Man... following you guys for nearly 5 years throughout your metal journey, hearing Ryan explain how the death growls purposefully and skillfully, both contrast and complement the melodic instrumentation brings a tear to my eye. You guys have come such a long way
This is a great choice for a first listen when it comes to older In Flames. But imo, I think Colony seems like a song that might fit your tastes better due to the catchier and groovier riffs. But that's just me.
I’m so thrilled y’all are finally checking out In Flames. They’re definitely more accessible Melodic Death Metal. While We Sleep by Insomnium is an excellent melodic death song with a good mix of clean and harsh vocals and truly beautiful melodies. Well worth checking out!
@@DM72513 what's their genre tho? the ugly metalcore they performed after Colony? True in Flames are till Colony ( Lunar Strain, The Jester Race, Whoracle, Colony and partially Clayman)
I've waited for 5 or 6 years for this moment, where you finally listen to the majesty of melodic death metal from the masterpiece Jester Race album by In Flames. What pure magic. And you both nailed why this genre and album are so universally appealing. It has been tough watching you both struggle with the likes of Death and Cannibal Corpse over the years when music like this was out there. A more natural way to expose oneself and get into the genre. More palatable and beautiful than raw and harsh. This was my gateway into extreme metal and even after 20 plus years it remains one of my favorite listens. There are certainly songs by this band (stick to their 90s output) and Dark Tranquility that I am sure you'll love. I am just glad we are finally here. Bravo, gents.
Echoing this! Melodic death metal like In Flames absolutely opened up a whole new world of music for me as a teenager. The juxtaposition between dark and light, harsh and smooth, melodic and dissonant holds tremendous appeal for me to this day.
Same! I think you guys should also go to either The Colony Album or Clayman or my own starting point which was Reroute to Remain with Cloud Connected. But it might be a too big of a change from this to jump into straight away, In Flames really is a journey!
Same for me, In Flames and Opeth were the gateway for me. Still love Opeth, outgrew In Flames (the progression in their sound helped that lol). I guess the accessibility drew me in, but the heavy visceral stuff is what ultimately captured my ears over the years.
Jasper was basically a child prodigy playing classical instruments as a kid, then became a fan of death metal as a kid then heard Iron maiden and mixed it all together to make in flames. He even wrote and played all the parts on the first album besides bass I believe
This is the FIRST time you guys have listened to IN FLAMES? Holy F*CK you guys got A TON to listen to now...Great Discography, especially the mid 90's to Mid 00's...You're going to LOVE Whoracle, it's a more polished version of Jester Race, and it get's more polished the newer albums you go
everyone loves the early In Flames, the guitar work is just amazing. I will say their later work is vocally more accessible and could be a style you may enjoy more.
@@AlmissaGamingthat was my first introduction to them! Was on a Headbanger's Ball mix CD and I fell in love with it. Were SOOO many tracks that were amazing on the 2 discs! Swinging the Dead by Devildriver was almost burned out I listened to it so much 🤣
The Jester Race is one of the best albums ever made, it was a classic even when it was released. You should have combined this with the second track "Artifacts Of The Black Rain," that song is more straightforward and up tempo. It would have been interesting to hear your opinions on how those songs were similar and different.
Check out the album Colony by In Flames. Their peak of song writing imo. Embody the Invisible is very melodic and very upbeat. The track Colony is probably one of their grooviest.
in flames is an interesting band because they've been around so long and their sound has changed quite a bit here are some recs from the era of in flames i prefer: lunar strain - behind space lord hypnos - the jester race clayman - clayman cloud connected - reroute to remain the quiet place - soundtrack to your escape
Clayman was the first song that I finally decided that I really liked the band. The earlier albums were too much in the middle for me. Not heavy enough, not interestng enough melodies, not fast enough, not slow enough, they just kinda slowly go from A to B. Then a friend made me a mix CD with Clayman on it. I was like, "WOW! What band is this?" He just smiled and said, a band that you don't like... In FLames". I was hooked ever since..... I did kinda like Episode 666, when it was new, too.
The Cover alone gives me chills. It was done by the german artist Andreas Marschall, who did lot of Stuff especially in the 90ies. Growing up with this type of music, this song remindes me of my teenage years, partys with my friends in my german small town village, growing our hair long , drinking beer and had fun. Good times, man..!
So, a bit of pedigree for In Flames. Originally, the singer for their first album, Lunar Strain was the singer from Dark Tranquillity. Mikel did that one album as a request and called it a day. A man named Anders Friden stepped up to the plate for the album The Jester race and has been the main vocalist since. The tripping part was that Anders was the original singer for Dark Tranquillity and left , then Mikel came on board... crazy I know. As for Ryan's description of In Flames, my Digital Media teacher had the best description for bands like In Flames, Soilwork, At The Gates, Dark Tranquillity, etc, they are happy metal. They sound heavy yet melodic, and it conflicts with American metal due to the vocals and instruments providing different experiences that resonate and create a unique harmony not found in most western metal. Do yourselves a favour and check out their more recent work. "Take This Life" is a beast of a song with a modern twist in melodic metal. It's hard, fast, melodic, soaring and straight up fucking unreal.
Fast forward.... Most of the OG members left In Flames over the years. They have reformed in a band named The Halo Effect. And guess who's the singer - Mikael! Shadowminds will definitely get your head banging
Love that you guys are getting into more melodeath bands and definitely agree that it's a more accessible sub-genre for people who aren't into extreme metal. There's a ton of great bands to check out but I'd recommend Insomnium or Soilwork next. Also think Amon Amarth definitely needs a redemption, you gotta go with Twilight of the Thunder God this time!
I would highly recommend Only For the Weak as another introduction to In Flames. It would hit that heavy groove you guys like and the screams are more palatable. It was the first song I heard when it all really clicked for me. Great work gentlemen thank you.
After In Flames you might be ready for At the Gates - ”Slaughter of the soul” from 1995 🤘Another masterpiece recorded in the same studio as the In Flames albums. And another super amazing band I saw live back in 1996 😘 Only a few hundred people showed up at this show to. They did one more show before Breaking up and I thought: ”Is this it, after a masterpiece like Slaughter of the soul!?” But luckily the album got the attention it really deserved during the 12 years that the band was gone.
2017 George and Ryan would think you guys are off the perc for digging this, hahaha. Nah but I'm glad you liked it, In Flames have changed their sound quite a bit over the years, but recently they released some songs that really hit the spot. I think you guys would like Foregone Pt. 2, lots of different dynamics and melodies in that with modern production
After the song ended I was waiting for the guitar riff of "Jester's Dance" to kick in you guys would gone nuts!!! Such a smooth instrumental song. THis whole album is a masterpiece
The beginning - "poet shirt" thing - it's very old swedish folk music kinda sound. In Flames had a lot of those in those first albums, and one of the few that actually implemented those kind of melodies.
I have been waiting for the moment that you guys find melo-death metal! I've been saying it for years: It's the absolutely-perfect genre for you guys! I'm just glad you found a good song for your first entry into the genre. I will admit, though, that I'm surprised you meshed with these super-early-style vocals. Ironically enough, the later songs from this band have vocals that aren't nearly as "buried" as they are in this song, so you guys might not actually like their newer stuff. But, hey, a win is a win. Now just let the excellence flow. Scar Symmetry's "Holographic Universe" is the perfect song for your tastes. But Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom, Darkane, Callenish Circle, Be'Lakor, Kalmah, Allegaeon, and SO many more bands are all just waiting for you to fall in love with them.
Watched quite some vids now of these guys. The left guy has a real feel for music. He picks up all the nuances intuitively without being a musician. He's got a deep perception. I like him.
Love that you guys are getting to In Flames! More songs to consider Trigger (2002) My Sweet Shadow (2004) The entire Come Clarity Album (2006) Meet your maker (2023)
When I first heard songs from this album, the harmonies and solos really drew me in. I felt the same way about the vocals at first, but this is the album that really made me a fan of death metal vocals. I also felt that same spookiness when listening to the album, and still do!
In Flames was one of the first transitional bands I listened to in order to go from hard radio rock to metal. That palatability does make it great for those looking to ease into the harder stuff and I still love this earlier stuff.
Thanks for remember this, many people start to play and be part of this albums many years ago. Every with every guitar riff was something amazing, sorpresive and blowmind. Cheers from Argentina
I've been waiting for this reaction for YEARS guys. In Flames is my favorite band since I'm 16, so I'm very very happy that you finally gave them a listen. And what a song to start this journey! The whole The Jester Race album is a masterpiece. I suggest you to continue logically with a song from Whoracle. "Jotun" would be a great choice. Oh, and by the way, you should try some Soilwork some time.
I think what Ryan said, is what makes the Gothenburg scene unique. The instruments play these beautiful melodies and the vocals kinda counterpoint it. For, me that's the genius of Gothenburg. Man, I love and miss this sound a lot. The soundtrack of my early twenties.
I've been waiting for you guys to get to this album for years and years; great track for an introduction :) Thanks as always, George & Ryan ! Hope you dug it enough to inspire more In Flames reactions.
In Flames and Children of Bodom were the gateway for a lot of us! They've got some really incredible stuff between them. For my part, Jester Race, Whoracle and Colony are albums you just leave on to completion. And Bodom's "Follow the Reaper" is another one that's just banger after banger.
On their release tour for their "Come Clarity" album 2006 InFlames toured together with Gojira which is where i got to know Gojira. That was one great concert.
In Flames is a band that has progressed and changed a lot over the years, these days their music is barely recognisable from what it used to be. You're listening to classic, early-era In Flames here. The crux of their shift in style came around the albums Reroute to Remain, Soundtrack to Your Escape and Come Clarity. I'd recommend you take a look at some songs from Reroute to Remain, there are a bunch of incredible tracks that strike a real nice sweet spot of listenability that I think you'd really enjoy: Trigger, Reroute to Remain, Cloud Connected... actually there are more, it's a pretty long list; they did good work on that album. Look forward to it.
Reroute to remain was one of my gateways to metal. I don’t listen to it anymore as I outgrew it, but I remember it fondly. The albums following that soured me on them (the two you mentioned, soundtrack and come clarity)
I love In Flames. Especially early In Flames. Been listening to them since 2002. I saw the video for Cloud Connected and bought the CD and was impressed and loved every song. Then went backwards and bought the previous album, Colony. And I absolutely loved it. And been a fan since. They have so much great music. I think "Cloud Connected" and "Morphing Into Primal" are the 2 songs I'd share to get people started on them. "Minus" is a personal favorite.
Great reaction! This is a band you can take a journey with. While they are more "accessible" than Dark Tranquillity (also love), in general, this song Moonshield is probably on the lesser accessible side of In Flames catalog. It's one of their earlier works and definitely more death metal with the sounds and vocals. Their current stuff is basically radio friendly with predominantly clean vocals. I am a fan of mostly all of their stuff. It would be interesting to see you do a couple more reactions to them to see how they've evolved. Random Trivia: they had a song on guitar hero. Anyway love your reactions. 👍
I love Moonshield, but wish the pick had been December Flower. That guitar solo was one of the defining moments that made me really get into the guitar as an instrument as a teenager. All the same, glad to see you react to classic In Flames. I'm not very into their newer stuff, but their older catalog is jam packed with absolute bangers.
Jester Race, Whoracle, Colony and Clayman are such legendary melodic death albuns. In Flame's got so many 10/10 songs it's impossible to nome one for you guys to react.
In Flames was one of the best of the early era of melodic death metal bands in the 90s. For good or ill, they softened their sound even further about halfway through their career and became much more radio friendly, which might actually work in your favor (starting with albums like Reroute To Remain). That said, those of us who are old school melo-death fans have a soft spot for the first several albums by In Flames (Lunar Strain, The Jester Race, Whoracle, Colony, and Clayman). I highly recommend the track Coerced Coexistence from their Colony album. :)
Glad you finally featured Inflames..one of the most influential modern metal band..there won't be a genre metalcore with out the likes of Inflames, At the Gates etc
In Flames so good across their entire career. If you like screams much more like Joe from Gojira, you'll probably enjoy a vast majority of their newest stuff. I would say "Meet Your Maker" being a great choice from the newest album of theirs to showcase some of the best aspects of the band. A little farther back, and a great choice could be "I Am Above". Even though that album, "I, the Mask" is probably one of their more controversial due to the changes in tone for the band, in my opinion it's one of their best for newcomers to Melodeath and especially In Flames. Anders is at the top of his game on this album (and their newest) imo, and you can VERY clearly hear and understand nearly every word said, and some of the songs are so catchy it's hard not to sing along with them.
I love all subgenres of metal for the most part. In Flames is one of my all time favorite bands of all time. Their singer, Anders Friden, is also one of my all time favorites. Moonshield is a banger for sure, but if you want to dig in deeper check out their later songs. "Cloud Connected," "Where the Dead Ships Dwell," "Deliver Us," "The Quiet Place," and as people have already said "Only for the Weak," their singer really shines on multiple levels. Love that you guys finally did In Flames. I LOVE THIS BAND!! Would love for you guys to explore more. Also, if you guys enjoy what you hear, also give "The Chosen Pessimist" a go.
Yes!! Glad y’all finally got to In Flames. Good to be exposed to the earlier era but I think you guys will really be more drawn to anything on Reroute to Remain and records after that. More accessible sound and great production. Cloud Connected, Dark Signs, Black & White, Trigger… Anything really but you guys will dig it I think
You should try At the Gates - Slaughter of the Soul. I used to recommend it under every video a few years ago, so I might as well recommend it again now that you guys are listening to more extreme stuff.
Respect for reacting to old In Flames. In Flames 1993 to 2006 are one of the greatest metal bands ever. No question. Gonna list a lot of songs with brief descriptions to you from choose from hoping to see more IF reactions. Band was just too damn good. Regarding vocals. Anders didn't really found his famous scream until after this album so these are worst vocals you'll hear from In Flames. So you are right. They are a bit too raw and unrefined. List of songs: - from same album as Moonshield - December Flower, Jester's Race, Goliaths Disarm their Davids - Worlds Within the Margin from album after that one (Anders has fantastic vocals in that song) - Colony and Clayman albums pretty much everything is amazing - My Sweet Shadow a must listen (my fav song still) - Come Clarity album (2006) was the last amazing one with great songs like Take This Life, Leeches, Vacuum, Vanishing Light... Honestly there are too many fantastic ones but listen to people in the comment section as old IF fans don't go wrong with suggestions.
IMO, the perfect song for people that want to check out In Flames but they aren't as into the vocals is "Dialogue With the Stars" because it's an instrumental track. Same with "Acoustic Medley" which has some of my favourite In Flames riffs from their earlier catalog. I would think the songs on Colony, Whoracle, and Clayman would probably be the ones to focus on.
Forgot how good this band are. When will you get around to more Machine Head? I think Aesthetics of Hate would be staylist for you both. Also Ryan, that comment wasn't a regression at all! It's great to hear you are starting to 'get' why so many of us love these kind of vocals!
Surprising pick but you liked it way more than I thought you would. Definitely recommend you get to Jotun next, that might be closer to what you need from In Flames! And after that Living Dead Beat or Bodom Beach Terror by Children Of Bodom!
in flames was the first band with harsh vocals i ever heard and immediately liked them, i think the vocals are still pretty accessible if you have listened to any kind of metal before because the music is so melodic
I’ve always loved the epic folk influence of the instrumental composition in this song. There is a duo (man and woman) who do a beautiful live rendition on guitars of this song. I can’t remember who they are though.
In Flames have quite a range in the aggression of the vocals album to album. Based on the things you folks like I think "Clayman" "The Quiet Place" and "Only for the Weak" might be more in your area.
Probably should have done something off of the Clayman album to start with In Flames. But this is a solid first choice off of Jester. Hope y'all dig it! Also, you gotta do Byzantine! Justinian Code. Day #53 requesting
Glad you guys did In Flames. They are one of my favorite bands and I have some of their lyrics on me as a tattoo. Excited to hear more In Flames reactions.
The band has changed in ways over the years that I really think you guys would enjoy. Recommend Cloud Connected, My Sweet Shadow, Deliver Us ... and actually many others haha
This is early In Flames from 1996... the band started as melodic death metal, but incorporated more mainstream influences in 2002 and beyond... In Flames were unknown for about 10 years and then they rose so fast in the 2000's that they were headlining tours across the US and Europe and above most of their peers like Dark Tranquility, Soilwork, The Haunted, etc... In Flames' later years polarized their fanbase because they streamlined their sound by 2014 as founding guitarist Jesper Stromblad had left the band and was followed out by longtime members Peter Iwers (bass), Daniel Svensson (drums) and Niclas Engelin (guitar)... They all resurfaced in 2022 w/ the band The Halo Effect w/ original In Flames/ Dark Tranquility vocalist Miikael Stanne joined and they released a debut album 'Days of the Lost'. Jesper Stromblad formed In Flames in Sweden in the early 90's as a project w/ Dark Tranquility vocalist Mikael Stanne, who did their early records, but left before In Flames became a live band... Bjorn Gelotte (lead guitar) initially played drums and Anders Friden (vocals) joined as In Flames became a live band and released 'The Jester Race' (1996) and 'Whoracle' (1997). The band gained fanfare after Peter Iwers (bass) and Daniel Svensson (drums) solidified the line-up and the albums 'Colony' (1999) and 'Clayman' (2000) were released. Many In Flames fans call this their best era musically... Some In Flames tracks from that era: 'Colony'... 'Only for the weak' ... 'Pinball Map' ... 'Jotun'... 🤘🤘🔥🔥 With In Flames gaining commercial fanfare, the 2002 album 'Reroute to remain' was a departure sonically, w/ more melodic vocals and synthesized beats and programming... 'Cloud connected' was a huge single for the band to that point... MTV actually gave In Flames some exposure for the albums 'Soundtrack to your escape' (2004) and 'Come clarity' (2006)... Their 2008 album 'A sense of purpose' became their biggest record as it charted at #1 in Sweden, #28 in the US... However, guitarist Jesper Stromblad was apparently struggling w/ alcoholism and took a break from touring; he ended up leaving In Flames by 2010. Songs from this In Flames era: 'Trigger'... 'Come clarity' ... 'Alias' ... My sweet shadow' ... 'The quiet place'... 'Take this life' ... 🤘🤘🔥🔥 In Flames released 'Sounds of a playground fading' in 2011 and added Niclas Engelin (guitar) to replace Stromblad w/ Bjorn Gelotte and Anders Friden writing the songs... After the 2014 album 'Siren charms', both bassist Peter Iwers and drummer Daniel Svensson left the band... In Flames released 'Battles' in 2016 w/ session members added... "I, the Mask" was released in 2019 and would be the last to feature Engelin on guitar. In 2023, In Flames released 'Foregone'... and fans have been saying it's a welcome return to form. Newer In Flames songs - 'Deliver us' ... 'I, the Mask' ... 'Meet your maker'
You guys should SoilWork Next! They are eerily sound familiar to this band. They are another Swedish Death Metal Band as well. Rejection Role sounds amazing, Along with Stalfagel, Distortion Sleep are these guys number 1 hits! You should listen to them sometime!
Holy shit i havent watched one of you guys videos in a hot minute, but this is my absolute favorite metal track from my favorite metal band. Havent even started the video yet but im super excited to see what yall think of this band! They have changed so so much over the years
The Jester Race IMO is In Flames most dynamic album. If I had to pick only one to own, this is it. Moonshield is the opening track. It's just so smooth and clean. So pleasing to the ear. I'll be corny and a dad and say "it's a vibe" lol. This came out right after I finished HS.
hey guys! finally you got to the 90's european metal, I'll wait for something from Moonspell, thanks for this video, greetings from Chile, south america.
Finally some In Flames! Loved your analysis of the vocals! Anders is kind of unique in what he does. Would love to see you try Cloud Connected! Less Death, it's when In Flames started going down a different niche and when Anders started singing/screaming in his more melodic style.
I might be in the minority, but I would argue Whoracle was the pinnacle for 90s IF. I say this as a massive fan of The Jester Race. Jotun, Dialogue With The Stars, The Hive... The motherfucking Jester Script Transfigured. I can say without any equivocation those were transformative listens for me back in the 90s. But Moonshield is a great choice too. Always brightens my day when old-school IF gets exposure with new listeners. They're a special band.
This is their second album and first with this vocalist (he and Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquility swapped bands) They use clean vocals with the growls on later albums Check The Quiet Place off 2006s Soundtrack to Your Escape
I can't consider a weekend successful unless I drink a few beers while watching a Lost in Vegas hard rock or heavy metal reaction. You guys are the best. 🤘
Finally you guys did In Flames! FYI - their sound changes quite a bit over the years. Other suggestions for In Flames: Embody the Invisible, Pinball Map, Take this Life, or Meet Your Maker. I think you guys would enjoy any of the above tracks as they sound a bit more modern than Moonshield. Glad you guys are finally getting into some MeloDeath!
![In Flames - Moonshield (Patreon Request) [Reaction/Review]](/img/1.gif)
Some of the most beautiful death metal ever created. 90's In Flames is magical.
Let's not sleep on early-mid 2000's tho. Reroute to Remain was a masterpiece
As a young teen, my 1st metal purchase was Inflames Lunar Strain and Subterranean double CD. it blew my mind.
if this is death metal, i'm a Lada Niva
@@StarFck3r Who is that? Take your reference to the trash with the rest of your personality.
@@StarFck3rits melodeath
Man... following you guys for nearly 5 years throughout your metal journey, hearing Ryan explain how the death growls purposefully and skillfully, both contrast and complement the melodic instrumentation brings a tear to my eye. You guys have come such a long way
I know right 😂
This is a great choice for a first listen when it comes to older In Flames. But imo, I think Colony seems like a song that might fit your tastes better due to the catchier and groovier riffs. But that's just me.
Truth. Many of the tracks off Colony are peak In Flames IMO.
Satellites and Astronauts should be the one
Or Jotun!
I think Clayman is a better choice
Or pinball map for older in flames.
I’m so thrilled y’all are finally checking out In Flames. They’re definitely more accessible Melodic Death Metal. While We Sleep by Insomnium is an excellent melodic death song with a good mix of clean and harsh vocals and truly beautiful melodies. Well worth checking out!
I don't know why they awaited so long to listen melo death. This is a classic step getting into extreme metal.
@@AlmissaGamingThat's after In Flames stopped being melodic death metal.
@@DM72513 so?that song is so groovie
@@AlmissaGaming It's a decent song but doesn't showcase the genre at all.
@@DM72513 what's their genre tho? the ugly metalcore they performed after Colony? True in Flames are till Colony ( Lunar Strain, The Jester Race, Whoracle, Colony and partially Clayman)
I've waited for 5 or 6 years for this moment, where you finally listen to the majesty of melodic death metal from the masterpiece Jester Race album by In Flames. What pure magic. And you both nailed why this genre and album are so universally appealing. It has been tough watching you both struggle with the likes of Death and Cannibal Corpse over the years when music like this was out there. A more natural way to expose oneself and get into the genre. More palatable and beautiful than raw and harsh.
This was my gateway into extreme metal and even after 20 plus years it remains one of my favorite listens. There are certainly songs by this band (stick to their 90s output) and Dark Tranquility that I am sure you'll love. I am just glad we are finally here. Bravo, gents.
Echoing this! Melodic death metal like In Flames absolutely opened up a whole new world of music for me as a teenager. The juxtaposition between dark and light, harsh and smooth, melodic and dissonant holds tremendous appeal for me to this day.
Here i am 🙋🏻♂️ another one who started opening to extreme metal with these two bands. And enjoy them still now.
Same! I think you guys should also go to either The Colony Album or Clayman or my own starting point which was Reroute to Remain with Cloud Connected. But it might be a too big of a change from this to jump into straight away, In Flames really is a journey!
Hopefully they will get in to all the great early melodeath albums
Same for me, In Flames and Opeth were the gateway for me. Still love Opeth, outgrew In Flames (the progression in their sound helped that lol). I guess the accessibility drew me in, but the heavy visceral stuff is what ultimately captured my ears over the years.
Jasper was basically a child prodigy playing classical instruments as a kid, then became a fan of death metal as a kid then heard Iron maiden and mixed it all together to make in flames. He even wrote and played all the parts on the first album besides bass I believe
Jesper*
Maybe it's time for some At The Gates. Give "Cold" a spin.
Cold and 13 ways to bleed on stage are great albums
Cold is one of the heaviest songs/riffs ever created
Ahh shiit. I used to blast that one so hard. Love that album from at the gates.
This is the FIRST time you guys have listened to IN FLAMES? Holy F*CK you guys got A TON to listen to now...Great Discography, especially the mid 90's to Mid 00's...You're going to LOVE Whoracle, it's a more polished version of Jester Race, and it get's more polished the newer albums you go
everyone loves the early In Flames, the guitar work is just amazing. I will say their later work is vocally more accessible and could be a style you may enjoy more.
@@AlmissaGamingthat was my first introduction to them! Was on a Headbanger's Ball mix CD and I fell in love with it. Were SOOO many tracks that were amazing on the 2 discs! Swinging the Dead by Devildriver was almost burned out I listened to it so much 🤣
mid-later stuff is more accessible, but the earlier stuff is just so damn good. lol
@@alanstrange2421old stuff is truly amazing, just thinking of the boys taste
@@jbd579 I do love devildriver
The Jester Race is one of the best albums ever made, it was a classic even when it was released. You should have combined this with the second track "Artifacts Of The Black Rain," that song is more straightforward and up tempo. It would have been interesting to hear your opinions on how those songs were similar and different.
Only for the weak - that’s the song that got me into In Flames. Guaranteed playlist for you guys.
Check out the album Colony by In Flames. Their peak of song writing imo. Embody the Invisible is very melodic and very upbeat. The track Colony is probably one of their grooviest.
eh, they lost quite a bit of their subtle beauty by then
@@FenderUsa I disagree… Colony was their last great record. Clayman was their “Black Album”… all downhill after that one 😐
@@FenderUsa but Zombie Inc.... come on man!
disagree, I like the record but it's the record I reach for least in their older catalogue. Scorn though beats ass.
Soundtrack to your escape was the best album. Each song a banger. Also best sounding album the chuggy heavy tight sound, very niice
in flames is an interesting band because they've been around so long and their sound has changed quite a bit
here are some recs from the era of in flames i prefer:
lunar strain - behind space
lord hypnos - the jester race
clayman - clayman
cloud connected - reroute to remain
the quiet place - soundtrack to your escape
Clayman was the first song that I finally decided that I really liked the band. The earlier albums were too much in the middle for me. Not heavy enough, not interestng enough melodies, not fast enough, not slow enough, they just kinda slowly go from A to B. Then a friend made me a mix CD with Clayman on it. I was like, "WOW! What band is this?" He just smiled and said, a band that you don't like... In FLames". I was hooked ever since..... I did kinda like Episode 666, when it was new, too.
Bro really slipped colony💀
Super cool that you guys enjoyed this for an early era In Flames track.
The Cover alone gives me chills. It was done by the german artist Andreas Marschall, who did lot of Stuff especially in the 90ies. Growing up with this type of music, this song remindes me of my teenage years, partys with my friends in my german small town village, growing our hair long , drinking beer and had fun. Good times, man..!
YESSS one of my all time favourite bands! You gotta do Cloud Connected and Colony next, they’re huge for a reason.
So, a bit of pedigree for In Flames. Originally, the singer for their first album, Lunar Strain was the singer from Dark Tranquillity. Mikel did that one album as a request and called it a day. A man named Anders Friden stepped up to the plate for the album The Jester race and has been the main vocalist since.
The tripping part was that Anders was the original singer for Dark Tranquillity and left , then Mikel came on board... crazy I know.
As for Ryan's description of In Flames, my Digital Media teacher had the best description for bands like In Flames, Soilwork, At The Gates, Dark Tranquillity, etc, they are happy metal.
They sound heavy yet melodic, and it conflicts with American metal due to the vocals and instruments providing different experiences that resonate and create a unique harmony not found in most western metal.
Do yourselves a favour and check out their more recent work. "Take This Life" is a beast of a song with a modern twist in melodic metal. It's hard, fast, melodic, soaring and straight up fucking unreal.
Mikael* :)
Take this Life is a great song but it's not recent, it came out almost 20 years ago 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Fast forward....
Most of the OG members left In Flames over the years.
They have reformed in a band named The Halo Effect. And guess who's the singer - Mikael!
Shadowminds will definitely get your head banging
@@okaight7248he meant meet your maker or forgone pt 2😂
Love that you guys are getting into more melodeath bands and definitely agree that it's a more accessible sub-genre for people who aren't into extreme metal. There's a ton of great bands to check out but I'd recommend Insomnium or Soilwork next. Also think Amon Amarth definitely needs a redemption, you gotta go with Twilight of the Thunder God this time!
Soilwork is amazing. They should do Two Lives Worth of Reckoning, I feel that is the best showcase of their abilities.
So many good melo death bands from that part of the world, Ensiferum, Kalmah, Children of Bodom
From Lunar Strain up to and including Reroute to Remain, you cant go wrong with this band
I would highly recommend Only For the Weak as another introduction to In Flames. It would hit that heavy groove you guys like and the screams are more palatable. It was the first song I heard when it all really clicked for me. Great work gentlemen thank you.
After In Flames you might be ready for At the Gates - ”Slaughter of the soul” from 1995 🤘Another masterpiece recorded in the same studio as the In Flames albums. And another super amazing band I saw live back in 1996 😘
Only a few hundred people showed up at this show to. They did one more show before Breaking up and I thought: ”Is this it, after a masterpiece like Slaughter of the soul!?”
But luckily the album got the attention it really deserved during the 12 years that the band was gone.
SO glad you guys are dipping into Melodic Death Metal! Its my favorite subgenre! Check out Soilwork, Insomnium, and Scar Symmetry for sure.
Scar symmetry started off so well with those first two albums!
They need to do Soilwork!
2017 George and Ryan would think you guys are off the perc for digging this, hahaha. Nah but I'm glad you liked it, In Flames have changed their sound quite a bit over the years, but recently they released some songs that really hit the spot. I think you guys would like Foregone Pt. 2, lots of different dynamics and melodies in that with modern production
Good choice from In Flames. As far as I'm concerned this is their best album by far and this is one of their best songs.
In flames is very interesting example of music evolution, they went through so many styles and ideas.
After the song ended I was waiting for the guitar riff of "Jester's Dance" to kick in you guys would gone nuts!!! Such a smooth instrumental song. THis whole album is a masterpiece
The beginning - "poet shirt" thing - it's very old swedish folk music kinda sound. In Flames had a lot of those in those first albums, and one of the few that actually implemented those kind of melodies.
And thankfully forgone brought back the folk sound at times
I have been waiting for the moment that you guys find melo-death metal! I've been saying it for years: It's the absolutely-perfect genre for you guys!
I'm just glad you found a good song for your first entry into the genre. I will admit, though, that I'm surprised you meshed with these super-early-style vocals. Ironically enough, the later songs from this band have vocals that aren't nearly as "buried" as they are in this song, so you guys might not actually like their newer stuff.
But, hey, a win is a win. Now just let the excellence flow.
Scar Symmetry's "Holographic Universe" is the perfect song for your tastes.
But Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom, Darkane, Callenish Circle, Be'Lakor, Kalmah, Allegaeon, and SO many more bands are all just waiting for you to fall in love with them.
MORE IN FLAMES PLEASE...the old stuff is a gold mine of good music
But December Flower from the same album has a mind-smashingly gorgeous solo so that 100% needs a million listens.
And they finally play it live with Chris!
Watched quite some vids now of these guys. The left guy has a real feel for music. He picks up all the nuances intuitively without being a musician. He's got a deep perception. I like him.
Love that you guys are getting to In Flames! More songs to consider
Trigger (2002)
My Sweet Shadow (2004)
The entire Come Clarity Album (2006)
Meet your maker (2023)
agree 100%
Fully agree with this. I really do hope they react to meet your maker
I would love The Quite Place as the next song to showcase how different In Flames style became from the early 2000's while still sounding awesome.
Yes sir! Trigger has one of the best choruses In Flames has ever made and oh boy they do have a ”few” good choruses.
I have waited this entire time for you listen to old inflames. Thank god and thank you. It means alot.
In Flames - Zombie Inc
Soilwork - Stabbing the Drama
Soilwork would be great.
had to scroll a little damn it..also Nerve would be great, or Overload or Death in General.
This IF album is a national treasure. 5/5 all the way.
better than Abba.
When I first heard songs from this album, the harmonies and solos really drew me in. I felt the same way about the vocals at first, but this is the album that really made me a fan of death metal vocals. I also felt that same spookiness when listening to the album, and still do!
In Flames was one of the first transitional bands I listened to in order to go from hard radio rock to metal. That palatability does make it great for those looking to ease into the harder stuff and I still love this earlier stuff.
Same. Them and Opeth were the gateway for me. I outgrew in flames but still rock Opeth to this day
Thanks for remember this, many people start to play and be part of this albums many years ago. Every with every guitar riff was something amazing, sorpresive and blowmind. Cheers from Argentina
I've been waiting for this reaction for YEARS guys. In Flames is my favorite band since I'm 16, so I'm very very happy that you finally gave them a listen.
And what a song to start this journey! The whole The Jester Race album is a masterpiece.
I suggest you to continue logically with a song from Whoracle. "Jotun" would be a great choice.
Oh, and by the way, you should try some Soilwork some time.
Seconding Soilwork
I think what Ryan said, is what makes the Gothenburg scene unique. The instruments play these beautiful melodies and the vocals kinda counterpoint it. For, me that's the genius of Gothenburg. Man, I love and miss this sound a lot. The soundtrack of my early twenties.
I've been waiting for you guys to get to this album for years and years; great track for an introduction :)
Thanks as always, George & Ryan ! Hope you dug it enough to inspire more In Flames reactions.
In Flames and Children of Bodom were the gateway for a lot of us! They've got some really incredible stuff between them. For my part, Jester Race, Whoracle and Colony are albums you just leave on to completion. And Bodom's "Follow the Reaper" is another one that's just banger after banger.
"Slaughter of the Soul" is in there as well
On their release tour for their "Come Clarity" album 2006 InFlames toured together with Gojira which is where i got to know Gojira. That was one great concert.
🤘🏼I think if you guys want to hear an EXCELLENT and groovy classic In Flames song: EMBODY THE INVISIBLE
In Flames is a band that has progressed and changed a lot over the years, these days their music is barely recognisable from what it used to be. You're listening to classic, early-era In Flames here. The crux of their shift in style came around the albums Reroute to Remain, Soundtrack to Your Escape and Come Clarity. I'd recommend you take a look at some songs from Reroute to Remain, there are a bunch of incredible tracks that strike a real nice sweet spot of listenability that I think you'd really enjoy: Trigger, Reroute to Remain, Cloud Connected... actually there are more, it's a pretty long list; they did good work on that album. Look forward to it.
Reroute to remain was one of my gateways to metal. I don’t listen to it anymore as I outgrew it, but I remember it fondly. The albums following that soured me on them (the two you mentioned, soundtrack and come clarity)
I love In Flames. Especially early In Flames. Been listening to them since 2002. I saw the video for Cloud Connected and bought the CD and was impressed and loved every song. Then went backwards and bought the previous album, Colony. And I absolutely loved it. And been a fan since. They have so much great music. I think "Cloud Connected" and "Morphing Into Primal" are the 2 songs I'd share to get people started on them. "Minus" is a personal favorite.
Great reaction! This is a band you can take a journey with. While they are more "accessible" than Dark Tranquillity (also love), in general, this song Moonshield is probably on the lesser accessible side of In Flames catalog. It's one of their earlier works and definitely more death metal with the sounds and vocals. Their current stuff is basically radio friendly with predominantly clean vocals. I am a fan of mostly all of their stuff. It would be interesting to see you do a couple more reactions to them to see how they've evolved. Random Trivia: they had a song on guitar hero. Anyway love your reactions. 👍
Dark Tranquillity*
Man I was such a Huge fan of old In Flames when I was Younger. They were so good.
I love Moonshield, but wish the pick had been December Flower. That guitar solo was one of the defining moments that made me really get into the guitar as an instrument as a teenager. All the same, glad to see you react to classic In Flames. I'm not very into their newer stuff, but their older catalog is jam packed with absolute bangers.
my fave of this album is artifacts of the black rain :)
@@Othraerir That main riff in Artifacts is TASTY.
Jester Race, Whoracle, Colony and Clayman are such legendary melodic death albuns. In Flame's got so many 10/10 songs it's impossible to nome one for you guys to react.
In Flames was one of the best of the early era of melodic death metal bands in the 90s. For good or ill, they softened their sound even further about halfway through their career and became much more radio friendly, which might actually work in your favor (starting with albums like Reroute To Remain). That said, those of us who are old school melo-death fans have a soft spot for the first several albums by In Flames (Lunar Strain, The Jester Race, Whoracle, Colony, and Clayman). I highly recommend the track Coerced Coexistence from their Colony album. :)
Glad you finally featured Inflames..one of the most influential modern metal band..there won't be a genre metalcore with out the likes of Inflames, At the Gates etc
In Flames so good across their entire career. If you like screams much more like Joe from Gojira, you'll probably enjoy a vast majority of their newest stuff. I would say "Meet Your Maker" being a great choice from the newest album of theirs to showcase some of the best aspects of the band. A little farther back, and a great choice could be "I Am Above". Even though that album, "I, the Mask" is probably one of their more controversial due to the changes in tone for the band, in my opinion it's one of their best for newcomers to Melodeath and especially In Flames. Anders is at the top of his game on this album (and their newest) imo, and you can VERY clearly hear and understand nearly every word said, and some of the songs are so catchy it's hard not to sing along with them.
I love all subgenres of metal for the most part. In Flames is one of my all time favorite bands of all time. Their singer, Anders Friden, is also one of my all time favorites. Moonshield is a banger for sure, but if you want to dig in deeper check out their later songs. "Cloud Connected," "Where the Dead Ships Dwell," "Deliver Us," "The Quiet Place," and as people have already said "Only for the Weak," their singer really shines on multiple levels. Love that you guys finally did In Flames. I LOVE THIS BAND!! Would love for you guys to explore more. Also, if you guys enjoy what you hear, also give "The Chosen Pessimist" a go.
Yes!! Glad y’all finally got to In Flames. Good to be exposed to the earlier era but I think you guys will really be more drawn to anything on Reroute to Remain and records after that. More accessible sound and great production. Cloud Connected, Dark Signs, Black & White, Trigger… Anything really but you guys will dig it I think
Excellent suggestions.
Those albums are Huge drop in quality .
You should try At the Gates - Slaughter of the Soul. I used to recommend it under every video a few years ago, so I might as well recommend it again now that you guys are listening to more extreme stuff.
I used to to do the same thing!
Never woulda thought you guys would do a reaction to my favorite band but here we are! Well done! 🔥
Respect for reacting to old In Flames. In Flames 1993 to 2006 are one of the greatest metal bands ever. No question. Gonna list a lot of songs with brief descriptions to you from choose from hoping to see more IF reactions. Band was just too damn good.
Regarding vocals. Anders didn't really found his famous scream until after this album so these are worst vocals you'll hear from In Flames. So you are right. They are a bit too raw and unrefined.
List of songs:
- from same album as Moonshield - December Flower, Jester's Race, Goliaths Disarm their Davids
- Worlds Within the Margin from album after that one (Anders has fantastic vocals in that song)
- Colony and Clayman albums pretty much everything is amazing
- My Sweet Shadow a must listen (my fav song still)
- Come Clarity album (2006) was the last amazing one with great songs like Take This Life, Leeches, Vacuum, Vanishing Light...
Honestly there are too many fantastic ones but listen to people in the comment section as old IF fans don't go wrong with suggestions.
This is one of my all time favorite albums, stoked to see you check it out.
IMO, the perfect song for people that want to check out In Flames but they aren't as into the vocals is "Dialogue With the Stars" because it's an instrumental track. Same with "Acoustic Medley" which has some of my favourite In Flames riffs from their earlier catalog. I would think the songs on Colony, Whoracle, and Clayman would probably be the ones to focus on.
Dialogue is beautiful
My first exposure to In Flames was The Clayman album. That's my favorite version of the band. I enjoyed this though.
The In Flames catalogue is a deep thing to dive into. So much range and progression over the years.
I recommend Disconnected, if I had to pick one.
Forgot how good this band are. When will you get around to more Machine Head? I think Aesthetics of Hate would be staylist for you both.
Also Ryan, that comment wasn't a regression at all! It's great to hear you are starting to 'get' why so many of us love these kind of vocals!
Surprising pick but you liked it way more than I thought you would. Definitely recommend you get to Jotun next, that might be closer to what you need from In Flames!
And after that Living Dead Beat or Bodom Beach Terror by Children Of Bodom!
JOTUUUUN
Yes to Children of Bodom next. I'd say Needled 24/7 is a hot pick.
You're ready for: Children of Bodom
Soilwork, Amorphis, Be'lakor
in flames was the first band with harsh vocals i ever heard and immediately liked them, i think the vocals are still pretty accessible if you have listened to any kind of metal before because the music is so melodic
I’ve always loved the epic folk influence of the instrumental composition in this song. There is a duo (man and woman) who do a beautiful live rendition on guitars of this song. I can’t remember who they are though.
I'm YouTubin that shit
I remember hearing this song for the first time in the 90s. It was my gateway album into Swedish metal
In Flames have quite a range in the aggression of the vocals album to album. Based on the things you folks like I think "Clayman" "The Quiet Place" and "Only for the Weak" might be more in your area.
I'd like to see a reaction to "Only For The Weak"
Probably should have done something off of the Clayman album to start with In Flames. But this is a solid first choice off of Jester. Hope y'all dig it!
Also, you gotta do Byzantine! Justinian Code. Day #53 requesting
So glad you guys finally got around to this. My favorite album by one of my favorite bands.
Glad you guys did In Flames. They are one of my favorite bands and I have some of their lyrics on me as a tattoo. Excited to hear more In Flames reactions.
This whole album is pretty raw. You'll dig the later stuff
The band has changed in ways over the years that I really think you guys would enjoy. Recommend Cloud Connected, My Sweet Shadow, Deliver Us ... and actually many others haha
This is early In Flames from 1996... the band started as melodic death metal, but incorporated more mainstream influences in 2002 and beyond... In Flames were unknown for about 10 years and then they rose so fast in the 2000's that they were headlining tours across the US and Europe and above most of their peers like Dark Tranquility, Soilwork, The Haunted, etc...
In Flames' later years polarized their fanbase because they streamlined their sound by 2014 as founding guitarist Jesper Stromblad had left the band and was followed out by longtime members Peter Iwers (bass), Daniel Svensson (drums) and Niclas Engelin (guitar)... They all resurfaced in 2022 w/ the band The Halo Effect w/ original In Flames/ Dark Tranquility vocalist Miikael Stanne joined and they released a debut album 'Days of the Lost'.
Jesper Stromblad formed In Flames in Sweden in the early 90's as a project w/ Dark Tranquility vocalist Mikael Stanne, who did their early records, but left before In Flames became a live band... Bjorn Gelotte (lead guitar) initially played drums and Anders Friden (vocals) joined as In Flames became a live band and released 'The Jester Race' (1996) and 'Whoracle' (1997).
The band gained fanfare after Peter Iwers (bass) and Daniel Svensson (drums) solidified the line-up and the albums 'Colony' (1999) and 'Clayman' (2000) were released. Many In Flames fans call this their best era musically... Some In Flames tracks from that era:
'Colony'... 'Only for the weak' ... 'Pinball Map' ... 'Jotun'... 🤘🤘🔥🔥
With In Flames gaining commercial fanfare, the 2002 album 'Reroute to remain' was a departure sonically, w/ more melodic vocals and synthesized beats and programming... 'Cloud connected' was a huge single for the band to that point... MTV actually gave In Flames some exposure for the albums 'Soundtrack to your escape' (2004) and 'Come clarity' (2006)... Their 2008 album 'A sense of purpose' became their biggest record as it charted at #1 in Sweden, #28 in the US... However, guitarist Jesper Stromblad was apparently struggling w/ alcoholism and took a break from touring; he ended up leaving In Flames by 2010.
Songs from this In Flames era:
'Trigger'... 'Come clarity' ... 'Alias' ... My sweet shadow' ... 'The quiet place'... 'Take this life' ... 🤘🤘🔥🔥
In Flames released 'Sounds of a playground fading' in 2011 and added Niclas Engelin (guitar) to replace Stromblad w/ Bjorn Gelotte and Anders Friden writing the songs... After the 2014 album 'Siren charms', both bassist Peter Iwers and drummer Daniel Svensson left the band... In Flames released 'Battles' in 2016 w/ session members added... "I, the Mask" was released in 2019 and would be the last to feature Engelin on guitar.
In 2023, In Flames released 'Foregone'... and fans have been saying it's a welcome return to form.
Newer In Flames songs - 'Deliver us' ... 'I, the Mask' ... 'Meet your maker'
IN FLAMES evolve as they grown !!
Cloud Connected
Take This Life
Sounds of a Playground Faded
My sweet Shadow
… great songs
You guys should SoilWork Next! They are eerily sound familiar to this band. They are another Swedish Death Metal Band as well. Rejection Role sounds amazing, Along with Stalfagel, Distortion Sleep are these guys number 1 hits! You should listen to them sometime!
Jester Race is a fantastic album
I wanted you guys to listen to In Flames like 5 years ago! Artifacts of the Black Rain is another song you'd love. Same with Colony.
Wow, this is such a throwback haha, literally the band that got me into heavier melodic death metal. Great reaction! Love you guys!
Holy shit i havent watched one of you guys videos in a hot minute, but this is my absolute favorite metal track from my favorite metal band. Havent even started the video yet but im super excited to see what yall think of this band! They have changed so so much over the years
Yes! Love In Flames! Their sound has changed over the years. So good. Love Soilwork too, hence my tattoo. Love you guys 🖤
YEEEEWEEWWEEEEESSSSS IVE BEEN REQUESTING THIS FOR SO LONG AND YOU GUYS FINALLY DID IT
Cant wait to see more in flames reactions, curious to see which direction you guys take 👌
This was good and if I'd never Opeth, I'd say it was great.
both are great
I saw these guys last October and this was one of the songs they played as they played there whole discography in a 2 hour format
The Jester Race IMO is In Flames most dynamic album. If I had to pick only one to own, this is it. Moonshield is the opening track. It's just so smooth and clean. So pleasing to the ear. I'll be corny and a dad and say "it's a vibe" lol. This came out right after I finished HS.
Goliaths Disarm Their Davids!!!!!
@@CBenz313absolutely love that song along with Dead Eternity. Entire album is a 10/10 no question though
@@aidana4033 and wayfarer the instrumental 🤘
hey guys! finally you got to the 90's european metal, I'll wait for something from Moonspell, thanks for this video, greetings from Chile, south america.
You guys gotta do December Flower off of this album. Greatest guitar solo in metal, by Jocke Göthberg who made a guest appearance on the album.
We may all have different musical interests, but when he get's talking about the vocal melody - that's universal!
Happy to hear reaction to one of my favourite bands! 😊
Finally some In Flames! Loved your analysis of the vocals! Anders is kind of unique in what he does.
Would love to see you try Cloud Connected! Less Death, it's when In Flames started going down a different niche and when Anders started singing/screaming in his more melodic style.
I might be in the minority, but I would argue Whoracle was the pinnacle for 90s IF. I say this as a massive fan of The Jester Race. Jotun, Dialogue With The Stars, The Hive... The motherfucking Jester Script Transfigured. I can say without any equivocation those were transformative listens for me back in the 90s. But Moonshield is a great choice too. Always brightens my day when old-school IF gets exposure with new listeners. They're a special band.
This is their second album and first with this vocalist (he and Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquility swapped bands)
They use clean vocals with the growls on later albums
Check The Quiet Place off 2006s Soundtrack to Your Escape
I can't consider a weekend successful unless I drink a few beers while watching a Lost in Vegas hard rock or heavy metal reaction. You guys are the best. 🤘
So glad to see In Flmes on here. Might I recommend “Alias” by them. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Finally you guys did In Flames! FYI - their sound changes quite a bit over the years. Other suggestions for In Flames: Embody the Invisible, Pinball Map, Take this Life, or Meet Your Maker. I think you guys would enjoy any of the above tracks as they sound a bit more modern than Moonshield. Glad you guys are finally getting into some MeloDeath!
Hell yeah, favorite song and always will be! Very much inspired by folk music so you are not wrong with the whole bard/puffy shirt part.