Character has exactly that… character; this is a melodic death metal album done with great consideration towards the atmosphere and the feelings that Dark Tranquillity wants to project. Every riff is remarkable and deep, the lyrics are good and Mikael Stanne’s vocals are better than ever, deep brutal screams with just a touch of melancholy that really manage to express the whole “spirit” of Dark Tranquilllity.

I have felt from time to time that Stanne’s vocals are way too brutal for a melodic metal band, but in some way the keyboards, the guitars and the drums always create a great “foundation” so that no matter how savage Mikael gets, it always fits the melodic guitars.

Dark Tranquillity is one of the few bands from the Gothenburg scene that keeps surprising people, every album is different; every album is innovative and they break the concept of musicians going “softer” over the years, as a matter of fact as the years go by, Dark Tranquillity keeps getting darker, faster and deeper.

Every song in Character is fast and melodic, the keyboards play a very important role in every song, but they are not the focus, they are just a support for the guitars being their riffs the ones that give life to every tune.

I can divide this album in half, one half, the first half of the album is faster and more aggressive (from track 1-4) and from “Lost to Apathy” on, it gets more melancholic and melodic, but maintaining the force of a good melodic death metal album.

Some songs are worthy of special attention, like: The New Build, Lost to Apathy and Am I? All of the songs in this record are amazing, but these three represent the different ways in which the band can play and compose their music.

Good production, and a great art work by Niklas Sundin (also Dark Tranquillity’s guitar); this is one of those albums that you need to hear and own.