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Dark Tranquillity

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Dark Tranquillity
Dark Tranquillity in 2023
Dark Tranquillity in 2023
Background information
Also known asSeptic Broiler (1989–1990)
OriginBilldal, Gothenburg, Sweden
Genres
Years active1989–present
Labels
  • Slaughter (1992–1993)
  • Carnage (1993–1994)
  • Spinefarm (1993–1994)
  • Osmose (1994–1998)
  • Metal Invader (1998)
  • Century (1998–present)
Members
Past members
Websitedarktranquillity.com

Dark Tranquillity is a Swedish melodic death metal[1] band from Gothenburg. They are considered one of the pioneering acts of the Gothenburg metal scene, which also includes bands such as In Flames and At the Gates - regarded as the Gothenburg fathers in the film entitled Out of Nothing: A DT Documentary released by Century Media, which was filmed in their home town in April 2009.[2] After a nearly three-decade long collaboration of four founding members frequent lineup changes between 2016 and 2021 have left only vocalist Mikael Stanne as an original member, together with long-time keyboardist Martin Brändström.

History

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Early years and Skydancer (1989–1993)

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Dark Tranquillity was formed in 1989 by current vocalist and then-guitarist Mikael Stanne, and guitarist Niklas Sundin, under the name Septic Broiler. Three additional members, Anders Fridén, Anders Jivarp and Martin Henriksson, later joined the line-up.

In 1990, the band recorded a demo entitled Enfeebled Earth, which featured a largely thrash metal-influenced style of death metal, comparable to early Death.[3] After releasing another demo entitled Rehearsal December 1990, the band changed its name to Dark Tranquillity, and released multiple demos, including Trail of Life Decayed in 1991 and A Moonclad Reflection in 1992, which both showed a progression into the more melodic nuances of death metal that the band would explore on their later studio releases.[4]

In August 1993, the band released their debut album Skydancer. Soon after, vocalist Anders Fridén left the band and joined fellow Gothenburg band, In Flames. Guitarist Mikael Stanne then assumed the position of lead vocalist, and Fredrik Johansson was recruited to take over second guitar duties.

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In 1994, Dark Tranquillity covered the song "My Friend of Misery" for the Metallica tribute album Metal Militia − A Tribute to Metallica.

In 1995, the band released an EP, Of Chaos and Eternal Night, which was later followed by the release of their second studio album, The Gallery. The Gallery has been referred to as a masterpiece from the era.[5][6][7]

Dark Tranquillity released their second EP, Enter Suicidal Angels, in November 1996. Their third album, The Mind's I, was released in April 1997, with the band continuing further with the sound conveyed on The Gallery.

Projector and Haven (1999–2000)

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In January 1999, Fredrik Johansson and the band parted ways, citing a desire to focus on his family and a more stable job.[8] With that position now vacant, bassist Martin Henriksson took over duties as second guitarist,[9] and the band brought in Michael Niklasson on bass.[8] Projector saw the introduction of a lot of piano, keyboard, and electronic parts into Dark Tranquillity's sound, so the band also added another member, Martin Brändström, on keyboards. [8]

Projector was released in June 1999, and was later nominated for a Swedish Grammy Award. The album saw a major change in songwriting: while retaining growled vocals and their signature death metal sound, the band added pianos, baritone soft vocals, and verse-chorus fashion to their sound, reflecting the band's goal to strive for different musical expressions.[citation needed] Around the same time, Skydancer and Of Chaos and Eternal Night were reissued together as Skydancer/Of Chaos and Eternal Night.[citation needed]

A year later saw the release of Haven, which featured prominent electronics in comparison to previous releases. Like its predecessor, Haven was also received in a generally mixed manner by fans and critics alike. As the band toured in 2001, the band hired Robin Engström to play live, due to Jivarp's commitments as a new father.

Damage Done and Character (2001–2005)

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Dark Tranquillity released Damage Done in 2002, was a return to a much heavier direction, adding thicker guitar distortion, deep atmospheric keyboards, and abandoning soft vocals altogether. [citation needed] They released the music video for the single "Monochromatic Stains", followed by their release of Live Damage, their first live DVD.[citation needed] In 2004, their compilation album Exposures – In Retrospect and Denial, featuring one disc with rare and unreleased tracks and another with live tracks, was released.[10]

Character was the seventh release from Dark Tranquillity, released in 2005, and was held in much critical praise. It featured the fourth music video released by Dark Tranquillity, with the successful single "Lost to Apathy". After releasing the album, the band played live in Canada for the first time.

Fiction (2006–2009)

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Dark Tranquillity headlining the Agglutination Metal Festival, 2008

In 2007, Fiction was released, which in turn, saw a return of Stanne's clean vocals, and the first female guest vocalist since Projector. The album also saw writing style that combined the stylings of Projector and Haven, with the more aggressive traits of Character and Damage Done. At this time, Dark Tranquillity toured with The Haunted, Into Eternity, and Scar Symmetry for the North America Metal for the Masses Tour.[11] They also toured the UK in early 2008 along with Omnium Gatherum. They returned to the US during spring 2008 with Arch Enemy. On the band's official website they announced that bass guitarist Niklasson left the band in August 2008 for personal reasons with no hard feelings between him and the band. On 19 September 2008, the band found a new bassist in Dimension Zero guitarist Daniel Antonsson, who also was a guitarist for Soilwork. On 25 May 2009, reissues of Projector, Haven, and Damage Done were released.

We Are the Void (2010–2011)

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On 14 October 2009, Dark Tranquillity finished work on their ninth studio album. On 26 October 2009, they released a DVD titled Where Death Is Most Alive. On 30 October 2009, at the release party of the DVD, 333 copies were given away for free of the rare live album The Dying Fragments.[12][13] On 21 December 2009, Dark Tranquillity released the song "Dream Oblivion",[citation needed] and on 14 January 2010, they released the song "At the Point of Ignition",[citation needed] from their ninth album, exclusively on their MySpace page. Their ninth album, titled We Are the Void, was released on 1 March 2010 in Europe and 2 March in the US.[14] They were also the opening act for a US winter tour that was headlined by Killswitch Engage and joined by The Devil Wears Prada.

Dark Tranquillity headlined a North American tour in May–June 2010 with Threat Signal, Mutiny Within and The Absence.[15] In February 2011, the band performed live at BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus in Hyderabad, India.[16]

Construct (2012–2013)

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On 27 April 2012, Dark Tranquillity renewed their contract with Century Media.[17] On 18 October 2012, the band began writing for the album.[18] On 10 January 2013, the band announced the title of their tenth album would be Construct, and it was released in Europe on 27 May 2013 and in North America on 28 May 2013. The album was mixed by Jens Bogren at his Fascination Street studios in Örebro, Sweden.[19]

On 18 February 2013, Antonsson amicably left Dark Tranquillity, citing a desire to focus on playing guitar and being a recording engineer and producer.[20] On 27 February 2013, the band announced that they completed recording the album.[21] Although Antonsson remained during the recording of "Construct", he did not perform the bass.[22] According to Niklas Sundin's Twitter, he hasn't been excited for a Dark Tranquillity release since Skydancer, due to the fact that the recording sessions for all their other releases were "way too long" compared to Construct.[23]

On 27 March 2013, a teaser campaign and track list for Construct were revealed. The band also commented on the style of the album, saying, "While still bearing the unmistakable mark of the Dark Tranquillity, the record is probably our most different and diverse offering since 1999's Projector".[24]

To promote the album, the band toured the world with dates in Finland and North America alongside Omnium Gatherum, Europe with Tristania, and Sweden with Darkane.[25]

On 10 July 2013, a B-side from Construct, titled "Sorrow's Architect", was released on a limited flexi 7" released with an issue of Decibel. On 14 January 2014, the band announced that the song would be released with another B-side, titled "A Memory Construct", on a limited tour 7" and digitally which also includes the "Sorrow's Architect". The 7" became available on 1 February 2014, and digitally in March 2014.[26]

Atoma (2014–2018)

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Dark Tranquillity at Hamburg Metal Dayz in 2014

In March 2016, guitarist Martin Henriksson announced his departure from the band, admitting he had "lost the passion for playing music" after playing in the band for 26 years. The band had no hard feelings for him and wished him the best in whatever he decided to pursue. [27]

On 22 May 2016, Dark Tranquillity began recording their eleventh full-length album Atoma,[28] but did not officially announce it until 6 July.[29] The album was finally released on 4 November 2016, via Century Media. In March 2017, the band released the song "The Absolute", which was recorded during the Atoma sessions, as a digital single. On 28 January 2018, Dark Tranquillity embarked on a European tour with main support band Equilibrium.[30]

Moment and Endtime Signals (2019–present)

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On 22 March 2020, Niklas Sundin released a statement on Dark Tranquillity's social media, announcing his departure from the band.[31]

A week later, the band announced that the recording of their new album had started, and that the two guitarists who had been touring with the band, since 2017, Christopher Amott and Johan Reinholdz were named full-time members of the band.[32] The album, Moment, was released on 20 November 2020. As a preview, they released the singles "Phantom Days", "Identical to None", "The Dark Unbroken" and "Eyes Of The World" on 11 September, 16 October, 30 October and on 20 November 2020, respectively. Moment was awarded the 2021 Grammi for Hard Rock/Metal Album of the Year.[33]

On 13 August 2021, Mikael Stanne announced the departure of original drummer Anders Jivarp and bassist Anders Iwers, leaving him as only founding member of the band. For their upcoming tour bassist Christian Jansson and In Mourning drummer Joakim Strandberg Nilsson were asked to play as session musicians.[34] Both Jansson and Strandberg Nilsson were announced as full-time band members in June 2023.[35]

On 25 January 2022, former guitarist Fredrik Johansson died of cancer.[36] On 23 July 2023, Christopher Amott announced his departure from the band.[37] On 7 March 2024, the band released new song titled "The Last Imagination" and announced their thirteenth album titled Endtime Signals, which was released on 16 August 2024.[38]

Band members

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Current members

  • Mikael Stanne – lead vocals (1994–present), guitars, backing vocals (1989–1994)
  • Martin Brändström – keyboards, programming (1999–present)
  • Johan Reinholdz – guitars (2020–present; live 2017–2020)
  • Christian Jansson – bass (2023–present; live 2021–2023)
  • Joakim Strandberg Nilsson – drums (2023–present; live 2021–2023)

Live member

  • Peter Lyse Karmark – guitars (2024)

Former members

Former live members

  • Robin Engström – drums (2001)
  • Erik Jacobsson – guitars (2015–2016)
  • Jens Florén – guitars (2016)
  • Sebastian Myrèn – guitars (2016–2017)
  • Mike Bear – bass (2022)
  • Joey Concepcion – guitars (2022, 2023)
  • Jonathan Thorpenberg – guitars (2024)

Timeline

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Discography

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Main article: Dark Tranquillity discography

References

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  1. ^ Serba, John. "The Gallery – Dark Tranquillity". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
  2. ^ Century Media Records (21 November 2016), DARK TRANQUILLITY – Out Of Nothing – The DT Documentary, retrieved 30 January 2018
  3. ^ "Septic Broiler – Enfeebled Earth – Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives". Metal-archives.com.
  4. ^ "A Moonclad Reflection – Review by hells_unicorn – Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives". Metal-archives.com.
  5. ^ Serba, John. "The Gallery – Dark Tranquillity | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic.
  6. ^ "Dark Tranquillity – The Mind's I review – Metal Storm". metalstorm.net. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  7. ^ "Dark Tranquillity – The Gallery – Metal-Rules.com". metal-rules.com. March 2002. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  8. ^ a b c Azevedo, Pedro. "CoC : Dark Tranquillity : Interview : 5/25/2000". chroniclesofchaos.com. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  9. ^ Hartmann, Graham (1 April 2016). "Dark Tranquillity Guitarist Martin Henriksson Exits Band". Loudwire. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  10. ^ "Dark Tranquillity - Exposures - in Retrospect and Denial review - Metal Storm".
  11. ^ "Century Media Records". Archived from the original on 10 October 2007.
  12. ^ "Dark Tranquillity: post new live video & announce details for 20 years party!". centurymedia.com. Archived from the original on 20 November 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  13. ^ "Dark Tranquillity – The Dying Fragments – Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives". metal-archives.com. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  14. ^ "Dark Tranquillity: new album title revealed". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
  15. ^ "Dark Tranquillity Announce Headlining Dates". ListenOut. Archived from the original on 3 March 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  16. ^ "Dark Tranquillity @ BITS Pilani-Hyderabad". Unseenunderground.com. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  17. ^ "Century Media Official Site". Century Media. Archived from the original on 8 November 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  18. ^ "Blabbermouth.net". Blabbermouth.net.[permanent dead link‍]
  19. ^ "DARK TRANQUILLITY: New Album Title, Release Date Announced". Blabbermouth.Net. 10 January 2013. Archived from the original on 31 May 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  20. ^ "DARK TRANQUILLITY Parts Ways With Bassist DANIEL ANTONSSON". Blabbermouth.Net. 18 February 2013. Archived from the original on 30 May 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  21. ^ "DARK TRANQUILLITY Completes Recording New Album". Blabbermouth.Net. 27 February 2013. Archived from the original on 30 May 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  22. ^ "DARK TRANQUILLITY Frontman Talks New Album, Bassist Split". Blabbermouth.Net. 17 April 2013. Archived from the original on 28 May 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  23. ^ "niklas sundin (cabinfevermedia) on Twitter". Twitter.com. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  24. ^ "DARK TRANQUILLITY: 'Construct' Album Details Revealed". Blabbermouth.Net. 27 March 2013. Archived from the original on 1 June 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  25. ^ dtofficial (23 September 2013). "DARK TRANQUILLITY tour trailer 2013" – via YouTube.
  26. ^ "DARK TRANQUILLITY To Release 'A Memory Construct' Single". Blabbermouth.net. 15 January 2014.
  27. ^ "DARK TRANQUILLITY Guitarist MARTIN HENRIKSSON Quits: 'I Have Lost The Passion For Playing Music'". Blabbermouth.net. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
  28. ^ "Dark Tranquillity". Facebook.com.
  29. ^ "New DARK TRANQUILLITY Album Is 'Shaping Up To Be Fantastic,' Says MIKAEL STANNE". Blabbermouth.net. 5 July 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  30. ^ "Dark Tranquillity". Facebook.com. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  31. ^ "Guitarist NIKLAS SUNDIN Quits DARK TRANQUILLITY: 'The Time Is Right'". Blabbermouth.net. 22 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  32. ^ "DARK TRANQUILLITY Officially Welcomes Guitarists CHRIS AMOTT And JOHAN REINHOLDZ". Blabbermouth.net. 30 March 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  33. ^ TV4 (3 June 2021). "Här vinner Dark Tranquillity priset för Årets Hårdrock/Metal på Grammisgalan 2021" (in Swedish). MSN. Retrieved 3 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ Blabbermouth (13 August 2021). "DARK TRANQUILLITY Parts Ways With Drummer And Bassist". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  35. ^ Dark Tranquillity [@darktranquillityofficial] (29 June 2023). "We are updating our low end and dynamics section. If you have seen any of our shows since the pandemic then Christian Jansson (bass) and Joakim Strandberg Nilsson (drums) are already familiar to you. We are excited to invite this hard hitting rumbling force to Dark Tranquillity as permanent members" – via Instagram.
  36. ^ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dtofficial/posts/pfbid05HMNTP1ibbQyyzU1ZbgjqRNNgTCR2gQG9DKM6GpzFD58w6hpgGd6Q36kK6aJqXDVl. Retrieved 15 March 2023. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  37. ^ Christopher Amott [@christopher.amott] (23 July 2023). "Hi everyone. I've made the decision to leave Dark Tranquillity. There's no bad blood at all, but it's time for me to concentrate on some new music that I'm very proud of! I'd like to thank the guys (and the fans!) for all the years of great gigs, and I wish them the absolute best. I'll see you all sometime soon! Chris" – via Instagram.
  38. ^ "DARK TRANQUILLITY Announces New Album 'Endtime Signals'". Blabbermouth.net. 7 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
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