Haven - Dark Tranquillity

Like 'The Mind's I' two albums previously, 'Haven' fails to make its mark in the Dark Tranquillity canon by effectively bridging two more substantial releases, and only ever achieving a half-hearted mix of the two styles. It's clear that the band wished to regain some death metal credibility after the gothic metal of 'Projector,' but the reintroduction of growls and heavy riffs clashes with the tempo and mood, which are still both rooted in the more laid-back style of the previous album. Add to that some infuriating keyboards, and you wind up with a cheesy Gothenburg stereotype that manages to make Soilwork look impressive by comparison. The only songs where ...  Read the complete review