Artist: Dark Tranquillity
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 1/25/05
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Title: Character Artist: Dark Tranquillity Label: Century Media Records Release Date: 1/25/05 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
Dark Tranquility are probably the only well known band adhering to the original "Gothenburg" sound, and I have been quite forthcoming in my opinion that they are the best band in the scene. Character only further solidifies my thoughts, as the band has come out with their best album since The Gallery. And while this album will still get the prerequisite backlash from those in the metal community who are tired of the melodic death scene, the simple fact is that DT fans across the world will be peeing their pants with glee.
"One word review: Brilliant!" While Damage Done was considered a return to form, the new album is even more so, recapturing the primal attitude of the early bands in the genre, making for a grittier, angrier animal. This is actually a much more complete album than Damage Done, but has less in the way of standout tracks. While their last effort was a solid album with a handful of breakout 'hits,' Character is just a kick-ass record from start to finish, with only a few peaks and no real valleys.
This album sees the band regressing a bit with regard to 'progression' and production. The guitars slice a little deeper, and while the album is well produced, I wouldn't consider it polished in the same way their last few albums have been. There still seems to be something evil stirring underneath the surface. But that's not to say their trademarked melody is anything but in full force. The Maiden-esque dueling leads continue to complement the grooving, but guttural riffs, but in a way that makes recent output from In Flames and Soilwork seem tepid. Keyboards are in use throughout the album, but they almost come across as an afterthought (as they should), adding atmosphere without taking too much attention away from the guitars and the raspy, growling vocals.
Basically, if you're like me . . . well, then I pity you, but you'll also appreciate the classic sound that this band delivers. They are the perfect blend of accessible and underground, inviting everyone to come along for the ride, but not actively courting anyone. One word review: Brilliant!
Death's Review:
Gothenburg originators Dark Tranquillity return with the follow-up to 2002's killer Damage Done. This time, the attitude, speed and thrashiness are all dialed up another notch, taking them from "return to classic form" to new heights of metalness. The beauty in this album is the fact that while all of the other well-known Swedish melodic death metal acts (e.g., Soilwork, In Flames) are mired in experimentation, it is nice to see one of the true veteran acts from the scene leading the charge back to aderniline-rush, "get up and break things while snapping your neck right off" style thrash. The cool artwork from guitarist Niklas Sundin just tops it all off. Yes, you've heard this stuff before, but trust me, this material going to be really fun to watch performed in the live setting. It sounds great on the album too. Punishing, old school and just plain fun, Character is a cool metal album and an example of Dark Tranquillity at its finest.
"Punishing, old school and just plain fun, Character is a cool metal album and an example of Dark Tranquillity at its finest."
Hel's Review:
What we have here is an uncompromising album. Dark Tranquillity is not changing or bending to suit what is perceived to be the current fad. They do not use any clean vocals, they do not have any commercially palatable songs. They have continued to do what they always have: play face-shredding melodic death. Sure, every hardcore band on the planet seems to be using these kind of riffs in their songs - who do you think they stole them from? They are undoubtedly aware of the trend, but unlike some of their countrymen, Dark Tranquillity has let the bandwagon pass right on by, and have continued to create the kind of music they always have. Personally, I thank them for that.
"What we have here is an uncompromising album." There was a point in time when this style was my favorite, but a series of disappointing releases from some of the other bands who shared the scene caused me to become disillusioned with the direction the sound as a whole seemed to be heading in. Fortunately, Dark Tranquillity has released Character, and I find myself beginning to believe again. At least in them, if not the scene as a whole. If you also find yourself feeling played out on melodic death, you are in dire need of a dose of Character.
As I listened to this album over and over, I came to the realization that over the course of my many listens every single song had, at one time or another, caused me to sit up and take notice. Certain songs have even caused me to create mini-videos in my head while I listen to them – a rather rare occurrence for me. I have examined the material on this album closely, and I simply cannot find fault with it. Dark Tranquillity has proved once again why they are the masters of melodic death.
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