IN FLAMES: Why 'Battles' Sounds Brighter Than 'Siren Charms'

EMP Rock Invasion recently conducted an interview with guitarist Björn Gelotte and vocalist Anders Fridén of Swedish metallers IN FLAMES. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether recording IN FLAMES' forthcoming twelfth studio album, "Battles", in Los Angeles had something to do with the fact that the effort sounds less dark than its predecessor, 2014's "Siren Charms":

Anders: "I think that has a lot to do with why it sounds like it does. Because we were recording 'Siren Charms' in Berlin [Germany] in November, and then it was cold and rainy and wet. And now we were recording in California where it was sunny — 25 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius. And I think the environment had a big role in the way it sounds. So if 'Siren Charms' was a darker album, this is a bit brighter."

On why they chose to record "Battles" in Los Angeles:

Anders: "[Producer Howard Benson] was mainly the reason. We talked to about seven or eight different producers prior to the album — guys that we really admire that have done good albums. And we had phone meetings with seven or eight of them and Howard said the right things, and he said, 'Come to California,' and we said, 'Yes.'"

On IN FLAMES' latest addition, drummer Joe Rickard (formerly of RED):

Anders: "The thing is, we went into the recording of ['Battles'] with the intention that we would get a guy later. There's so many studio musicians in L.A. that can record this stuff anyway. We're not a complicated band, so anybody can do what we do. So he was in the studio, recommended by Howard, and he was helping us out with some programming before. And he said, 'I'm here. I can play.' And we were, like, 'Sure. You can try. Just go ahead.' And then he started to hit the drums, and we were, like, 'Woah! This guy plays hard!' And he did a few takes, and we said, 'Move on. Do the next song.' But he wanted to continue to record. And we were, like, 'That's the right attitude.' Then we had to take a few beers with him to understand the guy behind the drum sticks, and he was an all cool guy. And after the whole recording, [we said] 'You recorded this album. Do you wanna be a part of this band?' And he said 'Yeah.' [It was] a very smooth transition."

On whether Joe Rickard is used to a heavy touring schedule:

Anders: "He is. He's been part of a band called RED."

Björn: "He's done a lot of touring. He's actually really experienced, which… I mean, obviously, that's an important thing. It's one thing what you do in the studio or rehearsal room; there's another aspect of being in a band when you're out touring, and he has done years of that. So time will tell, obviously, but we have a really good feeling. His ability is the last thing we worry about. Socially, we'll find out soon, but he's an awesome guy."

"Battles" will be released on November 11 via Nuclear Blast in all territories excluding North America and Scandinavia and Eleven Seven Music Group in the U.S.