At the Gates

This weeks Album Art Spotlight we thought we would feature the art of the legendary Kristian Wåhlin. Born in 1971 in Sweden, Wåhlin has created the art for a seemingly countless number of metal bands and projects, and is well known for his distinctive style seen throughout the folk, black and death metal genres. Wåhlin is also a musician in the gothic -metal band Diabolique, and the founding guitarist of Grotesque (RIP)- who's break up lead to the formation of At the Gates. Wåhlin's official website, complete with a shop full of goodies, can be found here.  More album covers after the jump.

The Black Dahlia Murder
From: USA
 
Discography:  “Unhallowed” (2003), “Miasma” (2005), “Nocturnal” (2007), “Deflorate” (2009)
 
Formed in early 2001, The Black Dahlia Murder after releasing one demo and one EP, signed to Metal Blade Records in 2003. Battling numerous line-up changes and session musicians through out their eight years, the only remaining original members of The Black Dahlia Murder are Trevor Strnad- vocals, and Brian Eschbach- guitar. Rounding out the line up is:
 
Ryan Knight- guitar (ex- Arsis)
Ryan Williams- bass
Shannon Lucas- drums (ex-All That Remains)
 
Honestly I’m a sick of the ongoing debate about just what kind of metal The Black Dahlia Murder is. Upon first hearing them years ago, I thought they were a melodic death metal band and my opinion remains un-changed. Lets hear it from the man himself though, Trevor Strnad relates to pyromusic.com: "I've always said that we're melodic death metal. We are mostly influenced by Swedish bands and Carcass. The heavy end of our sound is the American style creeping in, with some Floridian influences like Morbid Angel, Malevolent Creation and that kind of stuff. We've been labeled more often because of our look than our sound, which is dumb, and speaks volumes about what kind of geniuses are out there!"
 
There you have it.  For fans of: The aforementioned bands, At The Gates, (new) Job For a Cowboy, Entombed.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/blackdahliamurder            

Hypocrisy
From: Sweden
 
Discography: “Penetralia” (1992), “Osculum Obscenum (1993), “The Fourth Dimension” (1994), “Abducted” (1996), “The Final Chapter” (1997), “Hypocrisy” (1999), “Into The Abyss “(2000), “Catch 22” (2002), “The Arrival” (2004), “Virus” (2005), “Catch 22 (V2.0.08)” (2008), “A Taste of Extreme Divinity” (2009)
 
Hypocrisy is a death metal band that was formed in 1990. They are currently signed to Nuclear Blast Records and have twelve albums, four EPs, and numerous tours under their belts. The bands lyrics have typically dealt with aliens and abductions, however in 2005’s “Virus”, the lyrics took to a more “death metal” direction with songs about death, war and emotional struggles.  Current line up is:
 
Peter Tagtgren- vocals, guitar, and synthesizer
Mikkael Hedlund- bass
Reidar Horghagen- drums
 
What could I possibly say about Hypocrisy to do them justice? They are a classic and like a fine wine, get better with age. The death metal genre would not be the same with out Hypocrisy’s influence, and ability to stand the test of time. Their latest album, “A Taste of Extreme Divinity”, is a brilliant work of art, for fans of At the Gates and Bloodbath.
 

Links: www.hypocrisy.tv

The Breathing Process
From: Connecticut, USA
 
Discography: : “In Waking: Divinity: (2008)
 
The Breathing Process is a symphonic death metal band that formed in 2003. After releasing numerous demos, line up changes, and even style changes the band finally released a full length in 2008. The bands current members:
 
John LaFrenlere- Vocals
Jordan Miner- Guitars
 
These guys have stated that they are working on a new album as of March 2009 possibly with a late October release.
 
The Breathing Process is heavy with a capitol “H”. While listening to their full length you can hear the definite influence of bands like At the Gates and Meshuggah. The Breathing Process stands out from the crowd by creating a sort of black and death metal hybrid with a decidedly european feel. For fans of With Dead Hands Rising, A Different Breed of Killer.
 
Links: www.myspace.com/tbp

Dispatched
From: Sweden

Albums: Motherwar (2001), “Terrorizer” (2003)

Epic melodic death metal that broke up after recording their second album, 2003’s “Terrorizer”. In 2004 the band announced they were getting back together but after a long stint with no recording or tour from the band, it is generally assumed they have since broke up. Members include:

Daniel Lundberg- LeadGuitar/ Backing Vocals/ Keyboard
Fredrik Karlson- Lead Vocals/ Keyboard
Dennis Nilsson- Drums
Mattias Hellman- Bass
Emil Larsson- Rhythm Guitar

Though it seems Dispatched was not around long enough to do so, they left a lasting impression the the melodeath scene . They were an immensely talented and fun to listen to band that that took a well known sound and added their own twist. For fans of the Gothenburg sound, At the Gates.

 Links: http://www.myspace.com/dispatchedband