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Gothenburgs' melodic masters are upon us
once again. Character is another step in the right direction, leaving
Damage Done an ember of yesterdays' marvels. The Swedes 7th album
is both technically melodic and courageously aggressive from start
to finish. "My Negation" is one of the most melodic tracks
Dark Tranquillity
have ever recorded, and is one of my favorite songs on this album.
I also enjoy the opening track, "The New Build", which is
the perfect pickup point whence Damage Done left off and features
ripping blast-beats and swiftly executed aggression. Things do slow
down a bit from here on, but does not favor any kind of softness unreminiscent
of Dark Tranquillity. There is, however, much more collaboration with
keyboards as with any previous DT release. This is NOT a flaw. Matter
of fact, the keyboards are delivered perfectly alongside the crunchy
technical guitars, bass and delicately precise drumming... not to
mention, Mikael Stannes' relentless growls. EVERY track is a good
track, and I mean EVERY track!! There is a certain melodic groove
to everything on Character that simply, no other band in Gothenburg
can accomplish anymore. If you were to ask me, this is DT's finest
album so far! What else could've been hoped for from Dark Tranquillity?
You've got yer guttural growls and shrieking screams- perfect for
death metal. You've got yer technical and charismatic guitar soloing.
You've got yer percussive, melodic grooves. Lastly, you've got one
of yer top albums of 2005!! Gitter Done! Rating: 96 Reviewed By: Thomas Mitchell |
