365 Days of Metal: Genre Definers, Gothenburg Part II

The second part of my Genre Definers series on Gothenburg, following part I from last Monday on At The Gates. The third and final part will follow next Monday.

Day 57

In Flames - The Jester Race

Artist Origin: Gothenburg, Sweden
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast
Running Time: 40 minutes (or 51 minutes for the re-released versions)
Release Date: February 20, 1996


Best Part: The Jester's Dance - vintage instrumental magic.

Favorite Tracks: All of it? - Dead God In Me, The Jester's Dance, Moonshield, Graveland, The Jester Race, Lord Hypnos, and Wayfaerer

Grade: 5

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The Jester Race in 20 words or less:

One of the greatest melodic death metal albums ever. Period.

The Band:

In Flames is a five piece melodic death metal band from Sweden who have had the largest mainstream success of the Gothenburg style's founding members - although that can be a relative term as Dark Tranquility have also had significant success, and At The Gates disbanded at their peak in the mid 90's only to reunite in the past few years. Founded originally by Jesper Strömblad, the goal of In Flames was to push forward more melodic music that was not welcomed with his primary focus, the death metal band Ceremonial Oath. Strömblad eventually quit the band to focus on In Flames and created the first official line-up in 1993, releasing their first debut LP shortly after in 1994, with session vocals performed by Dark Tranquility's own Mikael Stanne. Between 1998 and 2010, In Flames' line-up would remain the same, featuring Strömblad, guitarist Bjorn Gelotte (who was the bands original drummer), bassist Peter Iwers, guitarist Niclas Engelin and vocalist Anders Friden. Their musical style has shifted slightly in their later years, and with Stromblad's departure from the band in 2010, leaves questions as to whether In Flames can rise back up to the heights of their early career, producing some of the more memorable records of their time.

In Flames' other releases include: Lunar Strain (1994), Whoracle (1997), Colony (1999), Clayman (2000), Reroute to Remain (2002), Soundtrack to Your Escape (2004), Come Clarity (2006), A Sense of Purpose (2008), and Sounds of a Playground Fading (2011)

Jay's Take on The Jester Race:

The Jester Race is not only a staple album in defining the Gothenburg style of metal, but is a classic piece of metal history and one of the finest records of its time. It features all of the elements of their genre in perfect unison: the dual lead guitarists, injection of acoustic guitar, wide use of instrumental interludes, and Anders' early, near purely growled vocals. The Jester Race is not only a masterpiece of composition, but a snapshot of the early talent and high potential for the group and it's individual members. Bjorn Gelotte who provided the percussion for the Jester Race would later become the second lead guitarist for the band, and help provide some fine musicianship, including a role in one of my favorite guitar solo's ever on The Hive. In Flames has a long catalog of music, and has some great records under their respective belts, but The Jester Race remains their best work, despite only being their sophomore release. Which is nothing to be ashamed of at all, as it is one of those records that has the staying power that any band would kill for and has cemented their status among metal heads for generations - regardless of how you feel about their more recent work, or where you think they may go next.

Sample of the Day:

You knew there'd be a double-header. Keep calm and carry on.





- J