Dark Tranquillity Damage Done
Century Media 2002
By Russell Garwood
Since their conception in the late eighties, Dark Tranquillity have been instrumental in defining the Gothenburg sound, and continue to develop, pushing the boundaries of melodic death. Damage Done, the bands tenth studio recording, is a slightly heavier proposition than their two previous albums, and sees, Martin Brandstrom, who is responsible for keyboard and synths, promoted to a full time member. The song-writing is impressive among a myriad of exceedingly memorable guitar hooks are well placed, emotive keyboards, strong, compelling drumming and solid bass work. The archetypal, reasonably low death growls are also catchy - they suit the music well and almost have you growling along at times.
The production, courtesy of Fredrik Nordström (At The Gates, Opeth etc.), is also excellent well balanced, clear instruments interweave to create strong ambiences throughout while the mixing integrates keyboards seamlessly. Standouts include track three Monochromatic Stains for the unforgettable chorus, Hours Passed In Exile which has captivating guitar hooks, catchy yet heavy instrumental outro Ex Nihilo, and the epic feel of The Enemy.
Damage Done demonstrates the extent to which Dark Tranquillity have successfully mixed the aggression and anger of death metal with the melody and technicality of more accessible genres. That this album is catchy and has great atmosphere there is no doubt, but whether it will rapidly become boring or lose its appeal is hard to say. This is, however, my only reservation in an all-round excellent release which will appeal to all fans of melodic death and, due to its accessibility, many fans of less extreme music as well.
Century Media 2002
By Russell Garwood
Since their conception in the late eighties, Dark Tranquillity have been instrumental in defining the Gothenburg sound, and continue to develop, pushing the boundaries of melodic death. Damage Done, the bands tenth studio recording, is a slightly heavier proposition than their two previous albums, and sees, Martin Brandstrom, who is responsible for keyboard and synths, promoted to a full time member. The song-writing is impressive among a myriad of exceedingly memorable guitar hooks are well placed, emotive keyboards, strong, compelling drumming and solid bass work. The archetypal, reasonably low death growls are also catchy - they suit the music well and almost have you growling along at times.
The production, courtesy of Fredrik Nordström (At The Gates, Opeth etc.), is also excellent well balanced, clear instruments interweave to create strong ambiences throughout while the mixing integrates keyboards seamlessly. Standouts include track three Monochromatic Stains for the unforgettable chorus, Hours Passed In Exile which has captivating guitar hooks, catchy yet heavy instrumental outro Ex Nihilo, and the epic feel of The Enemy.
Damage Done demonstrates the extent to which Dark Tranquillity have successfully mixed the aggression and anger of death metal with the melody and technicality of more accessible genres. That this album is catchy and has great atmosphere there is no doubt, but whether it will rapidly become boring or lose its appeal is hard to say. This is, however, my only reservation in an all-round excellent release which will appeal to all fans of melodic death and, due to its accessibility, many fans of less extreme music as well.
