I agree with you. In Flames is one of those who created so called “Göteburg sound”, which is typical in Göteborg are in Sweden. During the last few years their sound has changed and I don’t find them as interesting as earlier. Anyhow, they are a great band, but I just don’t get kicks so much anymore. I rather listen to Trivium nowadays Another disappointing band has been Stratovarius whose early albums are much better than the last ones they released.

I gotta think about your question. I’m at work now and a bit busy, so I need a little bit time.

Opeth is one interesting adn great band. Check out also Twilightning http://metal-music-videos.com/category/twilightning/ I really like them.

I would add Wintersun to my poll, they are a definite favorite (aka I am infatuated with them), but I’m focusing right now on who I should interview at this festival in Massachusetts–sadly Wintersun is not playing. Hopefully, they will be added on to Wacken…

Regarding Amorphis and In Flames: In Flames IS on the same road as Amorphis; they went from in a category of their own, playing metal in a style that could be categorized as death, but also stood apart from the masses, and introduced a lot of great sounds into their songs. I considered myself a fan a few years back, but I honestly don’t even listen to them anymore (or they would have been part of my survey!). Although I admired their adventurous attempt to push the boundaries of their style, I’m not sure it worked. I know many other former In Flames fans (and Amorphis fans, same deal) who are in the same boat.

Do you know of any situations in which a great band actually improved their sound by changing?

I’m not sure if Opeth could fit that, but I genuinely believe they are one of the greatest contemporary progressive metal bands because they CAN progress and change but maintain their unique style through it all.

Amorphis used to be a unique band. Nowadays they are closer to other bands and I don’t find them as interesting as years ago. Anyhow, they have few good songs, but the material from their early days is awesome.

In Flames? Well, I expected a lot from their new album, but I must say I did not find it as good as they earlier albums. It feels like they are on the same road as Amorphis. I like their music, it’s nice, but I find myself listening to something else. Latest In Flames just doesn’t kick my ass.

I just checked your blog. Cool band those 14-year old dudes! I noticed you have a poll running. I voted for Ensiferum. They are good, but I miss the times of Jari Mäenpää. You should add Wintersun to your poll

I’m really glad someone is analyzing this, because it is definitely one of the most aggravating, but interesting, things in metal music. I think you did a good job talking about the changes made, and as for WHY they changed, I can offer you a “public relations” viewpoint I suppose. I am a PR student, and so from my sense of the world, and my sense of the music industry, I’m pretty sure that changes in bands’ styles are due to two things: 1) Maturation and the inability to write the same songs when band members are 35 as they wrote at age 20. And 2) Pressure from changing music environments or their labels to try something new, branch out and attempt to grasp new audiences, which I think you did mention.

I find it annoying that Amorphis changed as well; I used to love them! And not so much anymore. But I understand that with so many changes in what’s popular, marketable, and what bands are surrounded by in terms of new music must affect their own music as well.

What do you think of the changes In Flames has gone through? I’m curious….

Thanks!

Yes, I agree with you. Those evolving bands like Metallica have their career, and just like in “traditional industries”, also in music industry you need to evolve and create something new. Even though I did not really enjoy Am Universum of Amorphis, I am still their fan and I listen to the new stuff as well. In today’s post I shoot down the DVD of Bruce Dickinson, but I still worship Bruce as a singer and his career in Iron Maiden. Iron Maiden Bruce Dickinson is a pure diamond.

Even though bands change their genre or style, it is not always band. I would say only few bands loose their touch, but most bands come back with great stuff. Amorphis is a great example of this. Oh yeah, and Satyricon as well, even though they sound much different today if compared to Dark Medieval Times. I still enjoy them.

You are touching on a really delicate subject here, friend.

A few of the phenomenal bands that did their ‘big change’ may be listed as:
Paradise Lost - after “Draconian Times”
Anathema - after “Eternity”
Megadeth - after “Countdown to Extinction”
Moonspell - after “Sin/Pecado”
Samael - after “Ceremony of the Opposites”
Amorphis - after “Elegy”
Tiamat - after “Clouds”

Actually all of them actually made exceptionally memorable albums upon making the ‘big change’, and opened themselves to new directions, expanding the horizons to which we metalheads are used to. It’s this ‘opening up’ that took more or less time to assimilate, and after that ‘bitter feeling’ lapses, you sort-of kick yourself: “hey, i’ve been missing THAT much?”

Now, just imagine this: instead of the “Black Album” Metallica puts out rehashed versions of “… And Justice for All”, “Ride the Lightning”, “Master of Puppets” year after year, a bit like My Dying Bride is currently doing. I believe that, just like us, we have careers, and it brings us to discover new things, and evolve and acquire maturity with time. While these musicians do their stuff every day. Every day. Every day, on and on play the same songs, the same rhythm, the same structure, repeated before each and every audience, evening after evening…

Yes, as you may imagine, it may get boring after some years, that’s why they develop that urge to try ’something else’. It’s natural for any creative person. Creative people are not like the pot-makers in, say, India, or Cambodia. Pot makers have to make pots by the quantity to guarantee themselves a living. Not musicians. If artists did that, well, they start calling themselves celine dion, britney spears, etc…
So, to the young metal-heads reading this, just cool down when you find your favourite (ferociously-named) band starts trying new sounds, take a break, and try new bands, and come back after some time to your favourite old band. Your feelings will change, and as strange as it may sound, yes, you WILL appreciate your band’s new music better.

Cheers!