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DARK TRANQUILITY ‘Lost To Apathy EP’ (Century Media) (2004)
My first introduction to the pioneers of the Gothenburg sound was with the album "The Gallery", back in 1995 and I have been a fan of this brilliant outfit ever since. One really important factor that helped increase my attraction to the band throughout the years: I guess it's the fact that they have managed to earn my total respect.
If the question here is "how did these six Northern Europeans manage to do that", the answer will be provided to anyone that's willing to check out the band's history, and listen to the music that they have created so far.
I never had to worry as to whether the next Dark Tranquillity album will be of quality - that was always guaranteed. My only concern was whether I would find the band's next step in the ladder of progression to my liking, and so far I am not disappointed. Regardless to whether they were testing the limits of their aggressiveness ("The Gallery") or experimenting with electronic sounds ("Haven"), the Gothenburg-based band always managed to preserve those elements in their music that helped to prove their unique identity - the sign of a great band.
Two years ago, and with the help of the band's seventh "member" Fredrik Nordstrom, Dark Tranquillity released one of the most important albums of their career: "Damage Done". Following that amazing release, the live DVD "Live Damage" recorded in Krakow (Poland), proved without doubt that the band is still as strong and inspirational as they were at the beginning of their career.
Well, the time is fast approaching for the release of their next studio album, and Dark Tranquillity were kind enough to release an E.P that would give me an idea as to what the new album sounds like, and help dissolve all those insecurities that I previously mentioned. Well, at least that's what I expected would happen!
The first song of this four-track E.P is called "Lost to Apathy", and by far one of the best pieces of music that the band has released lately.
If you enjoyed the heaviness of songs like "Monochromatic Stains" (from the band's previous album), then you will definitely enjoy this four and a half-minute composition. Mikael Stanne's vocals are even more aggressive believe it or not, and duet Henriksson/Sundin will either indulge themselves in heavy riffing, or in creating beautiful atmospheric melodies.
The following two compositions, "Derivation" & "The Endless Feed" are both altered versions of songs that will also be featured in the upcoming release "Character", the first being an atmospheric mid-tempo composition, and the latter an oriental-influenced song that bares many similarities with Samael's current work.
Finally, there is a live version of "Undo Control"("Projector" album) which is taken from the recordings of the "Live Damage" DVD, and a very professionally made video for the title-track "Lost Apathy".
Listening to this new E.P didn't improve my previous condition - now I'm even more desperate to listen to Dark Tranquillity's new album, and all the signs indicate that "Character" is going to be an impressive one. As far as grading is concerned...I think that I will save it for the album!
Review by John Stefanis
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