Apparently the title track from IN FLAMES' upcoming album "Sounds of A Playground Fading" has made it's way to Youtube.

I'm just giving it my first listen as I type this up. My first impression so far is; this is basically "Touch of Red" without Jesper on board to add more juice. It doesn't seem like IN FLAMES are trying anymore, they're comfortable with their sound and don't find the need to expand or add anything to it.





"Sounds of A Playground Fading" comes out June 21st in the U.S. and June 17th in select European countries via Century Media Record. (Watch the band's latest video for "Deliver Us" by clicking here)

IN FLAMES debuted their latest video for their brand new single "Deliver Us" taken from their upcoming album and Century Media debut "Sounds of A Playground Fading" out June 21st in the U.S. and June 17th in select European countries. The video was directed by Patric Ullaeus for Revolver Film Company.

It seems like IN FLAMES and Century Media will be going all out with promotion for the new record as we received 3 different emails about the video in the past few hours from 3 different PR companies.

IN FLAMES' latest single Deliver Us has been on the interwebs for a little while now. Didn't really get a chance to post much about it since I was knee deep busy with other things. But today the song is officially available for purchase as a digital single (Read more details here).

"Deliver Us" basically carries out the same modern formula the band's been executing, but being signed onto a new label, and off course the departure of Jesper Stromblad. Gives the impression that Sounds of A Playground Fading will be. IN FLAMES "lite."

For a few seconds in the beginning of the song I was thinking this could be good. But the song decided to take a turn for predictable Nu Metal in a split second instead.

"Sounds of A Playground Fading" will be released June 21st via Century Media Records.

[PRESS RELEASE]
IN FLAMES are gearing up to release 'Sounds of a Playground Fading' next month and now we have the first sample of new music from the album available. Beginning today, IN FLAMES have released the first single "Deliver Us" online for purchase. Fans can purchase from iTunes, AmazonMP3 or anywhere you buy music online.

After downloading the single, show your support by adding an IN FLAMES badge to your twitter/facebook profile picture:

http://www.picbadges.com/in-flames-canada/1612108
http://www.picbadges.com/in-flames-usa/1612184/

"Deliver Us" is the first single from their latest album and marks the band's Century Media debut since signing to the indie powerhouse label earlier this year. The band produced the effort with Roberto Laghi inside their own IF Studios in Sweden. 'Sounds of a Playground Fading' is most certainly one of the most anticipated albums in recent memory and sees the band at their strongest in years.

IN FLAMES will also soon be landing on American soil to set the summer ablaze as part of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival alongside heavyweights such as Disturbed, Godsmack, Megadeth, Machine Head, Suicide Silence and more.

[PRESS RELEASE]
The wait is finally over, please check out the front cover for IN FLAMES upcoming album "Sounds Of A Playground Fading" that will be out in North America on Tuesday, June 21, 2011!

The outstanding artwork was done by Dave Correia (http://www.playwithknives.com).

The track listing of "Sounds Of A Playground Fading" reads as follows:

1. Sounds Of A Playground Fading

2. Deliver Us

3. All For Me

4. The Puzzle

5. Fear Is The Weakness

6. Where The Dead Ships Dwell

7. The Attic

8. Darker Times

9. Ropes

10. Enter Tragedy

11. Jester's Door

12. A New Dawn

13. Liberation

"Deliver Us", the 1st single off "Sounds Of A Playground Fading", will be out on the following dates:

GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / NORWAY / AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND: Friday, May 6, 2011.

UK: Sunday, May 8, 2011.

BENELUX / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / PORTUGAL / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, May 9, 2011.

NORTH AMERICA / SPAIN / ITALY: Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

FINLAND / HUNGARY: Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

[PRESS RELEASE]
Century Media Records is proud to announce the signing of IN FLAMES. "We are very happy to make IN FLAMES part of the Century Media Family. The band has a very loyal international fan base and has found a partner with an international set up," says Antje Lange, Century Media Records.

"This is number 10..... Album number 10!!!!! That we even made it this far, that is amazing. Then, to deliver the album of our career, that is something else..... It's fast, slow, heavy and mellow. It's happy, sad, angry and calm. 'Sounds of a playground Fading' is everything we ever done on crack (it's a metaphor boys and girls), it's cask strength whisky when it's THAT perfect moment. Use and abuse!!!!!

By the way, we are happy to be in bed with Century media. They know the business, we know the music, a perfect match. What can possibly go wrong....ha, ha, ha!!!!!!"

- Anders Fridén/In Flames

IN FLAMES was founded 1990 in Gothenburg and soon became one of the most successful Swedish Metal bands since the release of their break-through album "The Jester Race" in 1996. Like many of the predecessors, their last album "A Sense Of Purpose" (2008) charted all over the world including the band's highest ever entry on the American Billboard top 200 with an amazing #28. Other notable chart entries: Sweden #1, European Billboard top 100 #7, Canada Billboard top 200 # 7, Germany #6, UK (top 200) #54, Finland #3, Japan #14, and Norway# 17. "A Sense Of Purpose" was at the time of release the 7th most sold album in the whole of Europe.

In September 2010 IN FLAMES once again entered their own IF Studios together with Roberto Laghi, Daniel Bergstrand and Örjan Örnkloo to start the recording of the new album. The album 'Sounds Of A Playground Fading' is planned for a June 2011 release. Around that time, IN FLAMES will play some of the most important European summer festivals (Sonisphere, Rock Am Ring/Rock Im Park, Hellfest, and more), followed by the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival US tour in July and an European tour in Fall/Winter 2011.

Expect nothing but the maximum when one of biggest metal bands teams up with one of biggest worldwide metal labels.

Release dates for "Sounds of A Playground Fading" is as follows:

• June 15th – Sweden
• June 17th – Germany
• June 20th – Rest Of Europe
• June 21st – North America

Swedish modern metal heavyweights, IN FLAMES are set to enter their own IF Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden next week to begin pre-production on the band's follow up to 2008's A Sense of Purpose.

The band posted the following message on their official website:

"Next week we will start pre-production for our next album.

The plan is to enter IF Studios http://www.ifstudios.se/ next week and spend the remaining part of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 creating and recording the follow up to ASOP.

Updates to follow as we go along so make sure you check in often.

Cheers

Anders, Björn, Daniel, & Peter"

Earlier this year, the band's original guitarist and songwriter Jesper Strömblad checked himself into rehab for alcohol addiction, which resulted in his decision to leave the fold permanently. The band recruited old friend and ENGEL guitarist Niclas Engelin who had previously toured and worked with IN FLAMES.

And yes, that is Anders in the picture above, and yes he got rid of the dreds.
(You can view more photos from the band's recent show at Arvikafestivalen in Sweden by clicking here.)

Jesper Stromblad decided it was best that he leaves In Flames. Apparently his personal issues are taking a toll on him, so he decided to leave the group permanently.

Here's an official statement by Jesper posted on the band's Myspace:

“I have decided it is best for me to leave In Flames and to quit the band permanently.

The last 17 years have been a blast, and I am proud to have been part of this great journey, with the most talented and amazing people anyone can wish to have the privilege to work with. I’m also the luckiest guy in the world, to have the BEST fans in the world, who have been supporting me during my difficult times.

It means the world to me, and I’m determined to fight and defeat my demons once and for all.... and by the help from you guys, I’m on my way.

I’m far from done with music, metal, or whatever my direction is taking me, so be sure to hear from me in the future.

.… May the Force be with you!" – Jesper Strömblad"

The rest of the band issued the following:

"We are losing a great guitar player and musician, but in order to keep a very dear friend this is probably for the best. If this feels right for Jesper we are behind him 100% on his decision.

It is way too early to speculate about the future and possible replacements and things like that.

However, we can assure you that In Flames will continue as a band, release albums and tour the world.

The door to In Flames is always open to Jesper. We are, and will always be behind Jesper 100% on his way to recovery.” – Anders, Peter, Daniel & Björn"