365 Days of Metal: Genre Definers, Gothenburg Part 1

It's been 50 days since I started 365 Days of Metal, so here's something a little special to commemorate the milestone, a special Live Edition which is also the Part I of my Genre Definers look at Melodic Death Metal.

Day 50

At The Gates - Purgatory Unleashed: Live at Wacken

Artist Origin: Gothenburg, Sweden
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Label: Earache
Running Time: 73 minutes
Release Date: March 22, 2010

Best Part: All of it - One of the best Live Albums I've ever heard.

Favorite Tracks: Blinded by Fear, Slaughter of the Soul, Terminal Spirit Disease, World of Lies, The Swarm, Suicide Nation, and Kingdom Gone

Grade: 5

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Purgatory Unleashed in 20 words or less:

After twelve years apart, At The Gates returns to carry on the legacy of Slaughter Of The Soul, live at Wacken Open Air.

The Band:

At The Gates is a five piece melodic death metal band from Sweden who along with In Flames and Dark Tranquility are best known as the founders of the Gothenburg style of metal. Their final studio release, Slaughter of the Soul is regarded as one of the defining records in the history of melodic death metal, combining the best elements of a number of genres, including the speed and heaviness of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, black metal inspired vocals, and guitar work that is both melodic and technically sound. At The Gates disbanded in 1996 after six years together, literally at the peak of the success. It would not be until twelve years later that they would reunite for a number of shows and tours on the global scale, including a headline spot on Wacken Open Air - bar none the worlds greatest metal festival. Since then, At The Gates continues to play events but has affirmed they will not be recording any new material, as to keep the legacy of Slaughter of the Soul alive and well.

At The Gates's full-length releases include: The Red in the Sky Is Ours (1992), With Fear I Kiss the Burning Darkness (1993), Terminal Spirit Disease (1994), and Slaughter of the Soul (1995)

Jay's Take on Purgatory Unleashed:

I could have easily just chosen to do today's post on Slaughter of the Soul, as it was the record that really defined At The Gates to a venerable tee. But choosing Purgatory Unleashed is just as well, as it includes every track from the album except for the instrumental interlude, and closing track from the record. And of course, includes some of their best material from the remainder of their catalog, including at least one track from every single release (LP and EP) they ever had. For having been recorded during their performance at Wacken Open Air, the sound quality of the record is absolutely ludicrous. All of the little elements of At The Gates musical proficiency are put center stage, with the rhythm and bass lines clearly standing out, the technical melodies jumping out at you and Tomas Lindberg's signature vocals leading the charge. It shows that even after twelve years, the band are masters of their craft and deserve the honors and praise they have received over the years as a cornerstone of both the genre of melodic death metal, but also the Gothenburg style which they so heavily helped influence.

Listening to this record is a pure nostalgia trip, encompassing the sounds of my younger years, and my entry into the depths of the metalverse.

Sample of the Day:



- J