### Dark Tranquillity: Damage done

#### 03/06/03 || Lord K Philipson

Back in the early 90’s when Dark Tranquillity was known as Septic Broiler (how’s that for a “fuck you” name?), I corresponded with guitarist Niklas Sundin. Actually, I corresponded with basically the whole scene at the time so that really doesn’t say much. They were kinda interesting back in the day but for some reason I never fully got into them. I have pretty much missed all of their albums, as the ones I heard I didn’t enjoy too much. I know “Projector” had its moments but something about that album put me off. Then I pick the new album up and I must say I am kinda blown away… melodic (death? heavy?) metal or something is a weakness of mine, and god knows I have only but a few. The whole album is full of nice hooks, awesome musicianship and good SONGS. The vocalist looks like an uglier version of Nick Holmes of Paradise Lost and that equals bonus-points in my book. I wouldn’t be able to tell you any titles or anything and I know you don’t care, or maybe you do, I don’t.

Dark Tranquillity has always been standing in the shadows of Gothenburg-fellas In Flames and sure, the comparisons between the bands aren’t exactly off the wall. Same kinda sound, though Dark Tranquillity brings more keyboards into the music (and you know I’m a sucker for keyboards).

Sometimes the music gets too happy for the Lord, as I am very brutal and all you know, but Dark Tranquillity pulls it off without having to suck the coyote for too long. Gothenburg always ruled the melodic death-scene and this album isn’t exactly going to change that, more like keep it that way. In Flames might have to watch their backs though, ‘coz Dark Tranquillity could easily give them a run for their mummy.

It feels like I haven’t said “fucken” once. Fucken. There you go, now piss off.

7,5/10.

- Information
- Released: 2002
- Label: Century Media
- Website: www.darktranquillity.com
- Band
- Martin Brändström: electronics
- Michael Nicklasson: bass
- Mikael Stanne: vocals
- Martin Henriksson: guitars
- Anders Jivarp: drums
- Niklas Sundin: guitars

- Tracklist
- 01. Final resistance
- 02. Hours passed in exile
- 03. Monochromatic stains
- 04. Single part of two
- 05. The treason wall
- 06. Format C: for cortex
- 07. Damage done
- 08. Cathode ray sunshine
- 09. The enemy
- 10. White noise/black silence
- 11. Ex nihilo