Honest Album Review: In Flames – Foregone
On February 10, 2023, In Flames released an album that, for the first time in so many years, gave both fans of old and new material a reason to be exited. Foregone is a record that surprisingly well combines the best of their sound from different eras.
If you, like me, were losing hope of ever hearing that late ’90s and early 2000s sound again – you’re in for a treat. And if you’re just discovering this iconic melodic death metal band – well, you’ve got one more awesome album to listen and enjoy.
This is an honest fan-to-fan album review. I stuck around with the band for years, waiting for a miracle. And apparently, miracles still happen.
I was actually really looking forward to this release, because all five of the singles that came out earlier sounded truly good. And thank the gods – it did not disappoint.
Is it perfect? No. But it’s definitely refreshing, and easily the best thing they’ve put together in the last, oh, 17 years or so.
How In Flames Divided their Fan Base
If you ask most long-time In Flames fans what they think about the band’s discography, I guarantee many of them will split the group’s musical legacy into two stages: the “good old In Flames” and the “new, modern-era In Flames.”
And it’s true – the band has indeed gone through some pretty drastic sound and style changes over their 30 years of existence.
Those changes were so apparent and noticeable that they inevitably lost some of their older fans, while probably gaining some new ones instead. I won’t pretend to know the exact percentage of each, but I can say this: I was one of those who didn’t enjoy the newer stuff nearly as much as I loved the classics from albums like Whoracle (1997), Colony (1999), Clayman (2000), or Come Clarity (2006).
And it’s not as simple as “the old music sounded heavier” – no, that would be way too dumbed-down of an explanation. I see it as a combination of factors: lineup changes, a shift toward a different target audience, the evolution of Anders Fridén’s vocals, and maybe even some creative fatigue. Whatever it was, the newer music just couldn’t hold up to the standard set by those earlier records.
When I wanted to recommended a band that plays superb heavy-yet-melodic metal to my friends, I always mentioned In Flames. But I’d suggest they start with Whoracle (1997), rather than going with later stuff.
Well, now I can safely recommend Foregone. And if they like it – to then explore the rest.
Honest Album Review: In Flames – Foregone
I’m gonna start with this disclaimer: Foregone is by no means a perfect album. Nor is it the band’s best work.
But that’s the catch – because In Flames created such incredible music and set the bar so damn high, even their slightly above average stuff still sounds great. And Foregone is more than slightly above average.
It’s a strong 7/10 album.
Foregone was pieced together during the COVID-19 lockdown, when all the key composers (Anders Fridén, Björn Gelotte, and Howard Benson) had plenty of time on their hands and finally got a break from constant touring.
It seems like that break gave them some much-needed clarity, and a realization of what their best music has always been about. And they followed through on that understanding.
The album definitely carries some vibes inspired by the old classics. The opening instrumental track, “The Beginning of All Things That Will End,” is reminiscent of the “Acoustic Medley” from The Jester Race (1996).
The second track, “State of Slow Decay,” hits with strong Come Clarity (2006) energy. And there are well-timed switches to acoustic transitions that instantly bring back memories of the iconic Whoracle (1997) album.
But this is still a modern version of In Flames. The band continues to put a big emphasis on choruses, even if they sometimes add little to the song’s overall energy. Anders’ vocals sound great and not forced – honestly, it’s the best he’s sounded in years. But you can still hear how much his voice has changed over time (which is totally understandable). And it seems like they added a few layers and filters in production to give his parts an extra boost.
Foregone’s best songs, in my opinion, are:
- “The Beginning of All Things That Will End”
- “Foregone Pt. 1”
- “The Great Deceiver”
- “In The Dark” (especially guitar solos)
What’s Next?
Now, as I’m writing this review more than two years after Foregone came out, I definitely have more hope for their next album. I’m sure the band can see for themselves that the quality of Foregone is miles ahead of anything they’ve released in years.
Just as they can clearly see how positively Foregone was received by majority of their fans. These guys have been around long enough to know they should build on this freshly earned trust, appreciation, and excitement.
I’d like to think it inspires them too – and that they’ll let the creative energies fly high.
The next album is going to be an important step in the band’s progression, no doubt. Keep an eye on their official channels for updates.
Conclusion
The album turned out really solid. It’s a good record – one you can definitely leave on repeat and enjoy all the way through.
After leaving original fans with pretty much just the memories of former glory, the band finally delivered a batch of songs that bring back the beloved sound of early In Flames.
