DARK TRANQUILLITY - Damage Done
September 23, 2002, 22 years ago
(Century Media)
A puzzling career these darkened Swedes have had, most certainly difficult to keep up with in terms of chosen musical paths. Projector's sense of daring perhaps went over fans' heads and caused a loss in momentum. The follow-up, Haven, saw experimental motives discouraged for familiar territory. Damage Done treads a similar path of a relentless, near-dear experience, poised to topple any outsiders who question Dark Tranquillity's reason for being. Singer Mikael Stanne is noticeably the first double-take as his aggressive tones raise the intensity level. The intelligent but hardened proggy effects of 'Hours Passed In Exile', 'Single Part Of Two' and 'Format C: For Cortex' make for a treasured ride. Dark Tranquillity have stuck their necks out safely in terms of growth, but still manage to distance themselves from In Flames or Arch Enemy finger-pointing. Newly steady electronics-man Martin Brändström shines on cuts like 'The Enemy' and 'Monochromatic Stains', weaving together keys and other effects with a sure return to form. With each listen, Damage Done manages to convince as Dark Tranquillity's confidence level reaches a fevered pitch. This record fails to tire.
