Dark Tranquillity – Moment
Release Date: 20th November 2020
Label: Century Media Records
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Genre: Melodic Death Metal
FFO: In Flames, Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth, Omnium Gatherum.
Review By: Paul Cairney
Dark Tranquillity have been about for a long time. Formed in 1889…..sorry, 1989, it is almost criminal that Moment is only their 12th full length album. Showing a remarkable consistency over the years, the band have mastered the art of delivering melodic death metal albums that are easy on the ear but have never quite propelled them into the Major Leagues. It is utterly wrong and unfair that these guys remain relatively unknown to those who are not Metalheads!
Moment sees Dark Tranquillity boast a few line-up changes that include, most notably, former Arch Enemy guitarist Christopher Amott, who is ably joined by a second axeman, Johan Reinholz. Both guitarists replace founding member Niklas Sundin. Ultimately, the changes do not affect the overall Dark Tranquillity trademark sound, although the changes seem to lack the spark of inspiration that new members can often bring.
Whilst being a relatively enjoyable listen, Moment lacks any, well, moments! Although it is a very consistent, excellently produced, album, it has absolutely no stand-out tracks. That said, there is nothing on the album that is horrible.
I have listened to this album on far more occasions that I would normally when reviewing an album. Each time I have genuinely enjoyed the experience. Each time I have failed to find any song particularly memorable!
In a world where, lets refer to them as ‘veteran’, bands, such as Napalm Death, Enslaved and Carcass, have released new material that has been universally praised, Dark Tranquillity have, unfortunately for them, managed to tread water with a distinctly ‘business as usual’ release. Admittedly, an average Dark Tranquillity album is better than most, but given a choice between listening to Moment and some of their similar aged contemporaries, this album will remain, firmly, on the shelf.
(3 / 5)
