Get ready for a seismic shift in the metal world! In Flames, the legendary Swedish/American metal powerhouse, is back in the studio, and they’ve got a new beatmaster behind the drums. Yes, you heard that right—Jon Rice, a drumming titan with a résumé that reads like a who’s who of heavy music, is officially stepping into the studio with the band for their fifteenth album. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this marks the first In Flames studio record to feature Rice, who’s been tearing up stages with them since May 2025. His credentials? Impeccable. From Behemoth to Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, The Red Chord to Job For A Cowboy, Rice has left his mark on some of the most brutal and innovative acts in metal.
Recording in a Los Angeles studio, In Flames is once again joining forces with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson, the mastermind behind hits for Motörhead, Body Count, and Sepultura. This partnership has been a staple since their 2016 album Battles, and it’s continued through their latest release, Foregone (2023). Alongside Benson is longtime collaborator and engineer Mike Plotnikoff, ensuring the album’s sound will be as polished and powerful as ever. And this is the part most people miss: the band’s guitarist, Björn Gelotte, kicked off the studio buzz by sharing a cryptic video on social media, simply captioned 'XV'—a nod to the album’s place as their fifteenth release. Plotnikoff added fuel to the fire with a photo of Rice’s drum kit, hinting that the rhythm section is already in full swing.
But here’s the controversial bit: Jon Rice’s addition comes on the heels of the band’s split with drummer Tanner Wayne in May 2025, ending his seven-year run with In Flames. While Wayne’s departure was amicable, it’s hard not to wonder how Rice’s distinct style will reshape the band’s sound. Will it be a seamless blend or a bold departure? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure: this album is shaping up to be a milestone for In Flames, blending their signature melodic death metal with Rice’s raw, relentless energy.
So, what do you think? Is Jon Rice the perfect fit for In Flames, or will you miss Tanner Wayne’s touch? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re craving more metal news, don’t forget to subscribe to our daily newsletter for all the latest updates from the world of heavy music. The question remains: can In Flames reinvent themselves yet again, or will this new chapter divide their fanbase? Only the drums—and the fans—will decide.
