What does Subterranean sound like?

A ferocious blend of melodic death metal and alternative elements that push the boundaries of heavy music. Rooted in alternative metal and melodic death metal. Start with "Stand Ablaze".

Is Subterranean a good place to start with In Flames?

Yes, Subterranean is recommended as a starting point for new In Flames listeners. A ferocious blend of melodic death metal and alternative elements that push the boundaries of heavy music. Released in 1995, Subterranean was In Flames' first EP, coming after their acclaimed debut album, The Lunar Strain. This release marked a pivotal moment for the band as they began to define their sound, blending aggressive riffs with melodic sensibilities that would become a hallmark of the Gothenburg metal scene.

Who is Subterranean for?

Subterranean works well if you're into dark atmospheric soundscapes, dynamic emotional journeys and introspective late-night sessions.

How many songs are on Subterranean?

Subterranean has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Subterranean

In Flames · 1995

38 min · 9 tracks · alternative metal

A ferocious blend of melodic death metal and alternative elements that push the boundaries of heavy music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stand Ablaze Start here — The opening track exemplifies the band's signature sound with its aggressive guitar riffs layered over soaring melodies, setting the tone for the entire EP.
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Everdying — This track showcases a dynamic interplay between harsh vocals and melodic instrumentation, highlighting the emotional depth that became central to In Flames' identity.
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Subterranean — The title track features intricate guitar work and a compelling structure that encapsulates the EP’s exploration of darkness and introspection.
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Dead Eternity — With its relentless pace and haunting melodies, this song stands out as a powerful representation of the themes of mortality and despair prevalent throughout the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

This EP blends aggression and melody effectively, influencing the melodic death metal genre.

What we noticed

The EP closes with a cover of 'Murders in the Rue Morgue', which shifts the tone to a more classic heavy metal sound, contrasting with the preceding tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dark atmospheric soundscapes
dynamic emotional journeys
introspective late-night sessions
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This EP helped define In Flames' sound and contributed to their rise in the melodic death metal scene.
Career context: Released in 1995, Subterranean was In Flames' first EP, coming after their acclaimed debut album, The Lunar Strain. This release marked a pivotal moment for the band as they began to define their sound, blending aggressive riffs with melodic sensibilities that would become a hallmark of the Gothenburg metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Dark Tranquillity· Soilwork· Arch Enemy