In Flames has had a tumultuous few years recently with past releases dividing fans with their departure from melodic death metal and their shift into a sound that didn’t seem to sit well with many people. However, this new release is the redemption arc they’ve been waiting for as they revisit an older sound while also staying true to their new alternative metal sound.
Foregone is a blending of every major era of In Flames and has something for everyone; from the abrasive double bass attack of ‘Slow State of Decay’ that would feel at home on Soundtrack to Your Escape to the anthemic dual guitar harmonies of Pure Light of Mind that could have been on I, The Mask. Even the old melodic death metal days are represented by tracks like ‘The Great Deceiver’ and title track ‘Foregone’ which invoke ‘Everlost’ from their very first release, The Lunar Strain.
Vocalist Anders Friden sounds rejuvenated after a few less-than-stellar studio performances, the vocal layering adds a rich warmth to his vocals and his screams have recaptured some of the power he was known for in his earlier years. His cleans also make use of In Flames talent for writing catchy choruses, ‘Meet Your Maker’ will sound absolutely massive once it inevitably gets added to live shows.
The line-up was most recently completed by guitarist Chris Brockerick (ex Megadeth, ex Nevermore) who is a virtuoso on his instrument but In Flames sees him in a more reserved and melodic capacity instead of as a shredder although he still has his moments to shine with tracks like ‘End the Transmission’ which also features one of the best choruses on the record and act as a grand climax of the record.
In Flames are almost 30 years into their career and they’ve had a difficult time meeting fans in the middle with what they want to do and what the fanbase wants – this may be their best attempt at reconciling with the old guard that had since lost all hope of hearing In Flames do melodic death metal. Perhaps this was a fluke or perhaps this will be a sign of things to come, only time will tell.
Forgegone is out now via Nuclear Blast.
