In Flames Album (Sounds of a Playground Fading 2010–onward)

The departure of guitarist and founding member Jesper Strömblad was announced on the band's MySpace on February 12, 2010. The parting was on good terms with Jesper stating that "I'm determined to fight and defeat my demons once and for all..." and the remaining band members backing his decision, though in a more recent declaration Anders Fridén stated that their relationship with Jesper was not going well. On February 28, 2011, it was announced that Niclas Engelin had re-joined the band to take the vacant spot left by Jesper Strömblad's departure.

In early 2010 In Flames collaborated with Pendulum on their third studio album, Immersion. The song, titled "Self versus Self", is one of three collaborations on the album.

On October 11, 2010, In Flames entered IF Studios in Göteborg to start recording their new album, tentatively titled Sounds of a Playground Fading. It was announced on January 25, 2011 that the recording of the new album was finished and that the album was being mixed. The album was recorded with producer Roberto Laghi and will be released on June 15, 2011.

To support the album In Flames will be performing at the Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth, and alongside Megadeth, Trivium, Machine Head, Godsmack, and Disturbed on Mayhem Festival 2011. They will also be playing at Hellfest festival 2011, headlining mainstage 2, and Nova Rock Festival in Austria

In March 2011, In Flames signed with Century Media Records. On April 6, 2011, In Flames announced their newest single "Deliver Us" slated for a May release.

For part of the European Tour Jonas Ekdahl of DeathDestruction will fill in for Daniel Svensson on drums after Svensson's decision to remain in Sweden for a time following the birth of his child. In Flames released "Sounds Of a Playground Fading" in Sweden as of June 15, 2011. Sounds Of a Playground Fading is released on the following dates around the world: June 17, 2011 – Germany, Austria, Switzerland & Norway. June 20, 2011 – UK, Benelux, France, Greece, Denmark, Portugal (Rest of Europe.) June 21, 2011 – North America, Spain, Italy. June 22, 2011 – Finland, Hungary & Japan. June 24, 2011 – Australia, New Zealand.