Projector

Projector is an ambitious work on which DARK TRANQUILLITY, while keeping the tension of melodic death, boldly took in clean vocals, piano and gothic shadow, greatly expanding its own music. On a firm foundation held by drummer Anders Jivarp and others, the band stepped out on a bold adventure far beyond the bounds of melodic death. The gap between violent and quiet passages is larger than before, an introspective, theatrical drama emerges, and Mikael Stanne switches between growls and clean singing, with passages of female vocals also appearing. On “FreeCard,” “Therein,” “Auctioned” and “Undo Control,” heavy riffs, delicate melody and electronic texture intertwine intricately, while “To a Bitter Halt” and “On Your Time” bring a hushed lyricism to the fore. On “Nether Novas,” “The Sun Fired Blanks” and “Day to End” too, varied textures beyond the frame of conventional death metal are tried. Though it drew mixed reactions on release, it is now highly regarded as a turning point that decisively widened the band’s range — a record that casts a singular light across the career, where experimental spirit and aesthetics intersect.