Dark Tranquillity — Haven

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

On this day (July 17) in 2000, Dark Tranquillity released their fifth full-length studio album, “Haven” via Century Media Records.

Background:

In January 1999, guitarist Fredrik Johansson* and the band parted ways. Johansson's desire to focus on fatherhood and hold a day job, rather than dealing with the uncertainties of the music industry was incompatible with the band's need for a reliable guitarist. There were mutually no hard feelings between both parties, but with all of Johansson's reasons, the band still saw it as a lack of commitment to Dark Tranquillity as well.

With that position now vacant, bassist Martin Henriksson, who was a little reluctant to do so, due to his belief of being an average guitar player, took over duties as guitarist, and the band brought in Michael Niklasson on bass.

Like “Projector”, “Haven” featured piano, keyboard, and electronic parts in its sound, so the band also added another member, Martin Brändström, on keyboards.

While the album retains the Electronic music elements of “Projector”, it featured more captivating song compositions and a more polished production. And, as with the previous album, “Projector”, Mikael Stanne uses clean and harsh vocals.

“Haven” is the first to album feature Mikael Niklasson and Martin Brändström on bass and keyboards respectively, and the first release to feature Martin Henriksson as full-time guitarist, switching from his previous position on bass.

As Dark Tranquillity toured in 2001, the band hired Robin Engström to play live, due to Jivarp's commitments as a new father.

Noteworthy:

*Former guitarist Fredrik Johansson passed away on January 25th of last year from cancer.

R.I.P. Lars Fredrik Johansson (June 25, 1974 - January 25, 2022)

Critical Reception:

Like the previous album, “Projector”, critical reception was mixed. Guitarist Niklas Sundin has been quite critical of the album, stating that this is his least favorite Dark Tranquillity album, considering it "too safe in places" and stating that the album "could probably benefit from more variation".

Despite the mixed feelings towards “Haven”, MetalGuru listed it No. 5 in its "Retro 2000 Top 5 Albums."

AllMusic called it "inspired" and a "career milestone".

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

▶ Listen to “Haven” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/haven/1045081358

▶ Listen to “Haven” via Spotify: Haven https://open.spotify.com/album/2rDbRWuHiHSo0Ao9Trmr2P

▶ Follow Dark Tranquillity on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dtofficial

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

Dark Tranquillity — Haven

Background:

Noteworthy:

Critical Reception:

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

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