Former In Flames guitarist, etc. Jesper Strömblad addressed a number of fan questions via his Facebook yesterday, September 30th. Providing an all encompassing answer, Strömblad revealed his vision for the band and their current direction didn’t exactly align. He also touched upon alcohol playing a part in his exit from the group. here’s what he had to say:
“Will I ever return to In Flames? No one never knows what the future brings,but the chances are slim as they embarked on a different musical journey,they have a solid lineup and Im on a totally different path in life right now. I would never go into details why I quit, but there is always one official story and there is the other……Alcohol is a quite small part of it.
That can also answer the next question, what do I think of their new stuff. Listen to The Resistance and that explains a bit of it . We simply went different directions. I need to stand behind and feel inspired with what I do 100%, I owe it to the fans and obviosly the band. All respect to In Flames and their new approach, but for me the band was a guitar/riffbased melodeathband. And Its not anymore, but still amazing musicianship and I dont think its wrong.
But its not the vision I had when we started out. But still All respect to them and the huge success,highly deserved! So please, I wish, change the comment from “come back to IF”, to “welcome Niklas Engelin“, who is one of the nicest talented guys, and the one who fill my shoes perfect, and brings back an amazing energy live and personally! So there you have it.
I do not and will never compromise with my music. Im on a new path together with the guys in TR who made me want to play again and the good feeling of being a part of a band.Dedication,frienship,genuine passion for the music! Money, fame grammys e t c doesnt matter a crap if U dont have your not comitted 100% to it. I also have a soloalbum coming up, an facebreaking EP and album with The Resistance and some other other excitiing projects. so….. everyone is where thery belong.. Im im a band I love. IF do their thing great… all good:) love you all”
