Since 2002's Damage Done, seminal Gothenburg metallers Dark Tranquillity have found a niche. Their sound is melodic, heavy music with screaming vocals and a definite embracing of Goth sensibilities, mostly represented in how keyboards are used.

Damage Done was a great album. The follow up, Character, sounded like Damage Done, almost too much. Fiction is no surprise as it’s pretty much in the same mold as the previous two. It’s a bit more raging in the sense there are sections with blast beats, but the sonic preferences and mood of the songs is more of the same.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. If you liked Character, you’ll more than likely dig Fiction. There are some very well-crafted and presented moments on the new album.

Me, I’m pretty tired of these albums. The only thing I can think of is I’ve really had enough of Michael Stanne’s voice. It’s totally subjective, but I’ve had my fill of the dimension that he can do, from his wind-up to his syntax. It’s like I wish he’d sing, but when he does, I wish he didn’t. Add to the fact that he’s probably mixed a bit too loud — well, too loud for someone who would rather it not be.

It’s time for Dark Tranquillity to progress. They pulled themselves out of a lull they were in around Haven. This rut isn’t nearly that deep, but it would be cool to get something new and different out of them. (5.6/10)