Sometimes, it’s surprising when you like one style of music, and then you hear a song on the radio or somewhere else that really appeals to you, and you get goosebumps, because you admire it so much. Whether something in the rhythm of the drums or a melody or a riff on the guitar or the bass, but you find yourself captivated by the song and want to play it a second time.

 

The song “Only for the Weak” from the Swedish band “In Flames” brought me that feeling and it was the next challenge to recreate this melodic metal with the Kuassa’s guitar amp sim.

 

These guys are native of Sweden and formed as a band in the second largest city in the country- Gothenburg. In the distant 1990 when their genre emerged they were one of the pioneers in this melodic death metal. What could we say about the members? Long story. A bunch of musicians have passed through the band’s history, but let’s say the name of the guitarist – founder Jesper Strömblad. Until today, the band has released a total of thirteen albums, with many singles and EPs. 

 

Their 1994 debut album is called “ Lunar Strain”. THis first album is distinctive with very much influence of Swedish folk traditional music along with the intricate melodic guitars and not so impressive vocals, but it’s just the beginning. 

 

The second one released in 1995, titled “Subterranean”. Not too much difference from the previous one, but I can say it doesn’t need to. The guys have found what they are best at and just keep it. 

 

“The Jester Race” was released in 1996. This album is just amazing. The sound is epic, the guitars are outstanding. The music is full of emotions, creativity and imagination. Each song takes you on an adventure journey. This very album touched the fans and made the connection between the band and them.

 

The following year was released their second EP called “Black-Ash Inheritance” and the full length album “Whoracle”. In general, this album was very good. However, with regard to the tracks themselves, there are some that are not so great. Again melodic riffs, ear shredding vocals and spreading the magnetic feeling of death metal.

“Colony”-1999 reached the top 30 in Sweden and Finland and doubtlessly here they were at their best. Every song is excellent with relentless driving force despite the same year’s total changed line-up. Something great came out of that, they formed the most solid lineups the band has ever had.

Next year they returned with a release called “Clayman”. The melodic death metal sound can be heard here for the last time. With every new album they will evolve and begin experimenting in the future music they will produce. Gradually will reach a whole new level in the style. One can say the band took a turn for the worse, but other than that can see initiative for growing and making the style more exciting. It’s up to the listeners. 

 

“Reroute to Remain” in 2002 may be caused hatred amongst many otherwise loyal fans, but certainly attracted new ones. The new astonishing grooves together with the brilliant guitars, combined with catchy keyboards transform our perception fundamentally. Overall this album is extremely powerful.

 

“Soundtrack to Your Escape” came right after the next year. With this album, the band faced a lot of controversy regarding their music. It’s completely different from what they showed to the fans in their previous art. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but some may consider this as a trial to play something they do not completely understand. The feeling this album left in the listeners was enforced by the muddy guitars and not typical drums and synths that they expected to hear. 

 

“Come Clarity” in an artwork from 2006. The progression of growth as a band continued exponentially with their music abilities. Examples are their melodies, their sound, every track is enjoyable and you can hear what they’re capable of. 

 

“A Sense of Purpose”– 2008 continued the band’s efforts to improve and impress the fans of the genre. 

 

“Sounds of a Playground Fading”– 2011 returns as a sonic thunder.

 

“Siren Charms”–2014. Whenever you listen to it, you experience a new feeling due to a modern new sound.

 

“Battles”– 2016 the strongest album in years is the first thought that comes to mind when listening to it. 

 

“I, the Mask”– 2019. New members in the band again brings this genre to a new extent and probably will surprise us once again with their already on the way project in the near future. 

 

The 3rd generation tube engine in Amplifikation VVV fits perfectly for recreating the band’s signature anthem, “Only for the Weak”. Scandinavian metal preferably uses the famous Peavey amp sound on which our VVV is developed to bring the same feeling throughout the playing of that genre and as a result to blast your ears. 

Let’s do the preset in Amplifikation 360 quickly. It’s a simple rig again. Of course we will need a gate, because it is a high gain sound. We also need an overdrive to make the tone solid, and then the amplifier and the cabinet. The solo uses the Efektor Delay. The tone is a monster!

The preset has 3 containers:

  • Left: The VVV C amp with the Heavy Ultra cab with Dynamic 201 mic.
  • Right: Again the C type with the Heavy Duty can and the classic 57 mic.
  • Solo: The C Amp again with the Heavy Fifty cab the Dynamic 421 mic. And then added analog type delay.

 

The 3 different cabinets are adding character and they are working together to give a more complex and solid mix in the band’s arrangement. The gate should be adjusted to your own input levels and what type of pickups you are using. The drive is clearing some of the low end rumble and making the tone more focused.

In a first glance, it’s as simple as it looks, but it’s a solid starting point, a foundation for a great rhythm and solo parts for your next mix. Don’t forget to track your rhythms twice or even 4 times. Play it tight. Also, put your rhythms in a sub group fader mix and use an EQ if it needs further shaping to fit with your drums, your bass and overall tonal balance of the song.

 

Final words:

 

Irrespective of how you feel about this band, it is a great example of how the music mind, from its beginning to its end, is constantly changing, becoming rich and expansive with ideas, transforming, evolving, and always seeking perfection.

 

Here you can hear the tone. The guitar is an Ibanez RG320 with stock pickups.

Audio Sample: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FpgGEO5rVwg_nsCibAPCqoNFRM70Mdl4/view?usp=sharing

 

Here you can download the preset and copy it to your presets folder:

Link: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FPdfF482T2p7AGv6tFON2i_Tt0GrTZR7/view?usp=sharing

 

The preset file for A360 looks like this: VVV InFlame – Only .ka360p  copy the file after extracting it from the zip file at:

Presets folder:

Windows:

C:\Users\[User Name]\Documents\Kuassa\Presets\Amplifikation360

 

Mac:

/Users/[User Name]/Music/Kuassa/Presets/Amplifikation360

 

Stay tuned for more tones with history, explanation and preset for download!