In flames for me were my “off the beaten path” fave metal band in the late 90’s, not a sound you would expect but yet something you can identify with almost immediately. Metal with a bit of synth thrown in with purpose and good effect. This swedish band have been at it for over 20 years and some of the major players like Björn Gelotte having had a few roles within the group from drummer to now guitar player and major composer of the body of work released. My attraction is the melodies and thrill of unexpected tones offered that have a heavy “Chug” on bird like wings of flow, soring you to dizzying heights of elation when you hear a new or older favorite song by them. The lyrical quality is one more supporting buttress to this Gothenburg based metal groups brand of metal, the degree of structure and story keeps your mind on the philosophical intent and how it can apply to your life experience, making it a reason to return to the song time after time, even year after year.
My experience with the band has been first as a fan discovering a song off Clayman called “Only for the Weak”. This is a heavy slow chugging song with layers of heavy guitar bringing to mind mythic images of THOR and Mjolnir splitting the sky with thunder and lightening from the sound alone produced in this song. And again the thrill is there year after year and in every listening this song makes one get a good “HEAD-BANG” on and I know it will for years to come.
I was fortunate That this song only for the weak was a was still on my mp4 player when i started working at CORE digital pictures in toronto 2007. I offered the suggestion to a new director friend Andrew ‘Spank’ Grant and hes like oh yeah im friends with the guys since my day at ILM. I was blown away but also very fortunate and in time i was able to meet and shoot them at Hvy Montreal and myself later shoot the show in halifax nova scotia.
The show in montreal was easy to get too and greatly organized, just a subway ride and a fair walk across park grounds. Hearing Anvil starting up and a few other veterans were in the roster all the way up to Alice Cooper and Megadeth. We make our way through the grounds with the dual stages and there are others off to the sides and in other parts of the park but In Flames will be on in a few hours and all we had was to enjoy music with 40,000 of our closest friends. We had band passes which is different than expected(media passes) but it worked and there was a nice relaxed vibe from the venue staff. I was able to warm up shooting bands on stage 1 and see what was possible from my perspective in the PIT and in front of the band. The pass also allowed me to get candid moments ill share some day but for now I endeavor to show a degree of professionalism and hopefully, however similar, a unique perspective.
As the the synth and the smoke begins to crank up and the photographers besides me give me a pleasant nod all are the ready with their imaging utilities. Cloud Connected a Fan favorite beings the set and gives me an idea here in Jean Drapeau park LINK in 30 degree heat how loud and pumped the set is going to be. The guys in the bad seem very energetic and thrilled to be here, expecting nothing less having met them a few hours before and sharing in their beers. Out in front of the stage I am pulling frames as fast as I can to get a good pose and something interesting. Only thing I would of loved for this outside show is that it was later at night, mid afternoon kinda ruins contrast and or need for stage lighting.
In flames for me were my “off the beaten path” fave metal band in the late 90’s, not a sound you would expect but yet something you can identify with almost immediately. Metal with a bit of synth thrown in with purpose and good effect. This Swedish band have been at it for over 20 years and some of the major players like Björn Gelotte having had a few roles within the group from drummer to now guitar player and major composer of the body of work released. My attraction is the melodies and thrill of unexpected tones offered that have a heavy “Chug” on bird like wings of flow, soring you to dizzying heights of elation when you hear a new or older favorite song by them. The lyrical quality is one more supporting buttress to this Gothenburg based metal groups brand of metal, the degree of structure and story keeps your mind on the philosophical intent and how it can apply to your life experience, making it a reason to return to the song time after time, even year after year.
My experience with the band has been first as a fan discovering a song off Clayman called “Only for the Weak”. This is a heavy slow chugging song with layers of heavy guitar bringing to mind mythic images of THOR and Mjolnir splitting the sky with thunder and lightening from the sound alone produced in this song. And again the thrill is there year after year and in every listening this song makes one get a good “HEAD-BANG” on and I know it will for years to come.
In flames for me were my “off the beaten path” fave metal band in the late 90’s, not a sound you would expect but yet something you can identify with almost immediately. Metal with a bit of synth thrown in with purpose and good effect. This Swedish band have been at it for over 20 years and some of the major players like Björn Gelotte having had a few roles within the group from drummer to now guitar player and major composer of the body of work released. My attraction is the melodies and thrill of unexpected tones offered that have a heavy “Chug” on bird like wings of flow, soring you to dizzying heights of elation when you hear a new or older favorite song by them. The lyrical quality is one more supporting buttress to this Gothenburg based metal groups brand of metal, the degree of structure and story keeps your mind on the philosophical intent and how it can apply to your life experience, making it a reason to return to the song time after time, even year after year.
My experience with the band has been first as a fan discovering a song off Clayman called “Only for the Weak”. This is a heavy slow chugging song with layers of heavy guitar bringing to mind mythic images of THOR and Mjolnir splitting the sky with thunder and lightening from the sound alone produced in this song. And again the thrill is there year after year and in every listening this song makes one get a good “HEAD-BANG” on and I know it will for years to come.
