The Jester Race

1996年，乐团决定招募正式团员，于是找了 Björn Gelotte 担任鼓手，六个月后 Anders Fridén 加入担任主唱。 同年，这个新阵容录制了第二张录音室专辑《The Jester Race》。专辑同样在“Studio Fredman”录制，但与之前不同的是，这次制作人增加了录音室的拥有人 Fredrik Nordström。1996年，《The Jester Race》发行。之后他们与 Samael、Grip Inc. 和造物主乐团（Kreator）等乐团进行巡回演唱。

by Matthew Kantor

The melodic sensibilities, classical style guitar, and modal dexterity employed on the Jester Race have precursors in Iron Maiden, Dio-era Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest. It is doubtful that In Flames would argue this; they lovingly weave these timeless influences throughout their music, combining them with later-day thrash and death metal sounds. The vocals differ from the operatic Halford/Dickinson style, in that they are gravel-throated and growled, dealing with personal issues as opposed to fantasy. And indeed, many of the tempos are fast and tight, recalling the glory days of late '80s speed. However, The Jester Race does not feel rushed -- it takes time to make its statements, not afraid to hit mid-tempo strides or get lost in the aforementioned melodic explorations but always with a bite. The result is a definitive late '90s take on power metal; cohesive, heartfelt, and heavy.