ALBUM REVIEW ~ IN FLAMES ~ 'FORGONE'

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Forgone, In Flames fourteenth studio album, was released on February 10, 2023, on Nuclear Blast Records. The Swedish metal band is more ferocious than ever on the album produced by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Three Days Grace). Singer Anders Friden, Guitarists Bjorn Gelotte and Chris Broderick, Bassist Bryce Paul, and Drummer Tanner Wayne, create the perfect mix of intense metal with melodic guitar riffs, driving bass lines, and drums.

The album’s theme, according to Friden, “is about lost time. Everything is going in the wrong direction. We can’t make up for lost time. The album is about the few moments we have left and what we do with them.” The opening instrumental song “The Beginning of All Things That Will End” creates a serene vibe with acoustic guitars. Then all hell breaks loose with the crushing guitar riffs on “State of Slow Decay” as Friden screams, “This place is falling apart, There’s no way back.”

“Pure Light of Mind” is an epic, soaring song that showcases Friden’s melodic vocals. The lyrics are heavy hitting as he sings, “A perfect storm in a turbulent time. I know my days are numbered but life seems to end up right. You by my side, my guiding light.”

One of the stand-out tracks is “A Dialogue in B Flat Minor”. The high-speed guitar riffs are incredible paired with Friden opening the song growling “All you see is me breathing fire”. The song goes into a catchy chorus with massive guitar solos.

“End The Transmission” begins with Friden’s intense growls screaming, “We got to end the transmission. Nothing makes sense and no one is listening. End the transmission.” As his growls become louder and more desperate, the listener can feel the fear and scariness of lost time.

Forgone proves why In Flames is such an iconic band. With the album’s thought-provoking lyrics, Friden’s classic metal growls, and lightning-fast guitar riffs, the album is a metal masterpiece.

I’m Music Magazine Writer Meesha Walden