In Flames - Best Melodic Death Metal Music Band?

Metal music is very popular and it’s easy to see why – it has plenty of different subgenres under its umbrella. Each with its distinctive sound. One of the most interesting subgenres is Melodic Death Metal. It started in the 90s and quickly captured attention of music fans.

Today I want to cover arguably the very best Melodic Death Metal band in the world. Of course, there are various opinions on which band can claim this title. But you can’t talk about the MDM genre without mentioning the legendary In Flames.

Sure, you could make an argument for other superb bands like Dark Tranquillity, Soilwork, Before the Dawn and others, but on my music Mount Olympus these guys are the #1 melodic death metal group.

In Flames: Band’s Biography

In Flames band: Anders Fridén (on the left) and guitarist Björn Gelotte (right) during Live Concert — Anders Fridén (on the left) and guitarist Björn Gelotte (on the right) during In Flames show

In Flames is a Swedish band that was formed in 1990 in Gothenburg. They released their debut album, “Lunar Strain,” in 1994. Current lead vocalist Anders Fridén joined the band for the second album “The Jester Race” in 1996. Together with guitarist Björn Gelotte they are the only consistent members since then.

Over the years, they’ve put out 14 albums. The most successful and acclaimed being including “Whoracle” (1997), “Colony” (1999), “Clayman” (2000), “Come Clarity” (2006), “Foregone” (2023).

Some of their biggest hits include “Only for the Weak,” “Take This Life,” Meet Your Maker” and “Cloud Connected.” In Flames gained a big following worldwide and continues to be a leading group in the melodic death metal scene.

For the latest news check their official website and socials.

Music Style of In Flames

In Flames are the masters of blending heavy, aggressive elements of death metal with melodic guitar riffs and harmonies. Vocalist Anders Fridén started to use growling vocals mixed with clean singing, which became the defining characteristic of their sound. Their songs often feature fast-paced drumming, cool guitar solos, and powerful choruses.

Throughout their history In Flames has experimented with and incorporated various musical influences. That was especially noticeable in the early 2000s. Electronic and alternative metal elements started to sip into their songs. The vocal style of Anders changed during that period as well.

Not all the fans were happy with those style changes, and waited for the band to return to their roots. And they did. With a banger of an album “Foregone” in 2023.

What makes In Flames One of the Greatest

In Flames is one of the, if not THE greatest death metal bands ever. The way they blended melody and aggression of death metal. The way they were able to retain the powerful energy and spirit of the metal music through all these years. The way they keep finding a way to craft memorable melodic hooks. What other band can show the same ability?

Yes, there was a middle period in their career when the style changes were not as well received. No doubt many fans felt like the band went mainstream and might have abandoned their death metal roots. But when In Flames released their latest album “Foregone”, those same fans finally got their good old favorite band back.

But even if In Flames stopped making music before the last album, they still have those amazing songs from the 90s and early 2000s, that will forever be some of the best music in the metal genre. That music alone can make them deserving the title of The Best Melodic Death Metal Music Band.

In Flames Best Songs

I love it when picking a band’s best songs is tough. It’s a problem every music artist wishes their fans had. Luckily, In Flames is one of those bands with so many great songs, that it’s really hard to choose just a few favorites.

So here they are, TOP 15 Greatest Hits by In Flames: