We Are The Void

Creepy. If there's one word to describe Dark Tranquillity's latest album, it has to be "creepy". From the eerie tones of Shadow In Our Blood to the disturbing lyrics of Her Silent Language, this album with send shivers down your spine and make your heart skip with excited trepidation. It is, quite frankly, brilliant.

As with many DT albums, it took a couple of listens to really take hold. Best done in isolation with a decent set of headphones and no lights. Having said that, I have been listening to Shadow In Our Blood, the opening track, since the video was released a couple of weeks before the album launch and was immediately hooked. My pre-ordered special edition arrived a couple of days before the official release date, and since then it's rapidly shot up the ranks of my personal "best of DT" list.

The guitarwork is, as usual, brilliant. It's no exaggeration to say they have the best riffs in metal, and Mikael Stanne uses clean and cookie monster vocal to great effect throughout. The drums, too, are a something to behold. Driving the melody with heavy bass and changing signatures to reinforce the mood of the album.

Watch out toward the end of In My Absence. Around the 4 minute mark. Are you listening? Did it make your fingers go numb and your heart jump into your throat? That's the quality of this album. Genuine emotional response. Genuine reaction to the music.

We Are The Void has taken it's rightful place in DT history. It is a superb accomplishment and, dare I say it, maybe rivalling Fiction and even Projector for the crown of best DT album ever.

If you haven't heard it, get it. If you have, appreciate the artistry, the emotion and the sheer musical talent of Dark Tranquillity. It's worth it.