The veterans of Swedish melodic death metal, In Flames, have officially commenced work on their fifteenth full-length studio album. The band has set up shop in Los Angeles to begin tracking the follow-up to their acclaimed 2023 release, Foregone.
For this latest chapter, the group has once again enlisted the services of Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson and engineer Mike Plotnikoff. The duo has become a staple of the In Flames creative process, having collaborated with the band on every release since 2016’s Battles.
News of the sessions broke on Tuesday (February 3), when guitarist Björn Gelotte posted a video from the studio environment to the band’s social media channels. He kept his message brief but significant, writing simply:
“XV”
The Roman numeral confirms that this project will indeed serve as the band’s fifteenth studio effort.
Further confirmation came from engineer Mike Plotnikoff, who shared a photograph of the recording setup, specifically highlighting the drum kit. His caption verified that tracking is already underway and tagged the production team and band members involved.
“Drums have begun @inflames @bgelotte @andersfridn @jon.charn.rice @howardbenson @joerickardproductions @decarli_editor @iansthunder @sunsetsoundrecorders #sunsetsound #studio2 #makinghits”
The posts confirm that this album will mark the recording debut of drummer Jon Rice with In Flames. Rice has been touring with the group since May 2025, following the departure of Tanner Wayne, who had occupied the drum throne for seven years.
Rice brings a formidable resume to the sessions, having previously performed with extreme metal heavyweights such as Behemoth, Job For A Cowboy, The Red Chord, and Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats.
In Flames – May 2026 U.S. Tour Dates
- May 09 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall **
- May 10 – Kansas City, MO – VooDoo At Harrah’s Kansas City **
- May 12 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave ^
- May 13 – East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt ^
- May 14 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre ^
- May 15 – London, ON – London Music Hall ^
- May 16 – Albany, NY – Empire Live ^
** with Upon Stone only
^ with Thrown and Distant
