Dark Tranquillity (often referred to as creators of Gothenburg Metal) was formed in Sweden in December 1989 under the name Sceptic Boiler by Anders Fridén (vocals, later frontman of In Flames), Niklas Sundin (guitar) and Mikael Stanne (guitar), Martin Hendriksson (bass) and Anders Jivarp (drums). After they had recorded the demo "Enfeebled Earth", which had a horrible production, they changed their name to Dark Tranquillity. In 1991 the bands first demo, "Trail of Life Decayed", was recorded and was followed by "A Moonclad Reflection". In 1993 they finally released their first full-length album, "Skydancer" which featured guest vocalists Stefan Lindgren and Anna-Kajsa Avehall. In 1995 the EP "Of Chaos and Eternal Night" was released. Shortly after vocalist Anders Fridén left the band so Stanne had to take over vocals and let the new member Fredrik Johansson take care of his guitar role. Same year the band was signed to Osmose Productions and then they released "The Gallery" which featured Frasse Franzen and Eva-Marie Larsson (vocals). The bands success increased and a year later they released the MCD "Enter Suicidal Angels". In 1997 "The Mind's I" was released and, again, featured guests, one of them being previous vocalists Anders Fridén. After the release they left Osmose Productions and were instead signed to Century Media. In 1999 "Projector" was released. After the release Fredrik Johansson left the band but the bands bassist Martin Henriksson took over his part as guitarist. Two other members then joined the band, Martin Brändström (keyboards) and Michael Niklasson (bass). In 2000 "Haven" was released and then in 2001 the band went on a tour with drummer Robin Engström as Jivarp couldn't. "Damage Done" followed in 2002 and the compilation album "Exposures - In Retrospect and Denial" in 2004.Character was the seventh release from Dark Tranquillity, released in 2005, and was held in much critical praise. It featured the first music video released by Dark Tranquillity to feature the band itself, with the single "Lost to Apathy." In 2007, Fiction was released, which in turn, saw a return of Mikeal Stanne's clean vocals, and the first female guest vocalist since Projector.On the band's official website they announced that bass guitarist Michael Nicklasson left the band in August 2008 due to personal reasons with no hard feelings between him and the band. On September 19, the band found a new bassist, Daniel Antonsson, who was a guitarist for Soilwork.Line-up:Stanne - VoiceJivarp - DrumsSundin - GuitarsAntonsson- BassHenriksson - GuitarsBrändström - Electronics
In 1993, Anders Fridén, the original lead vocalist, left the band to join In Flames. Mikael Stanne, formerly playing rhythm guitar became the vocalist, with Fredrik Johansson taking over the guitars. Mikael also recorded vocals with In Flames. However, contrary to popular belief, he was never a full member of that band; he was a session vocalist and sang to help out the members of In Flames.
In 1998, before the release of the album Projector, Johannson left the band. Keyboardist Martin Brändström and bassist Michael Nicklasson were added to the line-up, and Martin Henriksson switched to the guitar. This album was nominated for a Swedish Grammy Award. Their next albums were Haven (2000), Damage Done (2002), Character (2005) and Fiction (2007).
In 2008, Michael Nicklasson departed and Daniel Antonsson joined the band as full time bassist.
Dark Tranquillity is known to be a pioneer of the Gothenburg Metal sound alongside bands such as At the Gates and In Flames. Anders Jivarp has been the drummer since the band was formed.
Their official website is www.darktranquillity.com
Discography
Demos
* 1989: Enfeebeld Earth (Kassetten-Demo, as ?Septic Broiler?)
* 1991: Trail Of Life Decayed (Kassetten-Demo)
* 1993: Tranquillity (Kassetten-Demo)
Albums
* 1993: Skydancer
* 1995: The Gallery
* 1997: The Mind?s I
* 1999: Projector
* 2000: Haven
* 2000: Skydancer/Of Chaos and Eternal Night (Wiederveröffentlichung)
* 2002: Damage Done
* 2004: Exposures - In Retrospect and Denial (rerelease/unreleased tracks, Live)
* 2005: Character
* 2007: Fiction
* 2010: We Are The Void
Singles and EPs
* 1992: A Moonclad Reflection (7?-EP)
* 1992: Trail Of Life Decayed (7?-EP)
* 1995: Of Chaos and Eternal Night (EP)
* 1996: Enter Suicidal Angels (EP)
* 2004: Lost To Apathy (EP)
* 2007: Focus Shift (Single)
* 2009: Misery's Crown (Single)
DVDs
* 2003: Live Damage (DVD)
* 2009: Where Death Is Most Alive (DVD)
From Wikipedia:Dark Tranquillity is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Gothenburg. They are the longest-standing band from the original Gothenburg metal scene, and are one of the most integral pioneers of the melodic death metal genre of music.