A conversation with Björn Gelotte (In Flames)

Björn has been the guitarist in In Flames since he switched from percussion on the band's seminal The Jester Race in 1996. Throughout this chat, we discuss the new In Flames album for 2023, Foregone, and dive into topics such as co-guitarist Niclas Engelin's exit from the group, the transition from rhythm section Peter Iwers and Daniel Svensson, who left before Battles (2016), and Bjorn's talks about the classic albums in detail: Jester, Whoracle, Colony and Clayman.

[@andreidoanca4262]

such a cool guy, Bjorn! good interview mate!

[@kaboose111]

Born in 91. Those 2000s albums were so damn good when I was in middle school and high school.

[@21stcenturymetal31]

Great interview. I like this content and I like Bjorn playing one of my personal favorites. Plus they are great to watch live. Adding chris to the band was an excellent choice.

[@supersaabclaire]

Legend that is Björn 🔥 Love the new album its ace

[@dbuquic1]

Great interview man. Jester Race to Clayman had a huge impact on my life and I enjoy their new music as well. Thanks for this.

[@Observer0620]

Great interview! I think a lot of us long time fans never felt closure about how the old members left the band so it's always nice to hear a bit more insight.

[@uofksteel]

Great interview! Even though I am not a fan of anything after Clayman I can respect what they do. I do like one new song The Deceiver I think its called. No clean vocals are refreshing.

[@marcpeiron_studio]

Is it on spotify?

[@blazakinAX]

Yes! Just type Scars and Guitars and his profile will show up

[@kqh123]

What is the book that you/the host wrote?

[@ScarsandGuitarspodcast]

Here you go: scarsandguitars.com/scars-and-guitars-volume-1-is-now-available-in-ebook/

[@vorpalblades]

These dudes must be sick of talking about their old albums.

[@kitsap216]

Well besides the new album, everything after clayman sucked

[@emartinezr]

​@@kitsap216i actually REALLY like I, The Mask. I think it's a different sound, a different kind of band. But fantastic songs, and a couple of serious bangers.

[@tbone8839]

Bjorn says if people don't like the new stuff they can just listen to the old stuff" and thats fine. But he also says In Flames has "naturally progressed" and its about "having fun and getting better". progression - the process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state. that's the definition of progression. The thing is..what theyve done isn't progression. It hasnt gotten more advanced at all. It went from extremely melodic, quite talented guitar playing..to just alternative metal breakdowns which take no skill to write. Thats not progression. Anders going from writing meaningful, often with all that dark imagery, lyrics you actually have to dissect...to just generic whiny metalcore type lyrics sung in whiny clean vocal style...that aint progression either bud. That's not getting better. That's just trying to appeal to a younger crowd as a 50 year old to stay relevant. Hey Bjorn...please go back to playing melodic death metal. You know, like you guys did pre-2000. The stuff that people over the age of 40 can actually get into. Thanks.

[@ScarsandGuitarspodcast]

I think it’s still extreme music but I agree with what you’re saying. I’ll never forget the first time I heard Reroute to Remain in store, I thought the store had put the wrong disc in the listening station 😆

[@tbone8839]

@@ScarsandGuitarspodcast I went back and i relistened to Reroute the other day actually and was surprised that it had a few decent riffs. But not enough to make a full good song. I guess thats why it was the last cd i'd purchased of theirs. When i'm done with a band im done for good usually. They never return to what they once were.

[@ScarsandGuitarspodcast]

@@tbone8839 Same here, until I started the podcast and had the chance to interview the fellas I checked out on Reroute. I didn't end up buying it either.

[@tbone8839]

@@ScarsandGuitarspodcast You know of any current bands that sound like 90's In Flames?