In Flames is:
In Flames is a melodic death metal quintet that has been together in some form for about 12 years, and in that time has gained the reputation of being one of the most talented metal bands on the planet in regards to their lyrics, musical stylings, and live show.
Anders Friden - Vocals
Jesper Stromblad - Guitars
Bjorn Gelotte - Guitars
Peter Iwers - Bass
Daniel Svensson - Drums
In Flames took root in 1990 when Jesper decided to leave his band Ceremonial Oath in order to pursue more ambitious musical goals. Together with Johan Larsson and Glenn Ljungstrom, Jesper recorded a demo which got the band a spot on Sweden’s Wrong Again Records. In 1994, In Flames recorded Lunar Strain, which instantaneously gained the band respect on the underground circuit. Later that year they released an EP entitled Subterranean, which only furthered their fan base. For their first two releases, the band had borrowed vocalists from several bands including Dark Tranquility, Dawn, and Arch Enemy. This routine became monotonous for the band, so in 1995 they asked Anders Friden to join them permanently, along with Bjorn on drums. For the first time, the band had a stable lineup.
The success of Subterranean earned the band a deal with Germany’s Nuclear Blast Records. Their first release on their new label was The Jester Race, which became a huge success all over Europe and Japan. Some strenuous touring ensued with the likes of Samael and Kreator. In 1997, in Flames recorded and released Whoracle, but the event was bittersweet as founding members Johan and Glenn announced they were leaving In Flames shortly after the release.
Luckily, the band was friends with Peter Iwers and Niklas Engelin, who filled in well for the lost members. A wildly successful European/Japanese tour ensued. When the band returned home to record Colony, however, Niklas decided to leave the band to focus on his side project Gardenian. The band decided to switch Bjorn from drums to guitar, and they recruited Daniel Svensson on drums. The arrangement was a victory for In Flames as Colony (1999) became a huge success. The band finally began to receive the attention they deserved globally, as their sound stretched into the US and beyond. In 2000, the band released what is quite possibly their greatest achievement so far, Clayman. The album outsold its predecessors in a matter of months. Not a year later, the band released Tokyo Showdown, their first live album.
2002 has seen some successful touring for In Flames, as they recently hit the road with Slayer and Soulfly on a massive US tour. Their sixth full-length, Reroute To Remain, is due out in September of 2002. In Flames remains one of the most popular bands throughout much of Europe and Asia, and is a driving force in America as well.
