Dark Tranquillity are one of the most significant Heavy Metal bands to ever come out of Sweden. Moreover, they are one of the pioneers of the region’s Melodic Death Metal stylings; next to others like In Flames and At the Gates. These details put out immediately, Dark Tranquillity has been consistent over thirty plus years releasing albums, touring internationally, and sustaining a high level of quality in their music.
Still going strong as we move into the future, it is impossible to overlook that in recent times there has been significant changes amidst the core of this storied band. Laying it all out there, there have been some lineup changes in three plus decades, but perhaps the most pronounced arrived when key original members bowed out; first, Bassist Martin Henriksson in 2016, Lead Guitarist Niklas Sundin in 2020, and finally, Drummer Anders Jivarp in 2021.
A progressive shift in the guard, all of this has left lead vocalist, Mikael Stanne, as the only original member of the band. Feeling a bit odd to those who have followed them for years, it cannot be understated how important these original contributors are to the band; because each played major parts in the songwriting of some of the Dark Tranquillity’s most beloved material. Looking back, some fans swear by the genius of records like 1995’s The Gallery, 2002’s Damage Done, but also the epic achievement of 2005’s Character. Not to be overlooked, there have also been many other strokes of greatness throughout the years to follow, even more recently with 2020’s Atoma (the last to feature a heavy-hand of songwriting by Jivarp).
Why place so much emphasis on these factors? Simple, this is the DNA of Dark Tranquillity’s history, but now we all must prepare for a new chapter in their story. Led by the incomparable Mikael Stanne (who has never skipped a beat with his vocals or ability to write thought-provoking lyrics), joining him in 2024 is long-time Keyboardist Martin Brändström (who began working with the band back in 1998 for the projector sessions), Guitarist Johan Reinholdz (recognized for his work in bands like Nonexist and Skyfire), Bassist Christian Jansson (who also plays in Grand Cadaver), and Drummer Joakim Strandberg-Nilsson (known for working with the likes of both Nonexist and In Mourning). A very respectable lineup of players, together they join as Dark Tranquillity presents the album Endtime Signals.
What is the band’s thirteenth overall studio album, it is indeed the first in what we can call the new era of Dark Tranquillity, and with that, has plenty of enticing moments. Released on August 16th through Century Media Records, the album is complete with twelve tracks that range from blistering riffage to darker, more slow tempos. This in mind, the atmosphere is certainly rich on each of the tracks with the keyboards playing a big role as the backdrop to a stage of guitar melodies, plus pronounced solos. With these being the ingredients that make the songs what they are, Stanne does a fine job of diversifying his vocals; where on some he does his standard harsh growls, while on others his clean, sorrowful singing takes control.
In all, Endtime Signals’ boldest moments arrive with “Unforgivable,” “Not Nothing,” “One of Us Is Gone,” “Enforced Perspective,” and “Our Disconnect.” Others with intrigue would also have to include “Wayward Eyes,” but also “The Last Imagination.” In-between the other tracks are also enjoyable, and candidly, follow a very simliar creative path. So, how does Endtime Signals hold up against the history of Dark Tranquillity? Quite well, and doing this it carries the torch of a style they have excelled at for decades. It will be interesting to see where the band go from here with this new configuration, but until then, Cryptic Rock gives Endtime Signals 4 out of 5 stars.
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