On November 16th, Swedish death metal band, In Flames, released a four song EP titled Down, Wicked & No Good. The EP features four covers of various songs by Depeche Mode, Alice in Chains, Chris Isaak and Nine Inch Nails.
The lead song on the EP is a cover of Depeche Mode’s song, “It’s No Good.” According to The PRP, the band are huge fans of the 80s electro-pop group. In Flames frontman, Jesper Stömbald, even went on to say he has been listening to the British group since he was ten. The band covered another one of their songs, “Everything Counts,” on their 1997 album Whoracle. This time they took the brooding electronic song, “It’s No Good,” and added rock elements to replace some of the synthesized sections. Jesper argues, “Even though we are a metal band, Depeche Mode inspired a lot of the electronic elements we use in our music today.”
The band take the song and completely make it their own, while retaining important elements of the original. In their three other covers, the band continues to show their experimental capabilities and innovative prowess. Each song is very specific to the Swedish group, even though their are clear connections to the originals. The band also covers Alice In Chain’s “Down In A Hole,” Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game,” and Nine Inch Nail’s “Hurt.” Their versions are hard-hitting and rthymically centered as opposed to the originals which are a bit less punchy and focus on melody.
The EP is a follow up to 2016 album Battles. Although the group has had recent lineup changes, the EP proves they are still powering forward in their musical careers.
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