Swedish melodic heavy music giants, IN FLAMES will release their thirteenth studio album, titled "I, The Mask", on March 1, 2019 via Nuclear Blast (worldwide, excluding North America) and Eleven Seven Music (North America). Pre-orders for the album will begin January 11 offering "I Am Above" and "(This Is Our) House" as instant downloads. The 12-track album reunites them with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, MOTÖRHEAD) who also produced 2016's "Battles". Additionally, the album was mixed by Grammy Award winner Chris Lord-Alge (CHEAP TRICK, LINKIN PARK) and mastered by Grammy-winning mastering engeneer Ted Jensen (PANTERA, EAGLES, GUNS N' ROSES).
The album artwork is created by artist Blake Armstrong and depicts a unique interpretation of the band's mascot, The Jesterhead. The story of the cover will be revealed via the full album artwork on March 1, which coincides with each song on the album.
Says IN FLAMES singer Anders Fridén: "This album is really a special one to us. Since our last record, 'Battles', we've established our own annual festival in Sweden and have been touring non-stop worldwide, creating an even stronger bond with our fans. You could say it was a big part of our inspiration for this album. It's been such a long journey that just keeps going and growing. We feel extremely thankful for that, and for the support that makes it possible. We dedicate our 13th album, 'I, The Mask', to our fans who allow us to keep making music and playing it every night. IN JESTERHEADS WE TRUST."
IN FLAMES has debuted two killer tracks from "I, The Mask" — the superlative anthems "I Am Above" and "(This Is Our) House". A poignant video for "I Am Above" has also been revealed, which features famous Swedish actor Martin Wallström ("Mr. Robot"). The video takes place in a pitch-black room with Martin who eerily lip syncs the metal ballad with expressive facial gestures that capture the song's emotion. Meanwhile, the lyric video for track "(This Is Our) House" features unseen footage from the band's first annual Swedish festival, Borgholm Brinner (Borgholm Is Burning).
Said Wallström: "I was very intrigued by doing something I've never done before and honored getting the question from IN FLAMES. Also trying to portray a lively song in a dark room, sitting in front of a camera was challenging, but I felt strongly for the song and the lyrics, so that was a comfort."
IN FLAMES recruited American drummer Tanner Wayne, best known for his work with UNDERMINDED, SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS and CHIODOS, to sit behind the kit for the band for its 2018 live appearances.
Wayne stepped into IN FLAMES following the apparent recent departure of Joe Rickard, who played on the band's 2016 studio album, "Battles".
Tanner made his live debut with IN FLAMES in July in Brno, Czech Republic.
Longtime IN FLAMES drummer Daniel Svensson announced in 2015 that he was leaving the band to focus on his family life.
IN FLAMES' current lineup features American bassist Bryce Paul, who has been playing most of the shows with the group since longtime bassist Peter Iwers's November 2016 exit.
IN FLAMES is:
Anders Fridén - (Vocals)
Björn Gelotte - (Guitar)
Niclas Engelin - (Guitar)
Bryce Paul Newman - (Bass Guitar)
Tanner Wayne - (Drums)