We recently spoke with Anders Fridén about In Flames' latest record, Siren Charms. Be sure to catch In Flames on their US co-headliner with Opeth, and Red Fang.
What do you think sets Siren Charms apart from your earlier albums?
It’s a new album of course, and that it represents In Flames 2014
Do you remember what you were listening to when you were writing the record?
I think it was Dead Soul amongst others.
When you went into this album, to write and record it, did you know from the outset that it was going to be a departure from, at the very least, the last couple of albums?
We always have our mind set to record something new and representative for who we are today. We would never record a “Whoracle 2” album, as that album already have been made. Although we did record this one at Hansa Studios in Berlin, and that of course put a mark in the production due to the history of the studio etc.
Was there anything new or different that you did that you hadn’t done before?
Well, this was our first album recorded outside Scandinavia. This album was also recorded during 6 very intensive weeks, while as the previous album was recorded over the course of 4 months. I wouldn’t say the album was rushed, more in a way that it was very concentrated and focused and really put us to the test. And we are more than happy with the results.
Out of all the lyrics you’ve done during the years, which are the best lyrics you have done in your opinion? And your favorite lyric from the new album
It’s very hard to say, but if I had to choose one I’d say, Come Clarity. From the new album, it would be, When The World Explodes.
Are there certain songwriters that you’d like to emulate? Just in the way they write their lyrics, you know?
Not really. I have my own style of writing and tend to keep it that way
Do you find it hard to enjoy yourself at someone else's show? Without analyzing it all in your head?
Not at all. Of course you analyze some elements of a show when you’ve been in the business for a while, but overall, no.
Sweden is such a fertile musical ground. From your perspective, as a native, what's going on in that scene right now?
There is always a lot of stuff going on in the Swedish music scene. Right now, I really dig Dead Soul that I signed to my label, Razzia Notes.
When you started out doing vocals, did you take lessons or were you a self-taught?
Self-taught.
You've toured the U.S. numerous times; have you found a favorite food/drink/etc there that you can't get back home?
I’ve found tons and tons of great drinks and food during our years in the US. Most of the stuff I can get through import and such in Sweden, but there are of course some favorites that is locked down in America…
Looking back over your career, how much do you think the band has changed or stayed the same since when you first started out?
I wouldn't use the word “changed”, more like “evolved” into what we are today. We are fortunate enough to be a band that has the ability to evolve and grow bigger and bigger by each release. Although the core and love for music has always stayed the same
In Flames is now 24-years-old and eleven albums in. What excites you about still being in a band and making music?
Making music and expressing ourselves with it. That’s still a great excitement and fuel for keeping us doing what we do.
Wrapping up, for someone who is brand new to In Flames, or hasn’t even heard of your band before, what’s the most important thing they know?
That they should’ve heard about us a long time ago.