IN FLAMES ENGAGES NEW DRUMMER JON RICE AS THEY RECORD THEIR FIFTEENTH ALBUM
Prepare for some exciting news from the world of heavy metal! The renowned Swedish-American band In Flames has officially stepped into a studio in Los Angeles to start crafting their fifteenth studio album. This marks a thrilling time for both the band and its fans, as they embark on yet another musical journey.
In Flames is once again collaborating with the talented Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson, known for his work with legendary acts like Motörhead and Sepultura. They are also joined by engineer Mike Plotnikoff, who has been a trusted partner throughout their creative process. This collaboration isn’t new; it began with their 2016 album "Battles" and continued through their latest project, "Foregone," released in 2023.
What makes this album particularly noteworthy is that it will be the first studio recording featuring Jon Rice on drums. Rice, who has been touring with In Flames since May 2025, comes with an impressive background, having played with notable bands including Behemoth and Job For A Cowboy. His experience suggests that he will bring a fresh energy and skill set to the band’s sound.
On Tuesday, February 3, guitarist Björn Gelotte created a buzz among fans by sharing a brief video from the studio on social media, captioned simply as "XV"—the Roman numeral representing 15. This post confirmed the album's position in the rich history of In Flames' discography.
That same day, engineer Mike Plotnikoff posted a snapshot of Rice's drum kit set up in the studio. He expressed excitement by stating: "Drums have begun @inflames @bgelotte @andersfridn @jon.charn.rice @howardbenson @joerickardproductions @decarli_editor @iansthunder @sunsetsoundrecorders #sunsetsound #studio2 #makinghits."
This upcoming album will follow their previous release "Foregone" and comes on the heels of a lineup change, as the band parted ways with drummer Tanner Wayne in May 2025, concluding his seven-year journey with In Flames. This transition adds another layer of anticipation for what fans can expect from the new music.
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