Acclaimed guitarist Nita Strauss has truly established her reputation in the music industry, collaborating with renowned rock and metal artists such as Alice Cooper, Angel Vivaldi, and Lzzy Hale. Her extensive experience and talent have made her a prominent figure in the music scene. In a recent interview with Guitar World, she shared that the influential Swedish melodic death metal band In Flames holds a significance in her life akin to the impact of The Beatles on mainstream music enthusiasts.

Discover the Reasons Behind Nita Strauss’s Passion for In Flames

During her insightful conversation with Guitar World, which was released on YouTube on March 1, Strauss explored five transformative guitar riffs that have significantly impacted her musical journey. Among the iconic riffs she discussed were those from Megadeth (“Trust”), Alice Cooper (“Poison”), Iron Maiden (“The Trooper”), and Ozzy Osbourne (“Crazy Train”). However, she also highlighted the track “Bullet Ride” from In Flames’ fifth studio album, Clayman, released in 2000, as a pivotal moment in her development as a guitarist.

“The next riff is by a band that I consider to be my Beatles, and that is Sweden’s own In Flames,” she passionately stated before demonstrating the riff.

She elaborated:

In Flames is the band that I consistently name as my all-time favorite. Growing up, I was irresistibly drawn to the unique inversions and chords characteristic of Swedish melodic death metal bands, and this particular song, “Bullet Ride,” exemplifies that style.

Her performance of the riff was impeccable, and she reflected on its complexities: “It’s incredibly enjoyable to play. The dramatic transitions between those chords, combined with that pedal tone, along with utilizing that root in the fifth in innovative ways, adds a layer of tension with various notes. I find it absolutely fascinating.”

We wholeheartedly agree with her perspective, and you can watch the complete interview where Strauss discusses these influential riffs below.

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Exploring the Legacy of In Flames and Their Iconic Track “Bullet Ride”

“Bullet Ride” kicks off the album Clayman, and it is widely regarded as one of the standout tracks from this seminal release. It ranks as one of In Flames’ most celebrated songs, with Strauss sharing a sentiment echoed by many fans. According to setlist.fm, it is their 15th most frequently performed song in live concerts, with nearly 500 live renditions since its debut at the Rockwave Festival in July 2000.

The album Clayman arrived with immense expectations, especially following In Flames’ celebrated “holy trilogy” consisting of The Jester Race (1996), Whoracle (1997), and Colony (1999). It is consistently hailed as one of the band’s best works, notable for retaining the cherished melodic death metal sound while introducing more accessible vocals and synthesizers. This shift marked a significant moment in their evolution, especially as it was their last album before transitioning to a more alternative metal sound, starting with Reroute to Remain in 2002, a move that understandably disappointed a segment of their fanbase.

Nita Strauss Unveils “Five Guitar Riffs That Changed My Life” with Guitar World