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Dark Tranquillity "Endtime Signals" Album Review


Dark Tranquillity Endtime Signals album cover

Can you imagine how busy Mikael Stanne is right now, juggling projects like Cemetary Skyline, Grand Cadaver, and the supergroup The Halo Effect? And yet, he still gives us a brand new Dark Tranquillity record. Just brilliant.


This is just a glimpse of Dark Tranquillity's greatness. They’ve not only cemented their place as one of the greatest melodic death metal bands, but they’ve also helped shape the genre, creating a distinct sound that’s instantly recognizable among so many others. They were there at the beginning, and they’re still teaching lessons to those who follow their path.


"Endtime Signals" marks the 13th spot in their discography, arriving after their pandemic effort Moment (2020), which received mixed reactions. In my opinion, Moment was another solid addition to their discography, maintaining the sound they’ve refined since Fiction (2007), with both standout moments and some ups and downs. Four years later, we are fortunate to face a more cohesive and focused effort in Endtime Signals. While every Dark Tranquillity album feels complete soundwise, Endtime Signals keeps a steady focus on its overarching theme, and that’s what makes it successful.


The album opens with one of its best songs, "Shivers and Voids," which is quintessential Dark Tranquillity. Mikael’s emotive growls, paired with signature riffage, prove the formula still works. This energy continues with "Unforgivable," another high-tempo track filled with memorable melodic moments. From here, tracks like "Drowned Out Voices," "The Last Imagination," and "Wayward Eyes" stand out as highlights. To be honest, the album doesn’t have many weak points.


While there are no major missteps, the record does at times feel formulaic. Some sections feel familiar, though this isn't unique to Endtime Signals—it’s a recurring issue in modern Dark Tranquillity albums. Even Atoma had this problem. While we can’t fault them for maintaining their distinct sound, a bit more originality in song structures would elevate the album even further. That said, this is a minor critique, as Endtime Signals still offers plenty of memorable moments. Not to forget they've managed to write one of the best ballads I've heard in a long time with "False Reflection." And I'm not usually a fan of ballads.


If you considered Moment a misstep after Atoma—though I don’t—I think you’ll find Endtime Signals to be a more focused and compelling effort. It’s clearly a step up, and in my opinion, it should meet fan expectations. As a huge Dark Tranquillity fan, I find the album enjoyable, emotionally charged, and well-crafted. Even if it occasionally feels like it’s on cruise control, the quality of the writing and individual performances is undeniable. I’ll be spinning Endtime Signals for a long time, and I certainly hope it’s not truly signaling the end.


HIGHLIGHTS


  • Shivers and Voids

  • Unforgivable

  • The Last Imagination

  • Wayward Eyes

  • A Bleaker Sun

  • False Reflection




RATING: 8.0 / 10








 
 
 

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