Swedish melodic death metal pioneers, At The Gates, are in the final stages of preparation for their upcoming new album, following up 2014’s acclaimed comeback release, At War With Reality.

After the departure announcement of founding guitarist Anders Björler in March, the group is now not only ready to give a comprehensive update on the new album’s status, but they can also announce the newest addition to their lineup ranks... At The Gates are back!

“We have finally decided on a new guitar player, and we are ready to rip again! Actually he was our first choice, and we are happy to have him on board. Jonas Stålhammar has been a friend since the late eighties (Tomas used to tape trade with him back then!), and our paths have crossed many times during our careers.

“We were looking for someone who had the same reference points as we do, someone from the same path, so to say, who understand the greatness of both Autopsy and King Crimson. Of course it was essential that our new member could fill the shoes of Anders' performance-wise as well, but that was never an issue with Jonas. We were looking for someone with a deep understanding of what At The Gates are about, someone who could contribute creatively to the band.

“Jonas Stålhammar will be a full member from day one, and will play on the upcoming full length album, scheduled for recording in November 2017 - January 2018.

“We currently have 11 songs ready for said album, and are more inspired than perhaps ever before. You can expect a full-on At The Gates record with all the classic elements of the band. It is by far the most comprehensive album of the band to date, and will span all the way across the different elements of the band's sound.

We are super-excited for 2018. It will be a good year for At The Gates, and our fans, for sure.”

At The Gates 2017 are (from left to right in above photo):

Adrian Erlandsson - Drums
Jonas Björler - Bass
Tomas Lindberg - Vocals
Jonas Stålhammar - Guitar
Martin Larsson - Guitar

Jonas Stålhammar (pictured above) is currently a member of The Lurking Fear, Crippled Black Phoenix, Bombs Of Hades and God Macabre. He has previously played in Abhoth, Utumno and Macabre End.

Additionally, At The Gates have just announced their first live shows for 2018:

March
2-4 - Tilburg - The Netherlands - Netherlands Deathfest

July
13-15 - Gävle, Sweden - Gefle Metal Fest

Many more dates to be announced soon.

(Photos - Ester Segarra)