There is often a lengthy lull period for bands between the end of recording, mixing and mastering a new album and when it is actually released. It’s no different for Swedish legends In Flames, despite the fact they’ve been around for almost a quarter of a century and have no less than 11 albums under their collective belt.
Long-time bassist Peter Iwers, speaking from his hometown of Gothenburg on Sweden’s west coast, admits he got a little toey in the lead-up to the release of the band’s latest record Siren Charms, but is very pleased with the final result.
“I feel very happy,” he says. “I’ve had this album in my iPhone for the last eight months or so, or even nine months, listening to it and having to keep it a secret from everyone. But now it’s finally out and I’m able to share it with everybody in the world, and I’m very, very pleased with it – so happy that everybody can finally listen to it.”
Some bands are inherent experimenters with their sound, and some simply prefer to keep on keeping on, remaining consistent and true to their musical roots and their core audience. In Flames certainly belong to the latter category, their consistency imperative to the quality of their releases. They seem incapable of putting out a poor album, even by their standards.
“Well thank you so much for those kind words,” Iwers says modestly. “What we do is write music that we ourselves like. Something that I would like if somebody else wrote it. And if that’s the case, then we know we did the right thing.”
Even better news for Australian fans of In Flames is that the band is heading Down Under in November. It may seem hard to believe, but in 24 years together, the Swedes have only visited our shores on three previous occasions (twice on the Soundwave tour and once with Chimaira), and Iwers wants to make this tour a memorable one.
“Every time we come to Australia we’re treated so well, there’s just so much love, and it’s such a pleasure to come,” he says. “I’m really sad that we haven’t been able to come as often as we would have liked to, but I think that we’ll be able to change that this time around, having Sony in Australia now and all that. I’m really looking forward to coming back.”
Iwers recalls one particularly amusing and non-musical memory from a previous trip to Australia. “I’ve been out deep sea fishing a couple of times, and that was amazing! The first time I wasn’t really prepared, so I guess I spent the most of that first day leaning overboard and puking,” he laughs. “The second time I was a little better prepared, and I hadn’t eaten, and I’d taken seasick pills, and it was great.”
Topping it all off is the fact the tour offers an incredible double headlining bill, as American mainstream metal act Trivium are also making the trip. The two bands have crossed paths many times in the past, and Iwers can’t wait to hit the road with Trivium again.
“We’ve been friends with them for so many years now as well, it’s kind of like going on tour with a second family. We get along great with them, and it’s a pleasure to be able to play with them; they have a very big following in Australia. To do this tour with them is amazing.”
Siren Charms out now throughSony. Catch them withTrivium atUNSW Roundhouse onFriday November 21, tickets online.
