Renowned guitarist Nita Strauss, best known for her work with Alice Cooper and her solo career, recently revealed the band that had the biggest impact on her musical journey—Swedish melodic death metal pioneers, In Flames.
In an interview with Guitar World, Strauss expressed that In Flames played a crucial role in shaping her playing style, even calling them her personal equivalent of The Beatles. “If I had to pick a band that was my Beatles, it would be In Flames,” she stated. She specifically praised their song Bullet Ride from the 2000 album Clayman, citing its intricate chord progressions and melodic arrangements as a significant influence.
Strauss highlighted how the band’s use of chord inversions and harmonized leads stood out to her, helping her develop a unique approach to melody and structure in her own compositions. In Flames, known for their blend of aggression and melody, have long been considered one of the most influential bands in melodic death metal, inspiring countless musicians—including Strauss herself.
This revelation sheds light on the diverse range of influences behind Strauss’s powerful and technical guitar work, proving once again that metal’s impact transcends genres and generations.
