In Flames - Conquering The World: Metal-Rules.com Interview with In
Flames
Interviewed by Keith McDonald
Formed
in 1990 in Sweden by founding guitarist Jesper Stromblad, In Flames has
developed from an underground band into an ever-growing metal force with
the 2000 release of Clayman. Having a somewhat revolving door of
members has helped them develop their unique style and sound. Spawning
the hits Bullet Ride, Pinball Map and Square Nothing, it has become
their most successful offering yet as they continue their nonstop tour
around the world. I had the chance to speak to Peter Iwers who filled me
in on what the band's been up to.
How well has Clayman done so far in the States?
Europe? Rest of the world?
Itīs done very well, from what Iīve noticed- seems to
be reaching pretty high on the charts all over, and weīre very pleased
with everything.
Why did you tour the USA with Earth Crisis (a
shitty hardcore band) when there are so many TRUE metal US bands that
you could have went on the road with?
We wanted to do something different with a different
band, so that we hopefully would have a chance to reach out to a new
audience. We will be back with more similar bands, and then weīll be
back again with another band, and then...
Who would you like to tour the US with (assuming
the above was the label's decision and not yours)?
Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Korn, Fear Factory, or something
like that- or maybe Dream Theater.
What do you think of the so called
"Gothenburg" sound with bands like Soilwork, Gardenian, Dark
Tranqullity...do you see yourselves as a part of that scene?
Yes, we are a part of it as we live here, but I wouldnīt
consider the sound to be alike within all the bands here. There are so
many different bands, and itīs a shame that they all get compared with
each other. Once there was this thing the Gothenburg sound, but I would
say that itīs not the same anymore.
How would you compare the Metal scene in the US to
that in Europe? It seems fans are more loyal in Europe. Do you agree?
I love the US- I like the fans very much- they seem to
be loyal In Flame fans, so I couldnīt say that itīs better here or
there- I think itīs pretty much the same- which is good.
Will there be a live album? When can we expect a
new studio album??
Someday, yes- dunno when. Next year hopefully (studio
album).
How has US radio been to Clayman? What about
European radio??
US radio has been excellent- I think itīs been on the
playlists all over, and it seems to be staying on the radiocharts really
good. European radio is not that much I think, some here and there, but
we donīt have that big college radio like you guys, but some airing -
on the rock shows that is, of course.
What involvement did/does Jesper have with
HammerFall (I know that many HammerFall fans will know this but I bet
there's lots of In Flames fans who do not). Will he ever work or
co-write material with thrm again?
Jesper is an IN FLAMES member full time- he also writes
for different projects - one of them is Hammerfall.
Jesper played on the first Sinergy CD but he's not
on the new one...why not, and what does he think of the new Sinergy
album?
Personal differences - he thinks it sucks- hehe- no, I
donīt know what he thinks - just kidding!!!
What direction do you see yourselves going in?
Your sound has evolved over the past couple of years but the trademark
In Flames sound is still present....it seems as if the "maiden-ish"
melodic elements that were on Whoracle are unfortunately not as
present....
Weīll see where that paths take us - whatever comes to
us at the time of writing - sorry - boring answer I know, but thatīs
all I can say - itīll always be In Flames. The influences might change,
but itīll always be that In Flames sound.
What has been your most successful album and tour?
Clayman all over. Itīs been going REALLY well,
far beyond our expectations so weīre happy.
Where does the songwriting come from?
Jesper and Björn does all the riffing and writing- then
the arrangements is a group thing. Anders does the vocal harmonies and
lyrics. We all do our individual stuff of course.
How has the label support from Nuclear Blast been
so far?
Great- they really support us and we are very happy with
them, especially the American label - GREAT!!
What's the future for In Flames?
Making records, touring all over the world with Maiden
as support band - haha- having as much fun while we are able to.
And drink as many beers as possible while doing it!
Check out some live pics of In Flames in our Concert
Reviews Section.
Đ2000 Metal Rules!!