Album Review
Young upstarts: look out, for the elder statesmen of melodic death metal have returned with yet another fine album. When a band has been making music for over 15 years, the results tend to be either another step in a slow decline to oblivion, or a mildly decent “return to form”. But in the case of Dark Tranquillity, they have not been in a gradual decline, and they are playing with as much vitality as ever.
Fiction is the 8th full-length record for the Swedish sextet. For those who have spent the last decade in a bomb shelter, Dark Tranquillity are one of the founding fathers of the Gothenburg sound, along with At the Gates, In Flames, and a few others that haven’t enjoyed the recognition of their townsmen. Cross early 90’s death metal with the melodic stylings of Iron Maiden, and you have the basics of Gothenburg metal. DT’s 1995 seminal album, The Gallery, set the standard for furiously melodic death metal, and while they slowed things down a little with Projector and Haven, the last three albums have only gotten heavier as time marches forward.
Fiction is a natural follow-up to 2005’s Character, built on a foundation of heavy rhythmic work, more so than their mid-period work that relied predominantly on sweet melodic leads. The opening track (“Nothing to No One”) even starts with a bass line – an instrument that is hardly noticed in most melodic death. “Terminus” is one of their fastest-paced songs to date, working in a backing electronic riff that gives the song a Mors Principium Est feel. For a contrast, “Inside the Particle Storm” is a droning, slower track that evokes some of their very early work like “Lethe”. Stanne’s voice sounds more raw and harsh than in the past, and it fits in nicely with the loud, fuzzy production. While all of the tracks are winners, the true pièce de résistance would have to be “Focus Shift” – a song that sums up all that is the Dark Tranquillity of late. Catchy choruses trade time with relentless riffing, and all the while, the vocals are rattled off with intensity to spare.
Dark Tranquillity has been dedicated to making heavy metal their own way for well over a decade, never watering down their sound like others in the scene. For that they should be respected, but this album stands on its own merits, band heritage aside. Fiction makes a worthy addition to my hefty DT collection, and I recommend it to the rest of you as well. May they continue delivering quality albums for another 15 years.
Fiction is the 8th full-length record for the Swedish sextet. For those who have spent the last decade in a bomb shelter, Dark Tranquillity are one of the founding fathers of the Gothenburg sound, along with At the Gates, In Flames, and a few others that haven’t enjoyed the recognition of their townsmen. Cross early 90’s death metal with the melodic stylings of Iron Maiden, and you have the basics of Gothenburg metal. DT’s 1995 seminal album, The Gallery, set the standard for furiously melodic death metal, and while they slowed things down a little with Projector and Haven, the last three albums have only gotten heavier as time marches forward.
Fiction is a natural follow-up to 2005’s Character, built on a foundation of heavy rhythmic work, more so than their mid-period work that relied predominantly on sweet melodic leads. The opening track (“Nothing to No One”) even starts with a bass line – an instrument that is hardly noticed in most melodic death. “Terminus” is one of their fastest-paced songs to date, working in a backing electronic riff that gives the song a Mors Principium Est feel. For a contrast, “Inside the Particle Storm” is a droning, slower track that evokes some of their very early work like “Lethe”. Stanne’s voice sounds more raw and harsh than in the past, and it fits in nicely with the loud, fuzzy production. While all of the tracks are winners, the true pièce de résistance would have to be “Focus Shift” – a song that sums up all that is the Dark Tranquillity of late. Catchy choruses trade time with relentless riffing, and all the while, the vocals are rattled off with intensity to spare.
Dark Tranquillity has been dedicated to making heavy metal their own way for well over a decade, never watering down their sound like others in the scene. For that they should be respected, but this album stands on its own merits, band heritage aside. Fiction makes a worthy addition to my hefty DT collection, and I recommend it to the rest of you as well. May they continue delivering quality albums for another 15 years.
Anonymous |
posted on 9/2011 |
best DT album in my opinion. when the songs come through on my iTunes genius mix they make me smile. This is the album that made me love (not just like) DT.
Stick it to the Moose |
posted on 4/2008 |
Dark Tranquillity.. one of my favorite swedish metal bands. Fiction is not the best cd from them, but its still good music to the ears. Don't get me wrong.. I enjoy this album very much, but I'm a fan of past albums. Terminus, Nothing to No One, and Focus Shift are hooks from the beginning.
tiberious |
posted on 2/2008 |
So this is the other album I purchased today along with the crappy wolves in the trash can. I always knew DT was a good investment, they have never once let me down. This album fucking kicks ass. It takes a little bit for the songs to absorb, but when they do, damn youll be feelin some chillz. I love DT, Fiction is one of the best albums Ive heard this year along with my other favorite for 2007, The Ocean.
J/P |
posted on 12/2007 |
I wouldn't say Fiction is the best album to come from DT, but I very much enjoy listening to it. The first track, "Nothing to No One", is by far my favorite. Then you have "Terminus", which instantly grabs your attention. The 8th track, "Mersery's Crown" is interesting because the vocalist brings his clean voice back to the music. Some might say that's bad, but I find his clean voice to be fitting. Fiction is definitly one of the best 2007 albums.
SotSS |
posted on 11/2007 |
I admit that I am somewhat disappointed with the shift in their sound towards the "mainstream" (i.e. towards simpler, less inventive and more predictable song structures).
However, when I consider the atmosphere that they create, the more original, interesting and complex (compared to the countless modern *core and melodeath bands at least) riffs ("Nothing To No One" and "The Lesser Faith" being good examples), the incredible vocals and lyrics (Stanne is one of the best vocalists AND lyricists of all time IMO), their songwriting know-how that surpasses many of their contemporaries (though this has been weakened somewhat with the adoption of the standard intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-verse-chorus song structuring), and the heart and soul they put into their work that someone else mentioned (this is severely lacking in the vast majority of modern metal bands, particularly the aforementioned modern *core and melodeath bands), I am forced to conclude that DT are still a force to be reckoned with, even if they might not be as refreshing or inspired as they once were, and this album is definitely one that any metalhead should enjoy, so long as they can tolerate some amount of predictability, enjoy or at least tolerate melody/emotion, and do not demand that their metal be entirely raw (production value wise).
rasith |
posted on 10/2007 |
the guys on here posting negative comments clearly have no idea what they are talking about... they say bands who have come up by standing on the shoulders of DT ( Eg. Scar symmetry ) and are nothing but poor offspring compared to the behemoth that is DT, are much better... in songwriting, talent and production. I dont even want to qualify those comments by posting an answer to something that is obviously absolute nonesense written by someone who cannot appreciate complex music AT ALL.... I think IQ levels must have something to do with that.... if u like metal... in any form ... pick up ANY album by DT.... just dont expect the same type of sound except for the last 2 albums... they continually evolve... and if morons cant appreciate it.... well.... its better that this kind of music is left for their betters to appreciate ... ( I bet these are the same ppl who thought Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit were cool... and jumped on thier band wagon when they were "popular" just so they could be "popular too) .... real metal fans... listen to this album !
Grymmbear |
posted on 6/2007 |
Dark Tranquillity... EMO??!?! What the fuck are you smoking so I don't accidentally break off a piece? How does a clean vocal style equate to a death metal band going emo?!??! That's gotta be the most moronic thing I've read yet, and there's plenty of moronic shit on this website.
This is a strong album from start to finish. I can't recommend this highly enough.
Cyguy |
posted on 6/2007 |
Bleh..heard one song Focus Shift and it sounds like Lost to Apathy. The whole CD probably sounds like Onebiglongsong. Other than Projector, and perhaps Damage Done, I have not been impressed by these guys. Same song over and over and over..I would rather listen to Scar Symmetry or Raintime anyday than DT. IF and only IF this cd has some vocal variety, then I will check it out. Character was played like 3x and i think only track 3 (dont know name) caught my attention..ONE song lol. Rest of the cd was like onelongsong. Not impressed by these guys, I dont know what the big hype is.
David Jay |
posted on 6/2007 |
What makes Dark Tranquillity great is their consistency. Of course their musicianship and writing is nothing but especial and intricate but seriously how many bands can you say with absolute certainty deliver great album again and again? Only a few i can think of. 'Nothing to no one' comes at you like a cannonball whilst 'icipher' brings on such a haunting emotion its sooo good that its bad. Standout track 'Inside The Particle Storm'. Crisp/clean production, crafty songwriting and stupendous musicianship. I rate this a 6/5/5.5
plure |
posted on 5/2007 |
i can't really tell if the songwriting sucks or not, the sterile radio ready production renders the music so completely unmetal that it fades to the background of my awareness even when i try to focus on it. it seems like rock music but it's been compressed into something that could more accurately be categorized as ambient drone. every instrument, guitar, drums, vocals, sound like synthesized samples rather than organic performance. i can't fathom why any band that's been doing the metal thing since the 90s, since before this compressed reverb production technique spread through modern rock like a cancer, would let a producer do this to their music. this record is strictly for the emo-metalcore kids.
Haters SucK |
posted on 5/2007 |
I love how haters hang out on a board like this and type endlesly about a band they hate. Talk about having no life... Why don't you just post your opinion and move on? Your not going to convince anyone that this album sucks unless they already dislike this band. All you haters need to get laid.
Dead2u |
posted on 5/2007 |
@ Dead2u=moron. Sorry boy, if I played in Linkin Park or Slipnot, I'd be over at Blabbermouth trying to find my name in the news. Anyway, I said nothing about being more qualified. It was the "true metalheadz can appreciate this great band and great album" insinuating that because I don't appreciate this rubbish that I am not a true metalhead that pissed me off. Today though, I don’t give a shit.
vag |
posted on 5/2007 |
"Hypocrisy are frequently categorized in the Gothenburg melodic death scene"
That is because they have more common with Gothenburg melodic death scene than any other scene and sometimes you need to categorize a band somewhere for a number of reasons.
"I don't see how Hypocrisy is doing their own thing to a lesser extent than Amon Amarth"
The opposite i meant.
Cheers !
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 5/2007 |
@ DuPont
I'm really at a loss as to how Virus could possibly sound generic. You and I must have vastly different tastes, because, to me, all of Hypocrisy sounds amazing and DT sounds generic. So... cool.
@ vag
Hypocrisy are frequently categorized in the Gothenburg melodic death scene, but I will agree that they do sound different. I don't see how Hypocrisy is doing their own thing to a lesser extent than Amon Amarth. I mean, they recorded and produced their early stuff with Peter Tägtgren, which is, I would assume, why the guitars sound so similar to Hypocrisy's.
Anyway, I can see where you're coming from.
vag |
posted on 5/2007 |
You compare a band ( Hypocrisy ) with another one ( Dark Tranquillity ) that are different. I do not consider Hypocrisy to be a Gothenburg band. Sure they have heavy-iron maiden influences after the three first records era but it happens to have very strong black ( Bathory ) influences and a lot of orchestration ( more than DT ) also going on. I believe that Hypocrisy is a unique band and does it's own thing like amon amarth do ( to a lesser extent ) for example. Also in order to be fair i would like to mention that although Hypocrisy are gods they do have their bad times, like almost every old band has. Listen to "catch 22" or "the arrival". Finally when iam in the mood to listen to DT, i can listen to in flames, mors principium est, old soilwork........... but not Hypocrisy and the opposite. I suppose that this is another reason why i consider Hypocrisy not a Gothenburg band. The fact that DT exist for more than a decade is not a reason to like them or compare them to other bands ( Hypocrisy ) with the same duration. I mentioned that in order to say that this is another reason ( not the only one ), why this band must be good. Especially when it continues to have a great amount of fans all over the world until today. If you don't see it, that is fine with me. Both Hypocrisy and Dark Tranquillity destroy and that is why are most respected.
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 5/2007 |
@ Pummel
Right, because only losers can not like this genre. That's just like saying only losers can. That would make sense if it wasn't fucking retarded.
If DT is so amazing because they've stuck around for 15 years, does that make the members of Hypocrisy gods? Virus fucking destroys this album, and that's from a band that's been around just as long as this one.
vag |
posted on 5/2007 |
So, they used to be good but their newer releases are mediocre and boring. Honestly man with the exception of "projector" i can not find why. Ok they changed their sound a little bit by adding keyboards but the sound remains the same to my ears. After all i like keyboards in music and thats why i hear to stuff like second gen black metal or non-metal like pop-electronica lets say (Haven :-) but that is another thing. Dark Tranquillity is not a new band. It's been more than a decade since the creation of the band and changes in the music department are mandatory for a band to keep things interesting. After all as you said "passage of time will probably change a band". Others like it, others do not. That is a fact. You probably belong to the displeased department and that is ok. But as i said before the core dark tranquillity sound and brutallity remains unchanged and that is what i call progression. To do not forget your roots. I personaly can not stand bands that release the same again and again or bands that completely change their sound. Look for example two great bands Running Wild and Motorhead. If you have two of their records you have heard it all.
Been an originator and creating a subgenre, i think it says a lot. Lets not demolish everything. Liking other bands more or disliking a band is something else. Being an originator is not something easy. How many bands can say that about themselfs ? And obviously if you have followers and have survived for more than a decade means that you are good. New bands are always created and come to add. Most of the time newer release better records at the same period with the old ones because they are new and at their peak. The same will happen with the newer ones when they get old. Lets do not be ungrateful especialy when a band continue to kick ass as Dark Tranquillity does for so many years, while others have retired.
Thrash legends like Slayer and Kreator will always be originators no mater what.
As for Pummel what i have to say is to do not be so absolute. Let the man speak for himself, if he want. "Condemning the entire genres" ? :-) Come on man. And yes when it comes to lyrics iam with Pummel. I understand that "Satan and shock tactics (such as gore related lyrics) " are something like a tradition in metal and that many times fit nice into the music but that is not the reason that iam a metalhead. I do not care about the lyrics or the image. I only care about the music itself. If i liked them or take them seriously i would probably be a fucking moron.
Pummel |
posted on 5/2007 |
Bob, Dead2u, and just about everyone else.. your all WRONG. I wasn't condemning any genre. Actually The Crown is one of my favorite bands and all they scream about is satan. The point was when someone calls this music "gay gothenburg shit" I can only assume it's some pimply faced teen who thinks anything that is not as hard and heavy as their favorite Cannibal Corpse record has to be "gay".
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 5/2007 |
I didn't say gothenburg style or DT suck. I said saying they're the originators of a style has nothing to do with the quality of the originators or the style. I could be the originator of taking a shit. That sentence doesn't say anything positive or negative about me or shit taking. Pummel was trying to say that because DT are the originators, they are good.
Yes, the thrash greats did. Thus my point that 15 years down the road, its very likely for the band to be a different entity entirely. Possibly a worse entity. This was still criticism about the originators bit, but this time pointing out the passage of time will change a band. They may have been the originators, but they aren't anymore.
Pummel wasn't criticizing the lyrical content of death/black metal, he was condemning the entire genres. Considering Satan and shock tactics (such as gore related lyrics) are an integral part of metal, yet Pummel is calling himself a metalhead while condemning them, we can safely conclude that Pummel is a fucking moron.
Dead2u |
posted on 5/2007 |
@ Pummel, so because I'd rather watch grass grow than listen to yet another dull DT release, I'm not a true "metalhead". Fuck you kid. I've been listening to and playing metal longer than you've been alive (probably). I'll try anything twice but DT is BORING and yes, I do play "REALLY heavy, that has no melody" stuff, at least no melody than someone like you would ever find anyway.........idiot.
vag |
posted on 5/2007 |
@ The Great Cretaceous Bob
Could you please explain to me why the gothenburg style is not good or why dark tranquillity suck ? Do not confuse melodeath with metalcore or death metal with hardcore or hardcore with metalcore cause they are different types of music. Heavy/power metal has strong rock elements but it is not rock or hard rock, it is heavy/power metal. It is considered to be a different style.
" Thrash greats" suck cause they all abandoned their original sound or mixed it with modern trendy crap styles which is not progression. But there are some examples that defy the rule. Exodus is a good example or destruction. Except if those bands suck to your ears as DT does. Let me know.
As for Pummel i do not believe that had Mercyful Fate into his mind and was not reffering to them. Probably was reffering to bands like Deicide or underground bands with ten times more extreme lyrics about the devil than Mercyful Fate. I believe that what the man wanted to say is obvious and despite the fact that i like and listen to a lot of such bands, i can not deny the fact that the lyrics almost always suck.
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 5/2007 |
@ Pummel
Creating a genre doesn't necessarily make that genre good, or mean that the band, after a certain time, won't suck. Look at all the thrash greats.
And "sorry loser", but this is the wrong music genre to make fun of lyrics relating to Satan. I'd count Mercyful Fate as one of the originators of heavier melodic metal. Did you forget where the "death metal" part of melodic death metal came from? Mutilation and Satan play (and have played) a pivotal role in death metal. And since the originators did it, it must be good enough for you.
The fact that you're counting yourself among the "true metalheadz" while bashing everything that isn't gothenburg melodeath is fucking hilarious.
Melodeth |
posted on 5/2007 |
I'm sure when DG said he would be crystal clear and venemous he awasn't talking about what he would say regarding the band. He already made it known he thinks the band and album kicks ass. He meant he would respond to any debate about the album without using any lame school-boy name-calling, or by posting with someone else's name. I agree with DG, the album is excellent and the band continues to impress.
Pummel |
posted on 5/2007 |
@Torsh: Sorry loser, but DT created this so called "gay gothenburg shit". They are the originators. What do you listen too? Lemme guess... Something REALLY heavy, that has no melody at all, with lyrics about mutilation or maybe the devil. Go back to your life of Everquest and masterbation, so true metalheadz can appreciate this great band and great album.
mak28 |
posted on 5/2007 |
This their best since the Mind's I. Best in the modern age of DT. I'm actually stunned at how good it is and I didn't think they could surprise me.
On another note, I have no idea how this didn't get a 6 for production. This has by far the best production they've ever had and is one of the best sounding albums I've heard in quite some time!
killer duck |
posted on 4/2007 |
Honestly, I don't know why people keep on argueing about who is better, MPE or DT or In Flames. It doesn't fuckin matter. They're both of the same genre. Is their really that big of a difference?
And if you don't fuckin like Melo Death...Stay the fuck away from it!!!
Dark Tranquillity Fan-boy |
posted on 4/2007 |
Dark Glory said:
"MPE is very good, but for my money no one touches DT. This album is another homerun from a band that almost never misses. Call me a DT fan-boy."
- So that's supposed to be "crystal clear" and "venemous." Not only can you SPELL, I have to admit... you're an idiot. Fan-boy.
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
I guess I'm done here since little coward sissies want to keep posting uising my name. No, I didn't post that previous comment either, and I'm not sure what it is trying to say. If it was from me it would be crystal clear and venemous. To you who mimic me: You can play your adolescent games all you want but you cant change the fact that this band kicks ass and the new album kicks ass. You must not be a real metalhead because your hiding behind someone elses name. That makes you the worst possible thing in our world.... a POSER. This is my final post. Any other posts on this lashout board with the name Dark Glory belong to THE POSER.
Jeff |
posted on 4/2007 |
"one of the softest, overated bands in history. every album sounds the same as all the others - just flat out boring and not worth your time. check into some real metal, not this crapola."
Go listen to Projector, and then listen to The Gallery, then Character. They're very distinct from each other.
JB |
posted on 4/2007 |
I'm really digging the new album. To me, each song tends to stand out rather than bleed into each other like on Character (still kicks ass, though). Fiction seems to be catchier to me. By the way, I'm surprised no one's brought up the female vocals since you fuckers tend to bitch about stuff like that. "Oh, DT is selling out since they have female vocals! Duuuuhhh!"
vag |
posted on 4/2007 |
To those that are interested about the new DT album, my opinion is that it is a real grower and a great record. Comparisons with the minds i, the gallery or the previous record character (by the way Fiction is less catchy) do not stand, altough resemblances do exist. This is different, which is a good thing. I would not like DT release the same record again and again like so many other bands do after a sucessfull one. Great record !
nerfcrotchbat |
posted on 4/2007 |
just thought id say mors principium est fucked up with their new album and that no melo death band will ever top the gallery. thats not to say that there arent other bands playing this style that are worth your time. but DT are more consistant than almost every other band with only the exception of kalmah or maybe depending on how you classify them, dismember. In flames almost doesnt deserve to be used in the same sentence for what theyve been for the last 5 years.
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 4/2007 |
Heheh, my mocker is actually genuinely funny (and accurate!), as opposed to the bumbling attempts of Lee. Bravo, imposter man! Also, Crustacean Bob is hilarious.
Anyway, I think I'm done here. People quite clearly get the message that I think DT is overrated, and, while I personally don't understand a preference for Fiction over Hours that Remain, I can respect Dark Glory's opinion.
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
@DTfanclub:
That's called creative sarcasm dumbass. Calling everyone a HOMO is unimaginative and so 4th grade. Grow up. If you need some help forming sentences, framing a paragraph, or with expressing your opinion, you should just study the debate between Bob and I. Take some notes bitch.
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
Hmm.. I have a feeling that not all those posts from Bob are authentic. Anyway, Bob, Mercenary is a great example. You see, I LOVED Mercenary's previous album, 11 Dreams. And I admit that they pushed the genre with that album. But for me the new one, The Hours That Remain, lacks aggression and fails to kick my ass. (In other words I was kinda bored.) I still think they are a great band and I expect they will again release something in the future that will give me a metal hard-on, but for now, I would MUCH rather listen to Fiction.
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 4/2007 |
Don't you just love me? I'm a pompous asshole who thinks everyone else gives a fuck about what I have to say! Why I cannot simply keep my opinion to myself, instead of imposing it on others in a long-winded fashion, I have no idea! But I'll be damned if I let anyone else express their own opinion on here unchallenged!
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 4/2007 |
It was more a method of saying "I will refuse to give a band another chance if they put enough crap out" more than it was a statement that I won't specifically buy this album. My bad for the confusion.
Anyway, the melodeath point is a good one, but I've heard better melodeath bands, and I'm not even that fond of the genre. That doesn't really sit right with me.
On to what I promised, however: thanks to trusty Soulseek, I've now carefully listened to Fiction. ...And my thoughts remain mostly unchanged. First of all, I really don't like the vocalist or the production. The drums sound like crap, specifically the snare (the bass drum is alright), which doesn't help the fact that they're really repetitive. While the guitars were playing different songs, the drums were playing the same one over and over.
To me, Fiction is largely unchanged from Character. Parts of Fiction and Character are improved over their previous works, but other parts retain the same flaws that were present in Damage Done, which had a heftier sound. And then they just sort of play the same riff or two for four minutes, without ever really changing things up. The formula remains unchanged since their newer sound was established with Damage Done. Actually, scratch that, I think the more melodic guitars in Damage Done were a bit better. Still the same complaints, but just a bit better. Also, I think DT would do much better if they dropped the keyboards and atmospherics entirely and just concentrated on the guitars.
At no point do I say "this is crap", but at every point I say "...why am I not listening to something else?" I just can't hear any passion, any inspiration, any power. It, to me, just feels like going through the motions. And that makes me bored. Bands like Amorphis, Searing Meadow, and Mercenary have taken the melodic death metal sound and pushed it farther, innovating and recreating the feel of the genre. And really, that's why I'm here. The fact that Mercenary's quintessential "The Hours that Remain" got the same rating as this just blows my mind. Shit, I'd rather listen to "Redefine Me" or the title track to Hours 10 times than listen to Fiction. I don't think DT should be striding alongside the bands that are pushing the sound further than them.
Lee |
posted on 4/2007 |
Bob, I hate you more then cancer you dumb fuck, just shut up and never post here again. God kills kittens when ever you post you retard.
Your obviously the stupidest fucktard to ever post on the internet all though your supposedly serious retard post make me laugh like crazy.
Please leave, go listen to Billy Joel you fag and never post here again. Nobody likes you, everyone thinks your an idiot or they are they just accept you like your their retarded brother that drools in the corner.
And most of all Bob spelled backwards is boB nobody on the entiire fucking planet gives a flying fucking monkey shit if you listen DT or not. As Carnal Forge once said retard.........please die..........
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
Whoa there nelly! Heheh. I never said you should BUY it. I just said it ain't garbage, and I don't know how you could find it BORING if you gave it a few honest spins. Especially considering some of the other bands you said you liked. Personally I download everything first and that is why I rarely (if ever) buy something that I regret purchasing. I did buy Fiction on the day of it's release though, because I had already listened to it for over a month and enjoyed it immensly. The bottom line is, you said you never really liked melodeath and therefore I doubt you're much of an authority on what is good in the genre. I don't like nu-metal personally, but I don't waste my time flaming the Korn or Sevendust reviews.
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 4/2007 |
Yeah. Uh huh.
I haven't insulted anybody who didn't insult me first. Shit, I haven't really insulted at all, but you're plenty generous with it.
I have given DT more time. Constantly. Do you know how many good reviews I've read? And do you know how many times I've tried to listen to their albums again, simply because of the reviews? There's a certain point where I won't pay money for something, and that point is where they've fucked me over multiple times.
You talk about these seemingly holy fucking reviews as if there is a solidified fact as to what music is good and what music is bad. I say I don't enjoy Dark Tranquillity, and so I'm fucking ignorant and uneducated? That makes sense.
Anyway, you want me to give this album a chance? Fine. I'll listen to it again. Whole thing. Just let me get my file sharing program started...
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
Ohh Bob, I dismissed your opinion way back when you said you listen to Oingo Boingo and Billy Joel. I was just doing a good deed trying to educate you, and save you from your ignorance. You said yourself you only listened to a fourth of the new DT album. Good music occasionally needs a to be heard more than once for it to take hold. Since there are so many strong reviews of this album, maybe you should spend a little more time with it. Stop wasting time insulting me and the other DT fans here online, put down your bottle of lotion, and quit masternating to Billy Joel long enough to give this album a chance.
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 4/2007 |
Lee -
You're welcome to stop lashing at any time. And really, its not a debate if all you do is post one sentence attempts at condescension.
Glory -
There's a difference between listening to an album because of the reviews, and your opinion of an album you've already heard being swayed by reviews.
In this case, I did exactly as you describe, and still do. I mean, I've already stated that I checked out DT because of the reviews, so.... I guess that means I have an "open mind", according to you.
What I'm saying is that I did not enjoy any of the newer Dark Tranquillity, but you are saying I should simply because of the reviews. If you listen to an album, decide you don't like it, but read positive reviews and then decide you like the album, "I hate to break this to you", you're a fucking retard.
As to the bored bit, "I hate to break this to you", but I thoroughly enjoy the new Moonsorrow album (56 minutes, 2 tracks), as well as Nargaroth's Wenn Regen Liebt (which had the same 17 minute song twice on the album). I don't know what your impression of ADD is, but anyone with any kind of a short attention span would have said "fuck this boring shit" to those two albums. I guess you're going to have to come up with another method to dismiss my opinion.
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
@ Bob,
Yes, they do affect my opinion. I wrote off Machine Head years ago as they wandered through the valley of SUCK. I was convinced they would never do anything worth while again, and I never wanted to hear another Machine Head song as long as I lived. I was sure the new album was gonna be more of the same, but all the outstanding reviews of "The Blackening" got me thinking it must be worth checking out. ....It was. That is called "having an open mind". You should try it. If Fiction makes you "bored" dude, I hate to break this to you, but you have ADD.
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 4/2007 |
Great Deceiver -
I haven't listen to ALL of it. About a quarter. And then I got bored.
Dark Glory -
I didn't say they suck. Their albums range from good to shit, and recently its just been boring releases. My only major issue is that they're overrated, in my opinion.
And again, overwhelming reviews and opinions don't affect my opinion. They might affect yours, but not mine.
The Great Deceiver |
posted on 4/2007 |
Jesus it looks like a bunch of fucking high schoolers arguing about their football team being better than the other school's. Just fucking relax, its only music. Tons of people like DT, tons of people like this album in particular. Bob it doesn't even sound like you've heard it and yet there you were telling people to stay away. And the guys getting their online panties in a twist because he doesn't like DT, move away from the fucking keyboard and just listen to Fiction.
Fedor, shut the fuck up. We get it, you love Mors more than sex and the fact that you say shit like 'here comes hate mail' at the end usually just means that you're a troll. Not to say you don't genuinely don't like DT, but you vocalize it like a douche. The real Fedor would armbar you in a second for such internet shenanigans.
brandonmetal |
posted on 4/2007 |
so i downloaded [which i do to test-listen before spending money on something that could end up at the bottom of the cd pile for eternity] the new all that remains album.
my point is that this new DT has something in common with the new melodic metalcore album- more or less excellent loud and clear production, while it may not remain in my head like a true masterpiece, it's more or less fun to listen to during the time played [not that i'm admitting to being a metalcore fan- i hate the trend actually]. positives and negatives abound, obviously. this is not to say that there aren't any distinct tracks on Fiction, but something in originality is lacking. yes, they defined a genre, more than once, but they need to redefine themselves, i believe.
in the end, DT need to reinvent themselves again for their next album to remain true artists, and not just entertainers- like the metalcore bands are.
and to some: stop arguing about nonsense- why would you care if someone else doesn't like an album you do- you can listen to it while they don't- who gives a sh1t.
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
To "Sponge Bob:
I expect you to say that melodic death and DT are not your thing. Insisting that they SUCK, when the overwhelming majority of reviewers and metalheads like their music just makes you look like a twelve year old.
My apologies if you are in fact 12 years old. : )
DT |
posted on 4/2007 |
Fedor Emilionatorkenko, you must be an idiot calling Mors Principium Est more skilled than Dark Tranquillity. You shuould not talk about who is more skilled cause Dark Tranquillity are just way way way and i can say this a thousand times more skilled! Now go listen to jek off with your childish Mors Principium Est BITCH!
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
Satan, please deliver us from idiots like Fedor...
1. There wouldn't be an MPE without DT.
2. Pssst... here's a little secret for you. When EVERYONE is reviewing the album well, there is probably a reason. Unless you think you are smarter than EVERYONE else. DT's albums never get "mixed" reviews. Why do you think that is?
3. You took the time to read this site/webzine where (according to you) morons review albums. Hmmm...
4. Hating on DT the way you are but loving an imitator of DT like MPE tells me you probably don't know anything about music much less Metal.
Fedor Emilionatorkenko |
posted on 4/2007 |
Ratings are shit, especially when it's from webzines with morons that "review" albums the same day they get their freebies. Stop all this whining, DT for the longest time (Projector-onwards) was trying hard to fit in with their pretentious, uninspired (and yes, mainstream and weak) Gothen-crap. For the millionth time I am glad that there are younger, hungrier, and better-skilled bands like Mors Principium FUCKING Est that is bitch-slapping DT silly. Character sucked. It was a lame attempt at trying to be "fast" again. The Fredman production was tired. In Flames beat them with Daniel Bergstrand (who was a trendy producer a few years ago), and now with Tue Madsen being the latest hotshot producer that's the path they went. This time, they beat In Flames to the punch. DT are just confused as to what direction they would like to undertake. Who gives a rat's ass if they are supposedly "originators" - they have released one mediocre album after the other and I am just fed up with all this dreck they are coming up with.
Mors Principium Est, baybeh.
The future of melodic death metal or whatever label you losers would like to call it. 'Nuff said (here come the hate mail - hah).
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
To: Crustaceous Bob:
Let's see...
Metal Review.com 5/5/5 out of 6/6/6
Metal Reviews: 92 out of 100
Metal-Rules.com 4.5 out of 5
Metal Invader.com 5 out of 5 Skulls
SputnickMusic.com 4 out of 5
About.Heavymetal.com 4.5 out of 5
Blabbermouth 8.5 out of 10
Lords of Metal 89 out of 100
Chronicals of Chaos 8.5
Looks to me like a whole lotta people like this album. If you try to avoid melodeath than why listen to DT? I'm sorry you don't "get it" but this album kicks ass. So did Character, Damage Done, Haven AND Projector. So did the Minds I, Gallery, and Skydancer.
vag |
posted on 4/2007 |
Projector was not a sell-out. That title belongs to other bands and other records. Let me say it again: a DT attempt (resulting in faillure) to become more mainstream and gain more fans = more money. They did not alternate their sound so much in order for someone to say that they sold out, i did not say that. But it was an attempt to become more mainstream and maybe, i say maybe gain some extra money (Why do bands want to become mainstream ?) . The result was a mediocre record ( i personally like the music style displayed in projector, as a style but not projector itself). They lost their original sound in that record, the Gothenburg sound that they created for themselves (that is what interests me, not if they are true metallers, sold out or whatever cause i do not give a shit about that ).
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 4/2007 |
Carl: Projector is not good. I do not say this from an anti-sellout position. I bought fucking Stream of Passion dude, and I think that's great shit. I listen to Oingo Boingo and Billy Joel. I am not a hardass true metal asshole. Projector just blows. Motivations for making the album don't enter into it: what matters is how it sounds, and it sounds like crap. End of fucking story.
hateinflames: Wow. You're a moron.
Lee: Oh, my bad, see, I was talking about different shitty releases. When there's so many, you need to specify which ones you're talking about. Anyway, apparently I'm a "big fag" for expressing my opinion about a band. Oh wait, you're doing the same thing. I take it you enjoy buttfucking as much as you think I do. I think its pretty clear I don't listen to them. I mean, no fucking shit. What I'm doing is trying to get less people to listen to DT, because they're way too overrated. I have the crazy notion that I believe popularity should proportional to how good a band is. Call me crazy, but that's what I think.
Anyway, to be fair, DT has been improving. They went from bad, to shitty, to boring, to not-as-boring-as-the-last-release-but-still-boring, and then there's this release. In all seriousness, this record might be an alright listen, but this band has put out too much bad shit.
Carl |
posted on 4/2007 |
haha i think the discussion regarding projector is pathetic and feels quite worn-out. Its a killer album and i think its really tight that they dared to do something different , straight-up the ass on all retarded die-hard narrowminded metalheads that screams sell-out (yep, i mean YOU) as soon as any band dare to break new ground. If u read the interviews available on the net, it clearly states that the band was tired of making straigth-on metal and tired of being defined and labeled which i believe restrained them artistically. Nobody here can possibly claim to actually know the reason, only the members in DT do. i just feel that if they only wanted the money, they would play a different kind of music alltogheter. Btw, the cd didnt sell that good anyways and not even close to what character sold. They would have been such a boring fucking band if they had kept doing the same shit for 17 years, and there are hundreds of bands in the metal scene like that, so stop bitching and be grateful.
vag |
posted on 4/2007 |
About Projector The Great Cretaceous Bob you are correct. It was a DT attempt to become more mainstream and gain more fans = more money. Projector was nothing unique, cause the music displayed in that record has been done a lot of times before by a big number of other bands ( not exactly the same, identical music but very, very similar) and DT somehow lost their original sound in that record and became something like an old Paradise Lost (?) follower ( just look at the band's pictures in that record, especially Holmes, sorry Stanne is what i wanted to say). But for their other records, i strongly disagree with you. I consider them masterpiece and a must listen for any melodic death metal fan.
hateinflames |
posted on 4/2007 |
i cant describe how much i think DT sucks!!
it is like pure fagget music, like the bandmembers only listen to in flames and other shitty bands, they can dig up, just a bunch of guitarr wankery!!
and i still cant figure out why in flames took the metal ward in sweden,and not grand magus! and the singer in In Flames, that poser that just wanna look and scream like Korn, hahha if one guy on the whole earth doesnt fit in dreads, it must be that guy!! Lee, the creautous bob,dark gloery maggot, and the rest!
stop support this baaand!!! its a order!!!
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 4/2007 |
Dark Tranquility is part of the reason I avoid melodeath. I didn't not like it at the time. I didn't like it either; I was rather ambivalent to the whole Gothenburg scene up until that point. Now I avoid it.
Anyway, 7 and 5 years ago (don't try to fudge your numbers, 2007-2002=5, 2007-2000=7), yes, but I only mentioned those because I actually spent money on those. I've listened to a few things off Character (2 years ago) as well, and the only change was the incorporation of the newer elements of the melodeath trend, which is a trend they are no longer setting. It was largely the same thing as Damage Done, and again thoroughly uninspired songwriting.
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 4/2007 |
Really, we could just hand out great reviews for every album and then if someone complains say "if you don't like it don't listen to it." Oh wait a minute! That won't work! The purpose of this site is to help people arrive at albums that they would like to hear without sorting through stuff they don't want to hear, so, logically, reviews coupled with lash input come in handy when the reader in making a decision on whether or not to listen to an album. For example: you may decide you do not like my opinion, so if I don't like a band, you know to ignore my comment and listen to the band anyway. In fact, I'm almost doing you a favor.
The reason I'm bitching is I read all the good reviews. There were no bad ones. So I spent money on Damage Done and Projector. And that was a mistake. I just kinda wish someone had said, "Fuck those reviews, don't listen to this!" Which is kind of what I'm doing now.
The Great Cretaceous Bob |
posted on 4/2007 |
Dark Glory -
...exactly. Damage Done sounded like an uninspired attempt at the melodeath scene, and the fact that DT had an influential album like The Gallery makes that all the worse. Perhaps you didn't know, but its entirely possible for a band to stop being influential, and start making crap. See: Hypocrisy. Except the difference is, Hypocrisy made 6 great albums instead of 2, and their crap was better than Dark Tranquility's abysmal failures, like Projector. There was nothing noteworthy about Haven, Damage Done, or Projector, and after three crap releases I stop paying attention to a band.
I don't know, I never really bought into the whole melodic death metal thing anyway.
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
I saw these guys April 13th at the House of Blues in Anaheim on the Metal for the Masses tour. I had seen them twice before but this time the sound check was perfect and they kicked serious A$$. The Haunted and Into Eternity were also awsome. To m4ggot: Scar Symmetry was also on the tour and they sucked. To Great Cretacious Bob: You don't know you're' Metal, DT never regurgitated anything. They created this sound..
m4ggot |
posted on 4/2007 |
I simply loved CHARACTER for its agression, the venom spit by Stanne and the melody but this album kinda bores me to death after song number 4 + all the agression seems to be gone.. I'm disappointed. A good thing that MPE and Scar Symmetry still know how to make melodic death metal..
SAVA |
posted on 4/2007 |
I agree with you on everything, except I love those experiments on "Projector" and "Haven". You see, DT's music also evolved through the years, but they still do it from the heart (unlike today's In Flames or Soilwork releases)!
I hope that you will agree with me that in last couple of years melodic death metal became somehow "trendy" subgenre with almost 90% of bands that sucks!
And I'm greatfull that Mors Principium Est, Kalmah, Amon Amarth and Scar Symmetry will gonna take melodic death metal on the next level!
Friendly agreement,
S.
vag |
posted on 4/2007 |
There is a line between originators and bands that continue a sound. For example suffocation created a sound of their own (NY death metal) and a lot of other bands followed them. Nowdays we have a number of other bands playing equally good with them but you would never compare them with the followers.
Mors Principium Est kick ass as DT did, does and will do.
Sorry to interfer.
Emilinator |
posted on 4/2007 |
To SAVA:
Hehe I have to agree on certain points. Let me just put it this way: I highly regard "The Mind's I" (the fast part in 'Hedon' towards the end is brilliant!) as one of my personal favorites EVER, and after being disappointed with their several succeeding efforts I am simply glad that there are younger, hungrier bands out there like Mors Principium Est who are willing to experiment, and in the process make things exciting again in the melodic death metal field. The solos in MPE are simply mindblowing. MPE obviously has the drive and what it takes to take this subgenre to the next level. In fact, they already did.
Friendly argument,
E.
Emilinator |
posted on 4/2007 |
To SAVA:
Hehe I have to agree on certain points. Let me just put it this way: I highly regard "The Mind's I" (the fast part in 'Hedon' towards the end is brilliant!) as one of my personal favorites EVER, and after being disappointed with their several succeeding efforts I am simply glad that there are younger, hungrier bands out there like Mors Principium Est who are willing to experiment, and in the process make things exciting again in the melodic death metal field. The solos in MPE are simply mindblowing. MPE obviously has the drive and what it takes to take this subgenre to the next level. In fact, they already did.
Friendly argument,
E.
Emilinator |
posted on 4/2007 |
Dark Tranquillity's synths need more imagination. I'm amazed the Tue Madsen-mix did wonders to the new record. "Fiction," however, is tired. As it turned out, only "Focus Shift" retained the old energy the band once had. Nowadays it's INNOVATIVE bands like Mors Principium Est that is handing DT their ass (which is good). For the longest time man has DT become comfortable churning the same old mid-tempo quasi melodic death metal drivel. "Liberation = Termination" is what the subgenre needs - something fresh.
SAVA |
posted on 4/2007 |
To Emilinator:
Only 'Focus Shift'?
What about half of "Fiction" - 'Nothing To No One' (one of DT's most brutal EVER), 'Terminus', 'Blind At Heart' and 'Empty Me'?
Something From Character? Try 'The New Built' (brutal masterpiece), 'Through Smudged Lessens' and so on.
Check out reviews at legendary metal-archives.com - last two albums have better score than any previous DT release (I may agree or not but that's how things stands right now!)!
It's not all about energy or speed! I em also fan of beautiful melodies and DT don't disappointed me in that department never!
I agree with you that Mors Principium Est are great band (top 5 in my melodic death metal list) - they are fresh and full of new ideas, they have skill and now how to write catchy songs. "The Unborn" and "Liberation=Termination" are both fuckin' melodic death metal treasures!
I love every single album that DT released (except most of "Skydancer") - from melodic death metal classics "The Gallery" and "The Mind's I", through awesome experiments on "Projector" and "Haven", until today's mixure of old and new ("Damage Done", "Character" and "Fiction").
Listen them all - every one of them is different - and every one of them is pure greatness!
. |
posted on 4/2007 |
I'd agree that Gallery and the Mind's I are the two best in the DT catalog, but Skydancer's lyrical contribution far exceeded anything put out on those two albums. Every time I pop Skydancer in, I can't help but think that those tracks are some strange collaboration between a tipsy Keats and a severely depressed Shakespeare.
vag |
posted on 4/2007 |
Basically the minds i represents a thrashier, heavier, more dark sound of a melodic death. The Gallery is more progressive, technical and melodic ( needs repeated listens in order to be apreciated ( a grower), while the mind's i does not ). In my opinion the minds i can be reached by other talented bands. Gallery is more difficult and it would not be very original but that is my opinion. Both records are great and the best that Dark Tranquillity have releashed.
Hope that you do not mean and do not refer to me that iam taking a shit on In Flames Stalker cause i do not. I'm just saying that they are not as consistent as DT and did not have their duration in releashing excellent records. Something that you indirecly accept, since you speak about their equal value in a past tense.
Stalker |
posted on 4/2007 |
Skyfire is good. They, imo, are close to listening to pop music, as in they are the poppy melodeath little brother (or sister) of the group. But still good to run a mile to.
DT's best album is the minds i.
I am sick of everyone always taking a shit on In Flames when they can....you cant deny you didnt enjoy their albums until their commercial two. They were as innovative as DT and sounded nothing like At the Gates. Since IF had a few videos on HBB and the emocore kids might have heard of them, they have now become fair game to trash. Sad.
JB |
posted on 4/2007 |
I guess the reason I'm a little hesitant about the new album is the song Focus Shift. It's the only new song I've heard. While a cool song, I thought it sounded like everything else on Character. This worries me especially since the reviewer said it was this album's "true pièce de résistance". I'll probably still check it out though.
vag |
posted on 4/2007 |
Who ever likes metalcore should give a chance to dark tranquillity. A truly original band, who has releashed genre defining albums like the gallery, the minds i and never stops experiment in the correct direction without alternating their sound.
A lot of their riffs and melodies have been imitated or stolen by tons of metalcore bands. As for the comparisons, other bands can not stand. For example At the gates releashed an amazing album "slaughter of the soul"(=" the gallery") but their other albums are not as good as dark tranquillity's abums (i'm talking about ATG discography vs DT discography). In Flames releashed two amazing albums, the jester race (their minds i, heaviness comparison) and whoracle (their gallery, heaviness comparison). Their two next albums although good did not show any progression and were very similar to each other. "Reroute to be forgotten" and the better "soundtrack...." were not NWOSDM. The bottom line is that i can not find their character, damage done and haven. In Flames compared to dark tranquillity lack were at the gates lack. In consistency and duration ( same thing happens with another great band soilwork).
Sometimes i prefer to hear in flames instead of DT and some others at the gates or soilwork or even mors principium est but those bands can not beat DT as a presence through time.
Mandatory Dark tranquillity albums (with that order in my opinion)
1.The gallery
2.The Minds i
3.Character
4.Damage done
5.Haven
6.Maybe the new one (have not heard it yet, but i will as soon as possible)
SAVA |
posted on 4/2007 |
In Flames were NEVER better band than Dark Tranquillity! They were on the same level until In Flames released "Soundtrack To Your Escape" and became a trendy emo/core band. Dark Tranquillity NEVER follow trends, they albums are always different but at the same time they are musical/textual treasures!
For my ears "Character" was little better than "Fiction", but on the other hand "Fiction" will probably be the best melodic death metal album in 2007, so go figure out how good it is!
9/10
Dark Glory |
posted on 4/2007 |
Wow... I am really surprised at some of the opinions here. I thought this was a site for real metalheads. In Flames is better than DT? Uhh...no, In Flames has been trying to go main stream for a long time now. This band SLAYS In Flames period. DT isn't innovative? Every album has new a new element! What do you want them to do? Pull a Metallica and "evolve" there sound to the point where it sucks like everything else on the radio? ....And NO there is no metalcore riffing on this album. There is no such thing as a metalcore riff. Metalcore stole the swedish riffs that these guys, In Flames and At The Gates wrote over a decade ago. Calling swedish riffs metalcore riffs, probably means you've been listening to metal for 3 years or less. MPE is very good, but for my money no one touches DT. This album is another homerun from a band that almost never misses. Call me a DT fan-boy.
Stalker |
posted on 4/2007 |
I feel MPE and DT are both solid bands, and review is excellent.
However, I choose to wait until the release date, and then Purchase their material then download it and talk down of the material. Whether it is third rate metalcore or amazing tech death, by not supporting the band (thru purchase) you are not supporting the industry. That is the true shame.
I have yet to hear this or Lib = Termination (which I plan to purchase April 10th). However, all MPE albums, and all DT albums (except Projecter, save The Sun Fired Blanks) are excellent. Other solid melodeath is Skyfire, Norther (per new album), Kalmah, Nightrage, In Flames (yes, all are good in their own way. STYE was worst), Fragments of Unbecoming, Insomnium, ect. The genre is not dead.
lee |
posted on 4/2007 |
buy skydancer, Gallery, Projector and Haven, if u don't like them i'll give you 20 bucks.
What is this Mors shit? I guess I should hear them, send me a link but as far as I'm concerned outside of Dark Tranquility and some Eternal Tears of Sorrow albums and the first Nightrage, Shadow and VERY few others, melo-death has been dead a long time. In fact it so bad the chosen few think they copy the US (fake) Metalcore bands.
Dexter Morgan |
posted on 4/2007 |
This album is very good but not as good as the amazing Character. Still an excellent album and way better than mores principium ests latest shitpile. I Mean Inhumanity was great and I loved the unborn. But liberation termination is just boring boring boring crap... no wonder the guitarist left
Soze |
posted on 4/2007 |
JB - do yourself a favour and pick up this and earlier albums. They played around with their style quite a lot on Projector and Haven whilst The Gallery is an absolute melodeath classic.
I also thought Character was a bit *too* similar in style to DD and tired of it quicker than I normally do a DT album. Not that it wasn`t still great mind you. This new one has certainly held my interest more, they`re pushing the boundaries of melodeath a bit again.
Oh - and it wipes the floor with the new Mors Principium Est!
JB |
posted on 4/2007 |
The only albums of theirs I have (or heard) are the last 2 (Damage and Character). While I love their sound, Character just seemed to sound a little samey after a while. I mean it's all done well and all, but I'm just hesitant to pick up the new one. I'm just afraid I'll feel the same way about it. So, my question is, is it more of the same, or is there enough going on to set it apart from their last couple albums?
asheswillremain |
posted on 4/2007 |
None of their albums have hit me the same way that Damage Done did. Not that I want them to make the same album again, but that album just really seemed like the guys were at the top of their game. This one is great, but it almost seems like coasting to me. (oh yeah, and the reason I didn't like Come Clarity as much is because I thought they dumbed down their sound a bit on that one. Soundtrack is so vastly underappreciated it makes me sick. That album has some of the most interesting melodies I've ever heard, and great song structure. The riffs are just as good as they ever were. Come Clarity was the first album I didn't feel like they progressed much on, that's all. Enough about In Flames though, I've just always connected the two bands in my mind so the comparison was inevitable for me)
Steve P |
posted on 4/2007 |
I can't wait to get my hands on this cd. Sounds like another great cd from the most consistent melodic death metal band out there. I really don't understand how you can complain about Dark Tranquillity not being innovative and talk about how In Flames is. Changing your sound does not always make you innovative. In Flames basically just dumb downed their sound and Come Clarity is their best album in a while.
asheswillremain |
posted on 4/2007 |
I like this new one, but i just don't think these guys are very innovative anymore. I just don't think these guys have kept up with In Flames at all, those guys push themselves and the genre further with every release (although I thought Come Clarity was a slight letdown after Soundtrack)
. |
posted on 4/2007 |
I have a peculiar fondness for each DT release, and if this really is a blending of Gallery and Character, I'll be ecstatic when I get this. Especially if they've made something similar to 'Lethe.' I wish they would have done more in the form of the lengthy Skydancer tracks (Crimson Winds, Shadow Duet, Skywards, etc.), or even a throwback to Mind's I. Insanity's Crescendo is still my all-time fav.
brandonmetal |
posted on 4/2007 |
it's OK...i'll still buy it when it comes out. just more of the same, but that's not a bad thing. doesn't quite hit like character, and the mid section of the album 4-8 is a tad weak. blind at hearf starts with the Zodijackal Light riff for some reason. i don't think it's possible for a new DT album to sound like an old DT album, since current DT is based on top notch production, catchy power chords, and keys, while old DT is not.
6/4/5 for me.