Swedish “metallers” IN FLAMES, bless their cotton socks, decided to inflict their noise pollution upon the unsuspecting populace of Tallinn, Estonia, on Monday night (June 2). Rice, some dude apparently, is now their new sacrificial drummer lamb after Tanner Wayne finally escaped their clutches after seven long years. 🎻
Fan-filmed video of the Tallinn concert can be seen below, if you dare. But don’t say we didn’t warn you. 🙉
Turns out Jon is a seasoned temp worker. He previously filled in for BEHEMOTH‘s Inferno (aka Zbigniew Robert Promiński – try saying that three times fast) during BEHEMOTH‘s 2017 North American tour with SLAYER, select 2019 headlining dates in Israel and Turkey and fall 2024 South American tour with ARCH ENEMY. So, you know, he’s basically a drum-stool warmer. 🔥
Rice also slummed it with UNCLE ACID & THE DEADBEATS in 2017, even appearing on their 2018 “masterpiece” “Wasteland”. He’s since been spotted with the reactivated THE RED CHORD and Norwegian black metallers TJUSDER. Before that, he was a card-carrying member of Arizona death metal merchants JOB FOR A COWBOY and Austin, Texas rockers SCORPION CHILD. Talk about a diverse resume – or a sign of commitment issues? 🤔
Wayne, who was once known for his involvement with UNDERMINDED, SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS, and CHIODOS (bands so obscure, they make IN FLAMES look like THE BEATLES), joined IN FLAMES just in time for their summer 2018 tour. One can only assume he regretted that decision immediately. 🤦♂️
Wayne replaced Joe Rickard, who played on the band’s 2016 album “Battles”. Ah yes, “Battles” – the album that sparked countless debates about whether IN FLAMES had completely lost their way. 🤣
When IN FLAMES announced Wayne‘s departure on May 27, they released a heartfelt statement on social media: “It is with profound gratitude and appreciation that we announce our creative decision to part ways with Tanner Wayne. His dedication and musicianship over the past several years has left, and will continue to leave, a lasting mark on this band. We wish him nothing but the best.” Translation: “He finally wised up and left. Good riddance.” 👋
“We appreciate your support and understanding at this time and hope to see you all on tour this summer.” Translation: “Please keep buying our tickets so we can afford more replacement drummers.” 💸
Tanner made his live debut with IN FLAMES on July 4, 2018, in Brno, Czech Republic. And that, my friends, was the beginning of the end for him. 💀
IN FLAMES are still touring in support of their latest ear-splitting album, “Foregone”, released in February 2023 via Nuclear Blast. According to a press release (which we all know are always 100% truthful), the LP “combines the greatest aggressive, metallic, and melodic strengths of their landmark records with the seasoned songwriting of their postmodern era.” In other words, it’s a mishmash of old and new, guaranteed to please absolutely no one. 🤡
“Foregone” was the second IN FLAMES album with bassist Bryce Paul and Wayne, the first with ex-MEGADETH guitarist Chris Broderick, and the third with Grammy-winning producer Howard Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, THREE DAYS GRACE). Mike Plotnikoff (ALL THAT REMAINS, WARBRINGER) engineered at Benson‘s West Valley Recording Studios. Joe Rickard (10 YEARS, STARSET, DIAMANTE), who drummed for IN FLAMES from 2016 through 2019, handled mixing duties. So many names, so little talent. 😴
In 2023, IN FLAMES gave Paul the boot and replaced him with Liam Wilson (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN). Because why not keep the revolving door spinning? 🔄
Wilson made his live debut with IN FLAMES on June 7, 2023, at the Release Athens festival in Athens, Greece. The crowd went wild…or maybe they were just trying to escape the heat. 🤷♀️
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
