Search - Dark Tranquillity :: Gallery

"We're the outstretched fingers that seize and hold the wind

Squash 'N' Squeak | The Darkest Regions of Outer Space | 03/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since I acquired a fetish for melodic death metal, I've looked into a lot of bands that are classified in the genre. Dark Tranquillity was one of them. The Gallery was the first CD I bought by them, and it certainly won't be my last. This album is filled with bone-crushing heaviness, melodic beauty, and mythical lyrics. Above all, it has an atmosphere that is unlike any other metal album I've heard.



I'm glad I didn't review this as soon as I listened to it for the first time, because otherwise, it would'nt have been so positive. Dark Tranquillity is a lot heavier than other melodeath bands I've heard. You could probably even argue they're borderline black metal, but with a melodic sensibility. But I let it grow on me, and after a while I recognized for the masterpiece that it is.



The first track, Punish My Heaven, opens up with drums, and then really fast, schizophrenic guitars and bass interwind with each other, and Mikeal Stanne lets out a "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!" that catches you completely off guard. It gives you a good feel for what the rest of the album will sound like. The following track, Silence And The Firmanent Withdrew, is a lot more melodic, but no less evil. Other great tracks are the title track, The Dividing Line, The One Brooding Warning, The Emptiness From Which I Fed, and ...Of Melancholy Burning. But the whole album is pure melodic death bliss. My favorite song is by far the title track: The lyrics, instruments, atmosphere.... everything in this song is top notch. The lyrics are a good representation of the album cover, and the artwork throughout the sleeve of the album. What makes it even cooler is the female vocals (done by Eva Marie Larsson) that wail during the acoustic guitar interlude. This is also used on ...Of Meloncholy Burning.



The best part about The Gallery is that even in its most musically complex parts, it still feels very atmospheric and seems to just serve the music. Mikeal Stanne can hold a growl for a very, very long time. Just listen to his shrieks on Punish My Heaven and The Dividing Line. Even when he sing clean vocals, they're still pretty gritty and low. Frederik Johansson and Anders Jivarp make an awesome guitar duo; they also interwind solos on Punish My Heaven and The Emptiness From Which I Fed. Martin Henricksson's basslines are ACTUALLY audible! Not only that, but his basslines are very intricate and complex, not just the same-old-same-old that other metal bands use. And Niklas Sundin's drumming is very unique. I say this because even when using double bass kicks, his drums glide over you, if that makes sense.



The only time the album gives you a breather is the instrumental Mine is The Grandeur...., which is soothing, folksy-sounding acoustic guitars, but that is interrupted as soon as .... Of Melancholy Burning kicks in. Mine Is The Granduer is basically the prelude to ... of Melancholy Burning (Mine Is The Grandeur of Melancholy Burning). It's also the only other track to use female vocals.



Inside the album sleeve, there are fragments of art scattered on the sides. Some of the pictures include a raven, lava, forests, and others I don't know what the hell they are. But that doesn't matter because each picture is very cool and interesting.



The reissue contains 5 covers: Bringer of Torture by Kreator, Sacred Reich by Sacred Reich, 22 Arcia Avenue by Iron Maiden, Lady In Black by King Diamond, and My Friend of Misery by Metallica. I haven't heard the originals to be perfectly honest, but I can tell you that DT do an excellent cover of each of these songs, and could fit in right with the rest of the album.



Like I said before, The Gallery is my only DT record, but after being blown away by it, I plan to get my hands on every CD I can find by tis awesome band. Even if you only like metal a little bit, I STRONGLY recommend you buy The Gallery the first chance you get. The lyrics are intriguing, the musicianship is great, the vocals are intimidating yet strangely emotive, and the atmosphere is priceless.



P.S. And don't you just love the cover art?"

A Template

avgvstvs | Omaha NE | 05/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having myself started with Character, I've been uncovering the hidden treasures of DT, starting with this one, I'm very happy to say that although Stanne's vocals are a little rough around the edges, they are infused with fantastic lyrics as stated earlier, but most importantly they establish an unforgettable in style. Aside from recording quality I can see most of these songs appearing on Character. Guitarwork is tight, and DT is without a doubt my favorite metal band... they don't simply grind charnel house with their guitars, the construct beautiful melody that speeds right along.



Though metal fans tend to be fickle, I have to say that the established a specific style with this album, and though they broke from it largely in the future, they've emerged a very mature and competent band that takes these ideas and makes something truly new and original."

Pleasantly surprised

Pete | USA | 03/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A freind told me these guys rock so I went and picked up the CD. At first I was really upset because of the grunting vocals. However the guitars, drum and bass are out of this world - the combination being some of the best I've ever heard. The production is real good too with good clear sound. I just wish a band with this kind of talent would toss the death vocals. If someone like Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden took over it would be scary how far these guys could go. Even though I hate the grunting I'll still give this a 5 star, because I would recommend to any metal fan. Will I buy more from this group? I don't think so, this is where my death metal begins and ends but at least I picked a good one.





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