Nita Strauss and Her Musical Influences

Guitarist Nita Strauss has established herself as a prominent figure in the rock and metal scene. With collaborations alongside iconic artists such as Alice Cooper, Angel Vivaldi, and Lzzy Hale, Strauss has made a substantial impact on the music industry. Recently, she shared her admiration for the Swedish melodic death metal band In Flames, stating that their music holds as much significance for her as The Beatles do for mainstream music fans.

Why Nita Strauss Holds In Flames in High Esteem

In a recent interview with Guitar World, which was released on YouTube on March 1, Strauss discussed five guitar riffs that have profoundly influenced her. Among the remarkable licks she highlighted were songs from Megadeth (“Trust”), Alice Cooper (“Poison”), Iron Maiden (“The Trooper”), and Ozzy Osbourne (“Crazy Train”). Notably, she also included “Bullet Ride” from In Flames’ fifth studio album, Clayman, released in 2000.

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

Reflecting on her experience, she stated, “In Flames is, you know, the band that I always list as my favorite band. Growing up and getting into heavy music, I was really drawn to the inversions and chords used by Swedish melodic death metal bands. This song, ‘Bullet Ride,’ exemplifies that.”

Her performance of the riff was impressive, and she elaborated on its complexity: “It’s really, really fun to play. The dramatic shifts of those chords with that pedal tone and, just, using that root in the fifth in a different way, adding tension with those different notes is just – I think it’s so cool.”

Fans of Strauss can catch the full interview and her riff breakdown in the video below.

In Flames and the Impact of “Bullet Ride”

“Bullet Ride” serves as the opening track of Clayman and is frequently regarded as one of the standout songs from the album. It is also considered one of In Flames’ best tracks overall. According to setlist.fm, it ranks as the 15th most performed song by the band, with nearly 500 live renditions since its debut at the Rockwave Festival in July 2000.

The album Clayman arrived with significant anticipation, following In Flames’ acclaimed “holy trilogy” consisting of The Jester Race (1996), Whoracle (1997), and Colony (1999). It is often hailed as one of In Flames’ finest works, marking a transition point in their sound. While the album largely retains the beloved melodic death metal style, it also introduces elements such as more pronounced clean vocals and the incorporation of synthesizers.

Following Clayman, In Flames began to shift toward an alternative metal sound with their 2002 release, Reroute to Remain, a change that met with mixed reactions from longtime fans.

Nita Strauss – “Five Guitar Riffs That Changed My Life” With Guitar World

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Conclusion

Nita Strauss’s admiration for In Flames underscores the profound influence that certain bands can have on musicians. By drawing inspiration from the intricate compositions and emotional depth of Swedish melodic death metal, Strauss continues to carve her path in the rock and metal world, illustrating the interconnectedness of musical genres and the lasting power of influential riffs.

FAQs

Who is Nita Strauss?

Nita Strauss is a renowned guitarist known for her work with various rock and metal artists, including Alice Cooper and Lzzy Hale.

What is the significance of In Flames to Nita Strauss?

Nita Strauss considers In Flames to be her equivalent of The Beatles, citing their music as a key influence during her formative years in heavy music.

What is “Bullet Ride”?

“Bullet Ride” is a track from In Flames’ 2000 album, Clayman, and is often regarded as one of the band’s best songs.

How has In Flames’ sound evolved over the years?

In Flames initially gained fame for their melodic death metal sound but began to transition towards alternative metal starting with their 2002 album, Reroute to Remain.