In Flames

When In Flames, hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, came into being in the year 1990 , mortals had no clue as to how big a revolution this band was going to bring about. 20 years down the line they are considered to be one of the biggest all time pioneers of melodic death metal. Co-incidentally one of my favorite metal bands! Formed by Jesper Stromblad and consisting of members Anders Friden(Vocals), Bjorn Gelotte(Guitars), Peter Iwers(Bass), Daniel Svensson(Drums) and Jesper Stromblad(Guitars). Since 1990 the band has released nine studio albums and the sound of the band has changed down the years. The musical style of In Flames may be segregated into two distinct styles.

The Band used a much heavier layout to the music as incorporated in the first five albums. Blast beats along with growling vocals and genuinely fast guitaring was the trademark of this period. The toning down of the music,however, came at around 2002 with the release of the album 'Reroute to Remain', when the band started using clean vocals along with a reduction in the double bass and distortion with much regularity. The stylistic changes also included more prominent rhythm sections with the use of keyboards and electronics. This led to a division among the fans due to contradicting tastes. Whatever be the case, one aspect which you just cant overlook when inflames is concerned is the underlying melody in each track which just makes it awe-worthy.The Band continues to herald unchartered territories in the world of metal till date and continues to be one of the biggest influencing forces behind Melodic Death Metal.

Albums:

1. The Lunar Strain
2. The Jester Race
3. Whoracle
4. Colony
5. Clayman
6. Reroute to remain
7. Soundtrack to your escaoe
8. Come Clarity
9. A sense of purpose

Must listen:

• My Sweet Shadow
• Only for the weak
• Come Clarity
• Cloud Connected
• Gyroscope

Editor's Rating: 5/5 (Just doesn't get any better!)

Footnote: The official In flames mascot is the Jester head that has appeared on each of the albums since its inception in the album 'The Jester Race'. The best aspect of their music which I like the most personally would be the flawless incorporation of keyboards with the metal sound which makes listening to this band play nothing less than a heavenly experience!