Guitarist Jesper Strömblad founded In Flames in 1990 and stayed with the group until 2010. Strömblad has since gone on to form a new group called Cyhra with longtime In Flames bassist Peter Iwers, who exited the band in 2016. Strömblad hasn't had the kindest of words about his former band's more radio-oriented direction, calling In Flames a "polished turd" in late 2016.
Now in a brand new interview with Metal Wani, Strömblad furthers his assertion that he's not a fan of what happened to In Flames, and suggests they change their name.
To be honest, I think they should actually change the name, because it's such a huge, huge difference from the beginning. But if that's the way they wanna do it, fine. And they're happy with the new members, so good luck to them. Everyone is in the right place.
He also clarifies he didn't say In Flames' 2016 album Battles "sucks ass," it's just very different.
I didn't say that Battles sucks ass — that's not what I said. It's just it's very… They have developed so much in a [different] direction
I can see where Jesper Strömblad is coming from, but on the same token, there seems to be a degree of brand recognition when it comes to a band name. Nobody would know who the hell In Flames under a new name would be unless they monitor the band on social media, so a name change might result in a bit of a downsized fan base.
Oh well. At least Cyhra is awesome.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TS1PagUsnk[/youtube]
