Enough has been written about the origins of the Gothenburg style of death metal to make it redundant to keep harping on about it; but of the originators, Dark Tranquillity somehow collect less recognition despite always having been as good or perhaps even better than counterparts such as Grotesque, At The Gates or In Flames.
Despite it all, Dark Tranquillity have carved themselves a respectable career and following without having to reimagine themselves with the changing of times such as one of the aforementioned groups. Musicians progress and tastes change, but it is my humble opinion that genre originators shouldn’t stray too far from the brickwork on the paths they paved.
The late summer sun is all but set by the time the gates at the famous institute that is the Foufounes Electriques swing open to welcome the long-haired gathering that eagerly awaits alcoholic beverages and a heavy dose of metal music. Upstairs, soundchecks are complete and the bar sits in an uneasy calm broken only by the chatter of the awaiting horde.
The appearance of Striker is in doubt. The road can be a cruel bitch and misfortune has struck the bands van. Word on the street was that the boys were on their way and would make the show in a rental, and that they did. Incredibly, the show is a mere half hour late to get rolling and that is a fairly impressive accomplishment.
The Edmonton natives, and only Canadian content on this tour, bring with them a riff rollicking heavy metal extravaganza built for sing-a-longs and a good ol’ fashion good time. Striker honestly shred, and tonight, despite the creativity and the accompanying exhaustion that must be coupled with making it to the city at all given the groups woes, is no exception. “Lethal Force” and “Out For Blood” go down well but the group are at their peak for their final track, “Fight For Your Life”, which turns into a bit of a sing along, with vocalist Dan Cleary singing “Fight for your life” and the crowd shouting “fight for your freedom” right back at him.
Warbringer followed up by playing their latest record, their fifth studio album, “Woe To The Vanquished” in its entirety, from start to finish. Vocalist John Kevill remarked to the crowd that they had promised to play the new record in full upon their return to Montreal, and that the album was still new when they were last here, and that he hoped people had the time to listen to it since then, and judging by the applause from the crowd and their reaction to the songs – they indeed had. Only their final track came from a record other than the newest release, and Warbringer brought their set to a close with “Combat Shock”, a track off of their first album.
Following a short pause, Dark Tranquillity descend the staircase to the stage below. Every time I have witnessed this band in the flesh, it has been right here on this platform. It seems fitting to be here with them again – perhaps almost intimate. The lighting is near non-existent but for the beam of light beaming out of the projector on the balcony, splashing a series of images onto a white screen behind the band. Graphically beautiful and enhancing for the music at hand, but a photographer’s nightmare.
The set began with “Force Of Hand” off of the band’s newest album, 2016’s “Atoma”, and they would dedicate a decent chunk of their playing time to the new record. Despite calls for older songs from albums like “The Gallery” and “The Mind’s I” – the setlist only reached as far back as 1999’s “Projector” (“Therein”). The projector rolled throughout the night, showing some of the various video clips that accompanied the songs they were playing. Seeing the band both on stage and on screen, with some gorgeous cinematography in some of the clips (“Forward Momentum”, for example) was an interesting experience.
It was a love affair – Montreal chanted the group’s initials to what appeared to be genuine bewilderment, as singer Mikael Stanne said almost shyly “we love you Montreal, you know that?” Now, in the days of internet and mass media, we all know that bands profess their love for most towns they visit – but sometimes, just sometimes, if feels real. Dark Tranquillity were great, as they always are. I’m still hoping the day comes when the band plays “The Gallery” it its entirety and deep down, I know that won’t ever happen – but the dream remains.
Written and photographed by Kieron Yates
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