Throughout their career, In Flames has contributed to different subgenres of metal with their albums. The band started their music career in 1990 with death metal and, over time, changed their style with the changing lineup. Still, the signature In Flames sound remains. In this list, we are exploring 8 songs that every metalhead should at least once check out.
8. The Jester’s Dance
Compared to their older stuff, ‘The Jester’s Dance’ starts more melodic and builds into their signature heavy sound with Glenn Ljungström’s guitar part. This track takes place in the 1995 album, ‘The Jester Race,’ and though it is shorter and only instrumental, it will not disappoint to check out.
7. The Quiet Place
Released in 2004 as the first single from their album ‘Soundtrack to Your Escape,’ it is the third single overall in the band’s career. The single is the band’s most successful in their home country of Sweden. The melancholic undertones of the lyrics, combined with the contrasting melodic heaviness of the music, make this track one of the fan favorites.
6. Deliver Us
‘Deliver Us’ introduces a blend of melodic and aggressive elements. With its memorable chorus and guitar solos, it’s a track that demonstrates In Flames’ skill for crafting anthemic metal songs. This will be one of your favorites if you’re particularly more into the new wave of metal music.
5. Take This Life
‘Take This Life’ is considered one of the fan favorites due to its aggressive intro with blasting drums and guitars. Combined with Fridén’s passionate vocals, it is an ideal song to introduce In Flames to.
4. I Am Above
This track appears in the later discography of the band. Jumping ahead to 2019, ‘I Am Above’ is part of their album ‘I, The Mask.’ Still, it showcases In Flames’ evolution while maintaining their core sound. The band sticks to their roots while changing their style to blend in with the following musical changes of the time.
3. Meet Your Maker
This one might start off more surprising than you expected. The track came out this year and compared to their earlier songs, it starts off way more aggressive. The band moves away from their more melodic sound in the introduction to the song to slowly build into their signature melodic In Flames sound. If you are wondering what their new stuff sounds like, it’s a must-listen.
2. Cloud Connected
Heading slowly to the classics of In Flames. Released in 2002 on the album ‘Reroute to Remain,’ ‘Cloud Connected’ shows the significant shift in In Flames’ sound. The combination of electronic elements and a more alternative metal approach demonstrates the band’s willingness to explore new sonic territory.
1. Only For The Weak
If you like to start with the classics and the better-known songs of a band, this one is for you. ‘Only for the Weak’ is the song that perfectly encapsulates the essence of In Flames’ melodic death metal era. Taking place in the 2000 album ‘Clayman,’ it lyrically delves into themes of resilience and inner strength, and Fridén’s guttural vocals help the song come all together.
