At The Gates: The Pioneers of Melodic Death Metal

At The Gates is a Swedish melodic death metal band that formed in 1990 in Gothenburg. The band consists of Tomas Lindberg on vocals, Anders Björler on guitar, Martin Larsson on guitar, Jonas Björler on bass, and Adrian Erlandsson on drums. At The Gates is known for their unique blend of death metal and melody, and their influential role in the development of the melodic death metal genre.

Early Years and Formation

At The Gates was formed by guitarist Anders Björler and vocalist Tomas Lindberg, who had previously been in a band together called Grotesque. They were joined by guitarist Martin Larsson and bassist Jonas Björler (Anders' brother), and began writing and rehearsing their own material. The band's early sound was heavily influenced by death metal bands such as Morbid Angel and Deicide, but with a more melodic and atmospheric approach. In 1991, At The Gates released their debut album, "The Red in the Sky is Ours", which was well-received by the underground metal community.

Breakthrough and Success

At The Gates' breakthrough came with their second album, "With Fear I Kiss the Burning Darkness", which was released in 1993. The album featured a more refined and melodic sound, and became a hit with metal fans and critics alike. The band's popularity grew, and they began to tour extensively across Europe and the United States. In 1994, they released their third album, "Terminal Spirit Disease", which was even more successful than their previous release. The album featured complex song structures, and showcased the band's technical prowess and musicianship.

Influence on the Melodic Death Metal Genre

At The Gates' unique blend of death metal and melody influenced many other bands in the genre, and helped to establish the melodic death metal sound that is now popular worldwide. Their albums were highly influential to bands such as In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, and Carcass, who were all heavily influenced by At The Gates' sound. The band's unique approach to death metal helped to pave the way for the emergence of the melodic death metal genre, and their albums are still considered classics of the genre.

Disbandment and Reformation

In 1996, At The Gates announced their disbandment, citing creative differences and a desire to pursue other projects. The band members went on to form or join other bands, and their final album, "Slaughter of the Soul", was released posthumously in 1995. In 2007, At The Gates announced that they would be reuniting for a series of live shows, and in 2014 they released their first new album in 19 years, "At War with Reality". The album received critical acclaim, and the band continues to tour and perform live.

Legacy and Impact

At The Gates' impact on the metal scene cannot be overstated. They were one of the first bands to successfully blend death metal and melody, and their unique approach to the genre influenced many other bands and helped to establish the melodic death metal sound. Their albums are still considered classics of the genre, and the band continues to inspire and influence metal fans around the world.