In Flames was hardly influenced by Maiden....but you make a good point...
Sure they were. Pick up the "Goliaths Disarm Gothenburg: Live In 1999" bootleg or the Maiden tribute CD "Made In Tribute". They cover "Murders in the Rue Morgue". And a damn fine job they do, too.
I've read in several interviews that Maiden have always been a huge influence on their writing.
the whole album "Whoracle" is amazing, you should really check it out. i love all their stuff on Whoracle and The Jester Race/Black Ash Inheritance
Check out these songs:
Worlds Within the Margin
Episode 666
Everything Counts (yes, its a Depeche Mode cover)
Moonshield
The Jester Race
Lord Hypnos
Dead Eternity
December Flower
Wayfaerer
Goliaths Disarm Their Davids
DEFINITELY Acoustic Medley
Behind Space- Live