Where did this come from? Straight out of left field. Swedish death metal band In Flames haven’t really been in the Swedish death metal game for a while now. 2021’s Sounds of a Playground Fading was the last time they really dabbled in anything that could be recognised as mid-life In Flames (post-Colony). With their new single State of Slow Decay however, the crew from Gothenburg have come roaring back to life. Harbouring a feeling not felt for a generation.
Sounding like Come Clarity was only released yesterday, State of Slow Decay is a welcome return to form. Yes I know there are the old school In Flames fans who consider everything released from Clayman onwards to be sacrilegious tripe. But there is no denying their influence on heavy metal even throughout the noughties. Getting back to the metalcore cross melodeath phase of In Flames history is a big deal.
I for one am not claiming victory for the melodeath crowd yet. One single back to the good old days still has to turn into a roaring return to form album. But as a starter this certainly hits the spot. It’s rare for a metal band to move on from their heavier past and return after such a long time away. In Flames have started down the right path…pray may it continue.
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