Artist:  Dark Tranquillity
Album:  We Are The Void
Genre:  Melodic Death Metal
Label:  Century Media

Dark Tranquillity played a significant role in sculpting the melodic death metal sound in Gothemburg, Sweden. A part of the original scene, their innovated blend of music has spawned an entire genre and a slew of bands that draw heavily from their influence. Over their extensive 20 year span they have consistently produced noteworthy material but have only slightly modified their sound. They culminated to the height of their career with their unequivocal sophomore album. The Gallery, remains a classic amongst the metal scene and has become a representative prototype to the melodic death metal sound. Continuing to shape their career, they achieved another monumental success with 2002’s release, Damage Done, however, since they have been on a sunken plateau. After three years of silence, Dark Tranquillity are back with their ninth studio album, We Are The Void, on Century Media.

Over their extensive career, Dark Tranquillity have relatively followed the same blueprint assault of intricate riffs, melodic grooves, dominating harsh vocals, and flourishing keyboard arrangements and their newest work is no exception. Although the production and the employment of their defined template are up to the usual Dark Tranquillity standards, they are unable to save themselves from repetition. We Are The Void, is purely a continuation to its predecessors but ultimately lacks the lasting effect their previous material acquired.

Opener, “Shadow In Our Blood,” gave the impression of a newly renovated sound but after the melodic opening bars they step back to a familiar approach. “Dream Oblivion,” and “The Fatalist,” follow by utilizing their revived fascination with sweeping keyboard lines. Both tracks are indisputably catchy but hit formidable levels of duplication of their older work.  The guitar work on this album is highly melodic, especially during the many instrumental breaks but also journeys to modern day riffs in, “The Grandest Accusation,” and amped up intricate, thrashy riffs on, “I Am The Void.” Mikael Stanne’s vocals continue to be a dominating feature. His harsh growls relatively stay on the same plane with exception of his ominously baritone, clean vocal delivery in “The Grandest Accusation,” and “Her Silent Language.” which enhances the gothic aura.

The final half of We Are The Void keeps the record from ultimately falling victim into redundancy.  “Arkhangelsk,” and “I Am The Void,” exhibits commendable soloing and showcases their refined musicianship.  Closing the album on a hauntingly beautiful yet somber tone, “Iridum,” incorporates tremolo melodies with a prominent keyboard accompaniment that creates an eerie atmosphere. The last few tracks are where the originality comes back into play and demonstrates their ability to continue to produce well-composed material.

Overall, Dark Tranquillity releases, yet again, another satisfactory album that justifies their continued importance to the scene. We Are The Void may contain repetitious material but the melodic and gothic embellished instrumentals matched with a comprehensively dark persona is well executed.

Score: 7.5/10
Review written by: Nerissa Judd

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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