DARK TRANQUILLITY – Endtime Signals (Album Review)

The apocalypse turns melancholy.

Though which pioneering act of the Gothenburg melodic death metal movement of the 90s is an open question, few will argue that Dark Tranquillity was anything other than the most stylistically and qualitatively consistent adherent of the original Big 3.

In fact, the most enduring criticism of their output has been that they’ve stuck so close to their roots that they’ve all but become the melo-death equivalent of AC/DC, at least insofar as their output since 2007’s “Fiction” is concerned. The reality naturally proves this sentiment to be hyperbolic, as each album since the mid-2000s has come with a number of lineup changes and controlled fits of evolution that have resulted in a unique final product, albeit one that rests comfortably within the hard-hitting, yet melancholy blend of atmospheric, old school heavy metal and occasional post-rock influences. This quintet’s latest offering “Endtime Signals” proves no exception in this regard, and provides an expansive view into the cold and grey world of Dark Tranquillity’s signature sound.

Continual shifts in this outfit’s membership play a fairly sizable role in how this excursion into the fatalistic differs from its immediate predecessor, namely 2020’s “Moment.” The switching out of the previous rhythm section in favor of Grand Cadaver bassist Christian Jansson and ex-In Mourning drummer Joakim Strandberg-Nilsson is particularly noteworthy as the general dimension of the arrangement has become fairly heavier and darker despite the same production crew being in place.

Likewise, the exodus of former Arch Enemy guitarist Christopher Amott has left Johan Reinholdz, originally billed as the rhythm guitarist when originally entering the lineup with Amott in 2020, to handle all guitar duties. This proves to be of little consequence in terms of the amount of solo content as Reinholdz has long been a competent lead player via his prior and ongoing work with Andromeda and Skyfire, but his stylistic approach does feel a tad more linear and idiomatic than Amott’s.

But barring an upgrade in the impact department and a few variations in how the peripheral ornamentation of each song emerges, the core sound that has dominated Dark Tranquillity’s work for the better part of two decades remains essentially the same. One can’t help but hear a near-instant commonality with the dreamy character of “Moment” when the fuzz-steeped guitar intro of the opening entry “Shivers And Voids” gives way to a mid-paced roar with a dense, melancholic atmosphere.

Some of the more expansive tracks on the album, like “Our Disconnect,” and the moderately paced yet ethereal pieces such as “One Of Us Is Gone” and “False Reflection,” where Mikael Stanne swaps his iconic growl for a deep, Gothic baritone, share a similar mood. In truth, Stanne emerges as one of the most compelling aspects of an otherwise introspective and melancholic experience. His gravelly roars not only signal the direction of each song but also enhance the rich, layered atmosphere crafted by longtime keyboardist Martin Brandström‘s haunting orchestrations.

Though generally a consistent restatement of a familiar sound, this is an album that ratchets the aggression factor up considerably to a level that hasn’t been heard since 2007’s “Fiction.” Mad thrashing cruisers like “Unforgivable” and “Enforced Perspective” slam the pavement with the same degree of intensity that one would have expected from the seminal days of At The Gates and The Crown, recalling the style’s old-school death metal roots between frenzied drum work and neck-ruining riff work, with Reinholdz’s lead work shredding up the fret-board something fierce.

“Drowned Out Voices” and “A Bleaker Sun” lay down the guitar-driven carnage in no less aggressive a fashion, though taking more breaks in the mid-paced territory to allow the keyboards and guitar melodies to sing sorrowfully. But where this album truly shines and breaks away from the last few to come out of the Dark Tranquillity arsenal are “Neuronial Fire” and “Wayward Eyes”, which brilliantly merge this album’s swifter tendencies with a solid array of infectious hooks, reaching further back into this veteran act’s past to the days of “Haven” and “Damage Done,” albeit draped in slightly more keyboard-driven ambience.

Those fortunate enough to get their hands on the special edition release of this album will be treated to two additional banger entries in “Zero Sum” and “In Failure” that further bolster this album’s contingent of moderately up-tempo and well-rounded anthems cloaked in dense keyboards and featuring occasional technical gymnastics between the drums and Reinholdz’s six-string work.

Apocalyptic undertones aside, “Endtime Signals” is the sort of album that provides a brighter and more animated shade of grey to go with any mournful metalhead’s listening diet, covering all the obligatory bases that the melo-death rank and file have come to expect. The title might be focused on the end of all things, but hopefully, this won’t be the final word of this longstanding Gothenburg’s metal institution.

Released By: Century Media Records
Release Date: August 16th, 2024
Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Musicians:

• Mikael Stanne / Vocals
• Johan ReinholDz / Guitar
• Martin Brändström / Keyboards
• Christian Jansson / Bass
• Joakim Strandberg Nilsson / Drums

“Endtime Signals” Track List:

1. Shivers And Voids
2. Unforgivable
3. Neuronal Fire
4. Not Nothing
5. Drowned Out Voices
6. One Of Us Is Gone
7. The Last Imagination
8. Enforced Perspective
9. Our Disconnect
10. Wayward Eyes
11. A Bleaker Sun
12. False Reflection
13. Zero Sum
14. In Failure

Order “Endtime Signals” HERE