Dark Tranquillity, one of the founding fathers of the Gothenburg sound, and their latest offering "Fiction" are definitely worthwhile to give a listen to. While the new material remains faithful to the style of DT, they're also introducing few fresh elements on their eighth album - such as gothic-tinged overtones. Musically Fiction is somewhat multidimensional, as both the extreme and softer tranquil sides of Dark Tranquillity are well-presented. Gripping melodies, evocative tapestry of keyboard soundscapes and the assertive rhythm section along with Mikael Stanne's brutal vocals shouldn't leave anyone cold. In addition, clean vocals made their way onto this record too, and there's even a female guest (Nell) sharing the vocal parts on the album-closer.

Especially the consistency of material is a laudable trait, though in my view the band could have been slightly more adventurous on this release even. Nonetheless, the quality of material remains solid and manages to grip the listener throughout the whole album (no fewer than several times in a row). Over and above, Tue Madsen handled the production rather well, as the sound is airy yet balanced. All in all, this is a really enjoyable album, and I warmly recommend it to all listeners of melodic death metal.

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- MAGE (April 24th, 2007)



DARK TRANQUILLITY - Focus Shift:

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LINE-UP:
Stanne, Mikael: Vocals Sundin, Niklas: Guitars Henriksson, Martin: Guitars Brändström, Martin: Keyboards and Electronics Nicklasson, Michael: Bass Jivarp, Anders: Drums with Nell: Guest vocals on Track 10
Producer:	Madsen, Tue
Mixing by:	Unavailable
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Nothing to No One 02. The Lesser Faith 03. Terminus (Where Death Is Most Alive) 04. Blind at Heart 05. Icipher 06. Inside the Particle Storm 07. Empty Me 08. Misery's Crown 09. Focus Shift 10. The Mundane and the Magic Length: 45:49