 5 underrated songs from previous albums.
“Black and White”, from Reroute to Remain (2002)
Typically considered as their “transitional album” from classic Melodic Death Metal into more of an alternative, modern sound, Reroute to Remain contains several of their most popular songs, including Cloud Connected and Trigger, both of which have produced music videos. Metaphor is also notable from this album among fans of In Flames for including Anders Friden’s clean vocals in the entire song along with epic movie-like drums and violins.
One song that perhaps didn’t garner much attention on this album is Black and White, the final track. It is generally an aggressive, heavy track
compared to the rest of the album, and could somehow be the heaviest song on
the album. The track begins with what sounds like a cassette tape being
abruptly stopped during its playing. Daniel Svensson’s drumming is quite
powerful in this track, as well as Anders’ growling vocals that are reminiscent
of the previous album, Clayman. Then-guitarist Jesper Strömblad’s fast
riffs add an even more bellicose tune to the song. The solo towards the end is
short, but also beautiful and suitable for the song. Ander’s clean vocals in
the chorus also fit the song quite well. The rhythm of the song generally
speeds up and slows down suddenly, which makes it an even more unique song on
the album. Lyrically, the song focuses on personal contradictions and an inner
conflict.
Typically considered as their “transitional album” from classic Melodic Death Metal into more of an alternative, modern sound, Reroute to Remain contains several of their most popular songs, including Cloud Connected and Trigger, both of which have produced music videos. Metaphor is also notable from this album among fans of In Flames for including Anders Friden’s clean vocals in the entire song along with epic movie-like drums and violins.
“Borders and Shading”, from Soundtrack to Your Escape (2004)
Further progressing away from their classic Melodic Death
Metal roots, In Flames greatly adds the elements of keyboards and synthesizers
in Soundtrack to your Escape. Songs from this album that have received
wide admiration include My Sweet Shadow, The Quiet Place, Like You Better Dead,
and Touch of Red, all of which have been made into music videos. Dead Alone and Evil in a Closet are also well-noted songs from the album.
However, Borders and Shading isn’t well-recognized on this
album. The moderately-paced song packs a punch of catchy riffs, Anders’ screams
and Korn-style clean vocals, as well as some nice synths in the background. Its
lyrics are dark and appealing to the atmosphere of the album. The progression
of the song is attractive in a sense that Strömblad’s heavy riffs kick in at
the right moments, reminiscent of their earlier styles in Clayman and Colony.
One beautiful thing about this song is Anders’ transition from clean vocals to
piercing screams, reflecting the agony and longing portrayed in the lyrics.
One of In Flames’ most celebrated albums, Clayman is
widely acclaimed by almost all In Flames fans. A set of powerful, melodic tunes
that many in the metal community revere, this album contains classic In Flames
hits like Clayman, Suburban Me, Only for the Weak, and Pinball Map. The
latter two have been made into music videos. It is also considered by many to
be In Flames’ last “true” Melodic Death Metal album, and perhaps one of the
best.
A song that doesn’t really come to mind when mentioning Clayman
is Bullet Ride, although it is the first track of the album. A rather
slower-paced track compared to the rest of the album, this song includes
aggressive, melodic guitar riffs that characterize In Flames’ style, as well as
the significant primary use of Anders’ clean vocals coupled with his screams. An
emotional song on a generally belligerent album, it vacillates between soft and
heavy sounds, giving the song a gripping atmosphere of personal struggle and
insanity.
“Everlost, Part I”, from Lunar Strain (1994)
In Flames’ debut album sounds quite different than the
following releases, not only because of Mikael Stanne’s vocals instead of
Anders’ but also because of the raw, churning guitar sound that dominated this
album. Classic Melodic Death Metal hits from this album include Upon an Oaken
Throne, Behind Space, and Clad in Shadows. Lunar Strain generally
fits the description of a classic Melodic Death Metal album and the Gothenburg
sound at a time when the genre was still nascent.
However, Everlost, Part I didn’t receive widespread
acclaim like those aforementioned songs. The song has a unique sound to it that
sets it apart from the rest of the album. The slow, raw, and doom-like
character of the guitars on this song combined with Stanne’s aggressive,
screaming black metal-type vocals create a powerful, melancholic tune that
captivates the listener. The drumming is excellent and well-timed as well.
Progression is also a notable characteristic with the slowing of the rhythm at
certain points of the songs. The guitar solo towards the end of the song is
beautiful, soulful, and raw though perhaps too short. Another key feature that
defines this song is Stanne’s screams at the beginning and the end, plunging
the song’s atmosphere into a harrowing chill. Acoustic guitar also plays at the
end of the song, which heralds the start of the song’s more popular counterpart Everlost, Part II, which features female vocals and acoustic guitars in its
entirety.
“Worlds within the Margin”, from Whoracle (1997)
An In Flames fans’ favorite, Whoracle is still
considered one the band’s best-ever releases. Known for its rhythmic and highly
melodic sound, this album presented well-known songs like Episode 666, Food
for the Gods, Jotun, and a cover of Depeche Mode’s Everything Counts. The
third album of In Flames registered generally well with their fans, new and
old.
One song from this album that is quite underrated is Worlds
within the Margin, a heavy track that clearly demonstrates Anders’ primal
growls along with an epic atmosphere created by drums and keyboards. The riffs
and chorus are quite catchy as well. The rhythm of this song is quite
intriguing with its lyrics and progression. Lyrically, it does a good job in
describing some sort of an apocalyptic event regarding the fall of human
civilization. Every single aspect of this song is brilliant. A fast guitar solo
performed by Strömblad makes it even more epic. Overall, it is a very
impressive, headbang-inducing piece of music.
By Habib Tabaja
By Habib Tabaja
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