Reaching 25 years of creating Swedish metal is milestone for In Flames, as they have made their mark within the heavy music scene. Siren Charms is the band’s eleventh full length album and they continue to reach new fans on every tour stop.

Niklas Engelin has seen the progression of In Flames throughout his many stints in the band. Originally joining in 1997, he originally replaced guitarist Glenn Ljungstrom (now in The Resistance) and later filled in for founding guitarist Jesper Stromblad over the years. He finally rejoined as a full member in 2009 during the Come Clarity touring cycle, replacing Stromblad once again.

 

He shares his observations on the growth of the band over the years, from the musical shifts from their trademark guitar harmonious sound with death metal growls to a more synth driven, alt-metal oriented sound.

“I think we as musicians, doesn’t matter if it’s In Flames, Opeth or RUN DMC back in the day, I think consciously write music in your mind. Of course I practice my guitar. I have to. I really enjoy practicing, but I feel I have my way of playing, my kind of sound and I know how to write a song. So it’s more I digest everything.”

“As for today, I went for a walk for three hours to embrace everything. It should be interesting. I get home from this tour and then I have six weeks off. I will write some new stuff. Let’s see what’s happening after all of the travelling. I think we’re writing consciously in your mind all the time,” he said.

Bjorn Gelotte of In Flames. Photo by Hillarie Jason.

While he did not participate on the recording of 2010’s Sounds of a Playground Fading, he took a supporting role on Siren Charms.

“Bjorn (Gelotte, guitars) did the writing. I was there for the structure of the songs. My way of playing the guitar shined through a little bit. But it’s mainly Bjorn and Anders [Friden] who writes all the stuff.”

Being that Engelin has unofficially held the role of In Flames’ version of “The Sixth Beatle,” he has held a front row view of the ups and downs of the growing pains behind the band.

“I always feel comfortable. I quit and started Gardenian back in the day (in 1996). Me and Anders did the Passenger album (in 2003). They called me in ’06 to fill in. From then on, I’ve been there when Jesper was falling off the wagon. So I kind of saved a lot of tours.”

 

Engelin has proven that he is the perfect fit for In Flames a role player. He shares how much of a bond he has with the members and it goes back a ways prior to becoming members of the band.

“I know these guys. I’ve known Anders since ’88. Me and Bjorn grew up in the same suburbs. Me and Jesper went to the same high school together. For me it’s natural. I know everything. I know exactly things like ‘he’s going to do it like that.’ It doesn’t differ back too much. So it’s easy for me to get into. The mentality of the band is easy to get into.”

Lastly, being that Siren Charms is their eleventh album and having a wealth of songs to choose from for a set list, In Flames has the undaunting task of piecing together songs that will somewhat please the crowd.

As each record passes by, it only get tougher but Engelin has an interesting perspective on this much debated topic.

“That’s tough. There’s always going to be those people in the audience ‘hey “Upon an Oaken Throne’ or ‘Episode 666.’ Great songs – I’d gladly play them, of course, but when are we playing those songs? People are standing like birds.”

“I saw a really cool gig by ZZ Top. At first the camera zoomed into the band. It was in a huge arena. Anyways, ‘next song what do you want to hear?’ ‘I want to hear (name of a song)’ – can we do it?’ ‘Of course we can do it.’ Then they played it, into the next song. The crowd contributes to the songs. It was really, really cool. That would be something. But then we would have to rehearse for ages! Then it would make sense.”

 

Interview By Rei Nishimoto