Swedish melodic death metal band Dark Tranquillity has partnered with Alone Records to release an extensive 17-cassette box set. This collection, titled '1991 – 2025,' aims to compile nearly all of the band's studio recordings and EPs from their formation until their upcoming 2024 album. The release offers fans a comprehensive physical archive of their work.
Key Takeaways
- Dark Tranquillity to release a 17-cassette box set.
- The set covers material from 1991 to 2025.
- It includes all studio albums, EPs, and bonus compilations.
- Alone Records is handling the distribution.
- Pre-orders are currently available for the collection.
Comprehensive Audio Archive for Fans
The '1991 – 2025' cassette box set features a wide range of Dark Tranquillity's discography. It includes their studio albums, various EPs, and special compilation releases. This collection serves as a nearly complete audio history for the band's followers.
Alone Records, the label collaborating on this project, highlighted the band's long-standing impact. They noted Dark Tranquillity's role as a founding member of the Gothenburg melodic death metal scene. This scene significantly influenced the genre worldwide.
Fast Fact
Dark Tranquillity initially formed in 1989 under the name Septic Broiler before adopting their current name in 1991. This marked the beginning of their official journey in the metal scene.
Detailed Contents of the Box Set
The 17-cassette set is structured chronologically, featuring albums and EPs in their order of release. It also includes two unique compilation tapes. These compilations provide additional material and live archives.
The collection starts with their debut album, 'Skydancer,' released in 1993. It extends to their most recent work, 'Endtime Signals,' set for release in 2024. This broad span covers over three decades of musical output.
Full List of Cassettes:
- Tape 1: Skydancer (1993)
- Tape 2: Of Chaos And Eternal Night EP (1995) & Enter Suicidal Angels EP (1996)
- Tape 3: The Gallery (1995)
- Tape 4: The Mind's I (1997)
- Tape 5: Projector (1999)
- Tape 6: Haven (2000)
- Tape 7: Damage Done (2002)
- Tape 8: Lost To Apathy EP (2004) & Zero Distance EP (2012)
- Tape 9: Character (2005)
- Tape 10: Fiction (2007)
- Tape 11: Yesterworlds Compilation (2009)
- Tape 12: We Are The Void (2010)
- Tape 13: Construct (2013)
- Tape 14: Atoma (2016)
- Tape 15: Moment (2020)
- Tape 16: Endtime Signals (2024)
- Tape 17: The Dying Fragments: Treasures From The Live Archives Compilation (2009)
Band's Legacy and Influence
Dark Tranquillity is recognized as a key player in the melodic death metal genre. Alongside other bands like In Flames and At The Gates, they helped define a sound that combined aggression with melodic elements. This style has influenced many bands globally.
The band's evolution over decades has been consistent. They are known for their haunting atmospheres and intricate guitar work. Mikael Stanne's vocals are a defining characteristic, featuring both powerful growls and emotional clean singing.
"Over the decades, their evolution has been both bold and consistent, balancing haunting atmospheres, intricate guitar work, and the unmistakable voice of Mikael Stanne, whose commanding growls and emotive clean vocals became a defining feature."
Genre Context
The Gothenburg melodic death metal scene emerged in Sweden during the early 1990s. It blended the intensity of death metal with harmonic guitar melodies and often clean vocal passages, creating a distinct and influential subgenre.
Career Spanning Over 30 Years
Dark Tranquillity has maintained a long-term relationship with Century Media Records for most of their career. Their discography reflects more than 30 years of musical development and refinement. The band remains one of Sweden's most celebrated musical exports.
This box set represents their complete studio output, plus additional material. It chronicles a significant period of passion and legacy in the metal music world. The collection is designed for both long-time fans and new listeners interested in the band's history.
Pre-orders for the '1991 – 2025' cassette box set are available now. This release offers a unique opportunity to own a physical record of the band's extensive career. It highlights their journey from early beginnings to their current status as genre pioneers.
The decision to release the material on cassette format appeals to collectors and those who appreciate vintage media. It provides a tactile experience for engaging with the band's music. The format also emphasizes the historical aspect of the collection, spanning several decades.
Fans can anticipate revisiting classic tracks and discovering older EPs through this comprehensive offering. The inclusion of 'The Dying Fragments' compilation adds further value, providing insights into their live performances and rare recordings from their archives.
This initiative by Dark Tranquillity and Alone Records underscores the enduring appeal of physical music formats. It also celebrates the band's significant contribution to the global metal scene. The box set reinforces their status as influential artists.