Dark Tranquillity – Endtime Signals
Release Date: 16th August 2024
Label: Century Media
Bandcamp
Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Death Metal, Progressive Death Metal.
FFO: In Flames, At The Gates, Insomnium, The Halo Effect.
Review By: Mike Leighton
Gothenburg melodeath titans, Dark Tranquillity, have been a non-stop train of energy, rage, and pure metal for almost 35 years with no signs of slowing down, and their upcoming 13th album, Endtime Signals, highlights that fact. As a longtime fan since the outfit’s 2002 LP, Damage Done, I was beyond excited to dive into the newest creation from Dark Tranquillity. Originating from Gothenburg, Sweden, the band formed in 1989, underwent some member movements, and having been going strong ever since. Originally formed with now In Flames frontman, the band released their first LP, Skydancer, in 1993 and following that Mikael Stanne, then guitarist, stepped into the role of frontman and the rest is history.
Endtime Signals blends stellar production, larger than life musical presentation, phenomenal vocal delivery and lyrical composition. Dark Tranquillity have arguably created one of their most ambitious and grandiose albums to date, while staying strong to their roots. The album opens with a subtle, melancholy guitar riff before opening into a soundscape that is sure to make longtime fans very happy. Stanne then opens with one of his signature grunts before diving head into the meat of the song. A perfect opening to the album, and perfect first taste of new members, bassist Christian Jansson and drummer Joakim Strandberg Nilsson.
Not Nothing, one of the singles dropped prior to album release, gives strong Atoma vibes mixed with Mind Matters from the 2005 album Character. A slower, almost lethargic track, while still presenting that atmosphere and grit that Dark Tranquillity is known for. Stanne presents some stellar vocals in this track, shifting between clean vocals and his growls seamlessly. Next, we get into Drowned Out Voices, easily one of my favorite tracks on the album. This track blends lyrical prowess with music technicality to fully form a track that transcends the listener. The subtle, uplifting notes by guitarist Johan Reinholdz are presented amidst a sea of chaos and heaviness, almost shining out. The musical composition almost reflects the lyrics of drowned out voices reaching out through the dark.
One Of Us Is Gone is next, starts off with orchestral arrangements before leading into a haunting vocal delivery from Stanne. The beautiful harmony throughout has a similar feel to the track Time Out Of Place from Atoma (Limited Edition). Stanne really highlights his ever-growing versatility as a vocalist after 35 years on this track. Later, the rest of the band enters, and their musical elements act to raise the song to a new level. Grand, beautifully haunting, and definitely a track that will bring listeners back to hear all the different elements.
Enforced Perspective starts off quick with pelting drums and rolling guitar riffs. This track is prime Dark Tranquillity, fast-paced and in-your-face, while positively oozing melody. The subtle electronic elements throughout really help to elevate the song and give it multiple layers for the listener to digest. The guitar solo on this track is a concise and phenomenal show of skill before diving back into the meat of the track. Another great track, Wayward Eyes starts off with a cool offbeat guitar on top of a slow, chunky rhythm guitar section. This track, to me, has every element that makes Dark Tranquillity so unique. A great mixture of heavy rhythm guitars, electronic elements, sung vocals and harsh vocals, pelting drums, and the reprieve in the middle of the track help to make the track so well-rounded. It has everything you could want in a metal track.
Endtime Signals is everything Dark Tranquillity has been, and everything they deserve to be. They continue to prove why they’ve been around for 35 years, and why they aren’t going anywhere, while also showing that they can be both consistent and expand upon their sound. This album is for fans both old and new, with elements to please hardcore death metal fans while being accessible to new listeners!
(5 / 5)
