In Flames – Foregone
Nuclear Blast Records
8,5/10,0
Brief:
In Flames represent the best of metal’s past, present, and future. New Wave Of Swedish Death Metal architects and innovative purveyors of groove, hard rock, and melody, the band’s artistry, influence, and stature loom as large as the vibrant style’s horizons. The widely recognized titans boast an impressive and diverse catalog celebrated internationally. In Flames are as vital (and even more energized) today than when they unleashed classics like Come Clarity and Clayman in decades past.
The songwriting duo of singer Anders Fridén and guitarist Björn Gelotte (both of whom appear on every In Flames release since 1995) persists as one of the most potent creative teams in heavy music.
Foregone, the furious fourteenth studio album, combines the greatest aggressive, metallic, and melodic strengths of their landmark records with the seasoned songwriting of their postmodern era.
Foregone is the second In Flames album with bassist Bryce Paul and drummer Tanner Wayne, the first with ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Broderick, and the third with Grammy-winning producer Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Three Days Grace). Mike Plotnikoff (All That Remains, Warbringer) engineered at Benson’s West Valley Recording Studios. Joe Rickard (10 Years, Starset, Diamante), who played drums for In Flames from 2016 through 2019, handled mixing duties.
Songs like “State of Slow Decay,” “End the Transmission,” “Bleeding Out,” “Meet Your Maker,” and “The Great Deceiver” pulsate with hypnotizing power and furious anger. There’s desperation, a raw nerve exposed, brought on by the chaotic dystopia of post-pandemic society.
The melodic guitars, crushing riffs, and high-speed tempos that define much of the In Flames catalog first crystalized on their second album, The Jester Race (1996), complete with hints of the catchy choruses to come. Whoracle (1997) is the rawest and arguably heaviest In Flames album from the 90s.
Foregone masterfully, if improbably, manages to serve all sides of the In Flames fanbase, with powerful force. The album itself represents In Flames of the past, present, and future.
Tracklist:
- The Beginning Of All Things
- State Of Slow Decay
- Meet Your Maker
- Bleeding Out
- Foregone Pt. 1
- Foregone Pt. 2
- Pure Light Of Mind
- The Great Deceiver
- In The Dark
- A Dialogue In B Flat Minor
- Cynosure
- End The Transmission
Main Focus Tracks:
- State Of Slow Decay
- Foregone Pt. 1
- Foregone Pt. 2
Other Recommended Tracks:
- Meet Your Maker
- Bleeding Out
- The Great Deceiver
- In The Dark
Line-Up:
Björn Gelotte – Guitars
Anders Fridén – Vocals
Bryce Paul Newman – Bass, Vocals (backing)
Tanner Wayne – Drums
Chris Broderick – Guitars
Comments:
With Foregone, In Flames asserts its personality and releases probably one of the best albums of this year. Pure Light Of Mind!
Contacts:
Videos:
Selected Discography:
Lunar Strain – 1994
The Jester Race – 1996
Whoracle – 1997
Colony – 1999
Clayman – 2000
Reroute to Remain – 2002
Soundtrack to Your Escape – 2004
Come Clarity – 2006
A Sense of Purpose – 2008
Sounds of a Playground Fading – 2011
Siren Charms – 2014
Battles – 2016
I, the Mask – 2019
Foregone – 2023
- Photo Credit: band