Swedish Melodic Death Metal starts and stops with Dark Tranquillity.

Their thirteenth full-length, Endtime Signals (Century Media Records), captures how and why the band has had such staying power for two decades. 

Photo Credit: Krichan Wihlborg

At this point, it’s easy to listen to the five-piece and almost forget they’re playing metal since the output feels so easily approachable, and at times, glistening. 

The guitar solos are compact and fluid throughout. Mikael Stanne fronts with confidence and aplomb, utilizing both his abrasively unique harshes and hypnotically captivating cleans. Any chance to throw plaudits at that man is a chance I will always take advantage of.

And you can’t fault these guys for being consistent. Though admittedly “Shivers And Voids” is a rather tame start to the album, there’s nothing to fear: A dozen songs are jam-packed into the record, each possessing its own identity and attributes.

Hits like “Neuronal Fire” and “A Bleaker Sun” are familiar territory. A powerful hook with a subtle fluorescent synth colors the former whilst the latter is a ripping, cheeky bopper. “Unforgiveable” brings the speed with a smooth, fluid harmony. 

It takes four songs before the first guitar solo is unwrapped in all its bluster, but as the record progresses, the strings frequently become more alight. There are eclectic displays that are fittingly nestled where they belong.

“One Of Us Is Gone” is ballad-y with rugged elements, and as for textbook Tranquillity, “Not Nothing” features wispy sequencing with both of Stanne’s pristine vocal styles on display. 

Endtime Signals also boasts a tactful patience in allowing ideas to form naturally, owing to the band’s tried-and-true career thus far. The tracks are digestible while also feeling inquisitive and alive.

It’s probably not breaking news-worthy, but Dark Tranquillity have added yet another stellar piece of work to their illustrious catalog. 

Buy the album here:
https://darktranquillity.lnk.to/EndtimeSignals

8 / 10
MATT COOK