In Flames Battles

Battles, which has an official release date of November 11, was recorded in Los Angeles under the knob-twiddling of Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (Motörhead, Body Count, Sepultura) and marked a drastically different recording experience from Berlin-based sessions of their previous LP, 2014’s Siren Charms.

“Siren Charms had a very dark vibe to it,” guitarist Björn Gelotte explains. “We recorded it at a cold, damp and dark time during the year in Berlin so it gave it a certain melancholy to the record. Now recording in L.A. with the sunshine it’s a different energy. The writing process was different this time, too—that I would like for us to continue to explore. Also, working with Howard and his team was great. I got stressed taking a break for even five minutes because they were always ready to go for the next take and kept my energy up.”

In Flames will become Battles-tested come January, when the quartet tours Europe on a triple that includes fellow arena metallers Disturbed. U.S. fans won’t be denied, however, as the band will almost certainly return to the U.S. some time in 2017. For today, “The End” and for the winter, Battles, will certainly highten expectations for In Flames fans.

“Guitar driven, melodic… it’s like they know what to expect,” singer Anders Fridén says of the band’s fanbase. “It’s not like we’re coming out with something completely different, but at the same time it’s still new. If they already like In Flames, they will like it—and if they don’t like In Flames already, they still might like it. I’m very proud of it and hopefully people will be as well.”

In Flames:

Anders Fridén – vocals

Björn Gelotte – lead guitar

Peter Iwers – bass

Niclas Engelin – rhythm guitar

1. Drained
2. The End
3. Like Sand
4. The Truth
5. In My Room
6. Before I Fall
7. Through My Eyes
8. Battles
9. Here Until Forever
10. Underneath My Skin
11. Wallflower
12. Save Me