During the band's early years, In Flames had a varying group of musicians recording with them, including many session musicians. By the release of Colony (1999), the group had established a stable lineup. Their sixth studio album Reroute to Remain (2002) showed the band moving toward a newer style of music that moved further away from melodic death metal and closer to alternative metal. This decision was criticized by fans of the group's heavier metal sound; however, it increased the band's mainstream audience and bolstered their album sales. As of 2008, In Flames has sold over two million records worldwide.
Since the band's inception, In Flames have released thirteen studio albums, three EPs, and two live DVDs, their latest release being their thirteenth studio album I, the Mask in 2019. In Flames has been nominated for three Grammis Awards. They won two of these nominations; one for Soundtrack to Your Escape (2004) in the "Hard Rock/Metal of the Year" category, and one nomination for their following album Come Clarity (2006) in the same category.
10 Drenched In Fear
In Flames Lyrics
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It's quite amusing to see how you suffer it now
Why refuse to let you steal my delight
Barely awake but it strengthens my night rage
I've seen you kill many dreams but I've got brand new armor
Any weapons are way out of reach
Vaporized into thin air
Strange to feeling to be nothing
All the words I hear
They don't mean a thing
All the words I hear
They don't mean a thing
All drenched in fear
And the hate you bring
Make me bother, I dare you
I got the strength I need
But I'll wait my darkest moment
When the guilt doesn't get to me
All the words I hear
They don't mean a thing
All drenched in fear
All the words I hear
They don't mean a thing
All drenched in fear
And the hate you bring
All the words I hear
They don't mean a thing
All drenched in fear
All the words I hear
They don't mean a thing
All drenched in fear
And the hate you bring
All the words I hear
They don't mean a thing
All drenched in fear
All the words I hear
They don't mean a thing
All drenched in fear
And the hate you bring
The lyrics to In Flames's song "Drenched in Fear" seem to be about someone who is facing a challenging situation and feeling overwhelmed by fear and hatred from those around them. The persona is defiant and refusing to let their joy and passion be stolen from them. Despite feeling battered and bruised, they have chosen to face the situation head-on with a newfound level of inner strength, symbolized by the "brand new armor" they wear. The persona has been hurt before and understands the feeling of being demolished. However, they recognize that they can't allow fear to control them and thus choose to confront the hate they are receiving. The song's repeated refrain of "All the words I hear, they don't mean a thing, all drenched in fear, and the hate you bring" reinforces this message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
The lyrics highlight a few different emotions and states of being. The persona seems to feel isolated from others ("you won't find a friendly face in the crowd") and recognizes the absurdity of their current situation ("it's quite amusing to see how you suffer it now"). They are also feeling a mixture of fear and anger ("barely awake but it strengthens my night rage") but have come to a place of acceptance, however challenging it might be ("strange feeling to be nothing"). This song is undoubtedly about overcoming and facing challenges with strength and resilience despite the terrible experiences faced.
Line by Line Meaning
You won't find a friendly face in the crowd
There is no one here to help you. You are alone and surrounded by people who are indifferent to your suffering.
It's quite amusing to see how you suffer it now
The singer takes pleasure in seeing the listener endure their painful situation.
Why refuse to let you steal my delight
The singer will not let the listener take away their happiness or joy, no matter how hard they try.
Barely awake but it strengthens my night rage
The artist's anger grows stronger at night, even when they are barely awake.
I've seen you kill many dreams but I've got brand new armor
The listener has crushed the artist's hopes and aspirations in the past, but the artist has found a way to protect themselves and move on.
Any weapons are way out of reach
The singer is safe from harm and able to defend themselves from the listener's attacks.
How does it feel to be demolished
The singer wants to know how the listener feels after being defeated or destroyed.
Vaporized into thin air
The listener has been completely wiped out or eliminated.
Strange to feeling to be nothing
It is a strange and unpleasant sensation to feel like you don't even exist.
All the words I hear
The artist is bombarded with meaningless words and promises.
They don't mean a thing
The listener's words are empty and without substance.
All drenched in fear
The artist is overwhelmed by a sense of dread and anxiety.
And the hate you bring
The listener's presence only fuels the singer's animosity and resentment towards them.
Make me bother, I dare you
The singer challenges the listener to try and provoke them further.
I got the strength I need
The singer is confident in their ability to withstand the listener's attacks.
But I'll wait my darkest moment
The artist will be ready for the worst that the listener can throw at them, even when things seem their bleakest.
When the guilt doesn't get to me
The listener's attempts to make the artist feel guilty will not succeed.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anders Friden, Bjorn Gelotte, Jesper Stromblad
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind