The weather may be getting colder but Swedish metal pioneers In Flames kept the fire blazing as the band brought their Winter Tour to the Gothic Theatre in Denver, Colorado. The band who is currently touring North America in support of their latest record, ‘I, The Mask’, were joined by Nashville rockers Red along with Canadian metalcore newcomers Arrival Of Autumn.
Alberta’s Arrival Of Autumn were up first and infused the venue mixing progressive metal riffs, detonating drums, and sprinkles of melodic death melodies. Vocalist Jamison Firesen has a solid vocal range that touches on clean melodies while apprised in harsh screams. The band’s second full-length album, ‘Harbinger’ was released early this year.
GRAMMY® nominated rockers Red took the stage next and rocketed into a trio of songs (“Fight Inside”, Death Of Me”, “Confession” (What’s Inside My Head) from the bands second album ‘Innocence & Instinct’ and recently celebrated 10th anniversary. The band performed a remarkable set featuring identical twin brothers Anthony and Randy Armstrong, vocalist Michael Barnes, and drummer Dan Johnson. Barnes and the Armstrong brothers delivered massive intensity nonstop bobbing to the rhythms and jumping off the stage risers. The ten song set featured a few live staples including “Let Go” and “Already Over” along with two incredible new songs “From The Ashes”, and the epic “The Evening Hate.” On November 1st Red released a new EP titled ‘The Evening Hate EP’ which was given away free at the show if you signed up for the Apple music streaming service. After fourteen years together, the band is currently prepping their seventh full length album.
The members of In Flames individually appeared on stage before launching into set opener “Cloud Connected.” The band ripped through a 20 song onslaught of melodic metal led by the alternating clean and harsh signature vocals of Anders Fridén. The impressive lineup also included drummer Tanner Wayne, lead guitarist Björn Gelotte, guitarist Niclas Engelin, and bassist Bryce Paul Newman. In Flames pulled songs from their vast catalog and their style has changed over time. The fan-base has their arguments as to what period is the best but the pacing and style of the songs blended wonderfully from start to finish. As someone who is a fan of their more commercial sound, I enjoyed the six new songs from ‘I, The Mask’ peppered throughout the set including “I Am Above”, “Follow Me”, “Burn”, and “Voices.” It did not matter which era of the band you were there to see, they had everyone screaming and singing along until closing with “The End.”
This tour has assembled three phenomenal bands. I would encourage everyone to get out and enjoy a night of rock/metal before the tour wraps ups at the end of December.
