Swedish metal giants In Flames have been a force in the genre for nearly three decades. But with a history of lineup changes and stylistic evolution, frontman Anders Fridén believes their latest offering, Foregone, might be the ideal jumping-on point for new fans.
“I think The Jester Race is closest to my heart, I guess, because that was the first one for me," Friden said to Full Metal Jackie on her weekend radio show, referencing the band's 1996 album that marked his entry with the group. "I joined the band in '95 after Lunar Strain and EP Subterranean. So that album is extremely important to me. But I think, we've gone through so many lineup changes and then musical directions, it's difficult.”
Here's where Foregone enters the picture. Fridén describes it as "the perfect blend of everything" In Flames has done, making it an excellent starting point for fresh ears.
“I mean, Foregone, for me, it's the perfect blend of everything. So I think that is a good entry point. Then if that's your first album, then go and search and find your own, journey through the catalog back in time, and see what you think. But I think Foregone is a perfect mix.”
The critical reception for Foregone seems to back up Fridén's claim. Reviews have been some of the band's strongest in recent memory. This is particularly exciting for a band 14 albums deep into their career.
"I'm happy when people like it, but especially when we're out playing and see the reaction in people's faces and how they go off to new songs from the new album, it's awesome. I read a review here and there when it's thrown in front of me, and I like to see a positive one instead of a negative one." Fridén added.
Fourteen albums in, and In Flames is still going strong. Fridén emphasizes the band's enduring qualities: "It's extremely rewarding to feel the warmth now after you mentioned 14 albums out and knowing where we are and we still feel the hunger and it's still there."
"There's still the melody and it's still the aggression, and it's as evident as ever. So yeah, I feel very happy for In Flames where we are right now in 2024. With the lineup that we have, I don't think we've ever sounded better. And I don't mean to say anything bad about anyone who's been in the band previously, but this lineup with Chris and Liam and Tanner and Björn and myself, I feel very, very strong about it."
