The flames rise gradually, engulfing everything in sight, mirroring the slow burn of memories that refuse to fade. In Flames by Paperboard captures that moment when past wounds resurface—not in a sudden explosion, but in a controlled, almost mesmerizing destruction. It’s as if the pain has been simmering beneath the surface for too long, and now, finally, it’s time to confront it. The composition builds deliberately, each note and lyric feeding into a sense of emotional release, leading to a cathartic realization: the fire wasn’t just about destruction—it was about transformation.
In Flames by Paperboard blends rock and metal seamlessly, creating a sonic landscape that feels both haunting and electrifying. The gradual intensity, underscored by a background melody that steadily grows in force, mirrors the journey of someone breaking free from a suffocating past. There’s a rawness in the delivery, a perfect mix of vulnerability and rage that makes every word hit harder. The transitions between the heavy instrumental sections and the more melodic elements keep the listener engaged, never letting the energy fade.
The song is a direct confrontation—an unfiltered reckoning with betrayal, disappointment, and ultimately, self-reclamation. Lines like “I was keeping inside all these things you did just by my side” and “For so long I’ve been mute, but in fact, you make me sick and laugh” speak to the suppressed anger that has finally found its voice. The repetition of “But now I can shine, but now I feel alive” reinforces the idea of survival, not just in the sense of moving on, but in reclaiming one’s own identity. The lyrics are simple, yet they carry the weight of lived experience, making them all the more powerful.
Beyond just its sonic and lyrical strengths, In Flames resonates because it speaks to something universal—the moment when someone who has been underestimated or mistreated finally stands tall. Whether it’s about a toxic relationship, a personal struggle, or an internal battle, it offers a feeling of release and triumph. The flames may have consumed the past, but what emerges from the ashes is something stronger.
