They have kept a mostly consistent line-up. Anders Jivarp has played drums since joining the band shortly after its formation, with Anders Fridén and Martin Henriksson. Rhythm guitarist Mikael Stanne switched to vocals after Anders Fridén's departure. When his predecessor Fredrik Johansson left in 1998, bassist Martin Henriksson took up guitar duties and Michael Nicklasson came in on bass shortly before the recording of Haven. They also added "electronics" man Martin Brändström at this time. Michael Niklasson left the band on 23rd of August, 2008 and was briefly replaced by former Soilwork member Daniel Antonsson, who left in 2013 shortly before the recording of Construct. On 31st of March, 2016 it was announced on the band's Facebook page that Martin Henriksson had left the band.
The band name is often misspelt as "Dark Tranquility", which is the U.S. spelling of the word.
Guitarist Niklas Sundin is also known for his graphic design album artwork. Dark Tranquillity's official site can be accessed [url=http://[officialsite]darktranquillity.com/]here.
Terminus
Dark Tranquillity Lyrics
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Lit up by shining faces that parade these streets
What used to be of humility is gone
You walk the mounds of skull and bones
Where living is denied, I see more movement in decomposition than in those hollow eyes
It is the only place I know, where death is most alive
It is when truth is turned to lie, that death is most alive
Set flame to the ensnarers and pierce that ornate shield
Branded by what claims you, you wear the mark of death
Tear from loss and agony, a character defined
Stripped of all but tragedy, what life is left to find?
Go now, until there's nothing left
Go now, the dying has begun
It is the only place I know, where death is most alive
It is when truth is turned to lie, that death is most alive
So I flee from all that is me to hide behind this pale dead face
Whatever happened to desire, want and need?
Whatever happened to integrity?
Imagination is a curse in all of this
Whatever happened to the ones left behind?
This is a ghost town, bodies dragged through endless streets
Go now, to never return
I've seen more pitiful humiliation than you could never hide
It is the only place I know, where death is most alive
It is when truth is turned to lie, that death is most alive
In Dark Tranquillity's song Terminus, the lyrics seem to depict a post-apocalyptic and ghostly town full of people who have failed to survive. The singer mentions that this town is full of echoes of failures fled, and they witness the evidence of death with the presence of skull and bone mounds. The people who still live in this town parade the streets with shining faces, but their humility is now gone. The singer says they see more movement in decomposition than in those hollow eyes, indicating that death has taken its toll on the living.
The second verse seems to be a call to action, urging listeners to set flame to the ensnarers and pierce that ornate shield. The singer encourages people to tear from loss and agony, defining their character and stripping them down to their tragedies. They say that the dying has already begun, and they urge people to go until there's nothing left. The final verse seems to indicate that the singer is struggling with their own identity in the midst of this chaotic world. They mention fleeing from who they are to hide behind a pale dead face and questioning what happened to desire, want, need, and integrity.
Overall, this song seems to be exploring themes of death, decay, and the struggle to maintain one's humanity in a world that has become inhospitable. In the face of death and destruction, the singer urges people to keep fighting and to find purpose in the midst of tragedy.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a ghost town, alive with the echoes of failures fled
This place that was once full of hope and dreams is now empty and abandoned with only the sounds of past failures.
Lit up by shining faces that parade these streets
Despite the emptiness, people still seem to be trying to put on a happy face and pretend that everything is okay.
What used to be of humility is gone
The modesty and humbleness that once existed here has disappeared.
You walk the mounds of skull and bones
The only thing left to walk on here are piles of bones and remains of those who have died.
Where living is denied, I see more movement in decomposition than in those hollow eyes
Despite the lack of living beings, there is still more movement in the process of decay than in the lifeless eyes of the few who remain.
Set flame to the ensnarers and pierce that ornate shield
Destroy those who are trapping and oppressing others and break through the facade of lies and deception.
Branded by what claims you, you wear the mark of death
Those who have been oppressed and trapped are marked by their experience and have been figuratively killed as a result.
Tear from loss and agony, a character defined
Even in the midst of terrible loss and pain, one's character can still shine through and define them.
Stripped of all but tragedy, what life is left to find?
When someone has lost everything and only tragedy remains, it can be difficult to see any hope or purpose in life.
Go now, until there's nothing left
Leave this place of death and despair before it sucks you in completely.
Go now, the dying has begun
It's time to leave because the process of dying and decay has already started.
So I flee from all that is me to hide behind this pale dead face
I am trying to escape my own identity and reality by pretending to be someone else.
Whatever happened to desire, want and need?
What happened to the basic human desires and needs that drive us?
Whatever happened to integrity?
What happened to the moral and ethical principles that guide our actions and decisions?
Imagination is a curse in all of this
Having a hopeful imagination in this place of death and decay can only lead to disappointment and pain.
Whatever happened to the ones left behind?
What happened to those who were left to suffer and struggle after others had moved on or given up?
This is a ghost town, bodies dragged through endless streets
Not only is this place physically empty, but there are also reminders of death and despair everywhere.
Go now, to never return
This place is too dark and hopeless to ever come back to.
I've seen more pitiful humiliation than you could never hide
I have witnessed so much pain and suffering that even those who try to hide it cannot escape my notice.
It is the only place I know, where death is most alive
There is nowhere else where the presence of death and decay is so strong and all-encompassing.
It is when truth is turned to lie, that death is most alive
When lies and deception are present, it is an environment in which death and hopelessness thrive the most.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anders Jivarp, Martin Brandstrom, Martin Henriksson, Mikael Niklasson, Mikael Bengt Stanne, Niklas Bo Sundin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind