At the Gates is a renowned Swedish death metal band that emerged from Gothenburg in 1990, playing a pivotal role in the development of the melodic death metal genre. Formed by former members of the band Grotesque, they quickly gained recognition with their debut EP, “Gardens of Grief,” leading to a record deal with Peaceville Records. Their first full-length album, “The Red in the Sky Is Ours,” released in 1992, showcased their innovative sound and set the stage for their future success.
The band’s breakthrough came with their third album, “Terminal Spirit Disease” (1994), which solidified their status in the metal scene. However, it was their 1995 release, “Slaughter of the Soul,” that became a landmark album, influencing countless bands and establishing the Gothenburg sound. This album not only received critical acclaim but also garnered international attention, propelling the band to the forefront of the Swedish metal movement.
After disbanding in 1996, the members pursued various musical projects, with some forming the band The Haunted. In 2008, At the Gates reunited for a series of highly successful shows, culminating in a full comeback in 2014 with the release of “At War with Reality.” This album was celebrated for its return to form and won a Swedish Grammy, reaffirming their legacy in the metal community.
Continuing their momentum, At the Gates released two more albums, “To Drink from the Night Itself” (2018) and “The Nightmare of Being” (2021), both of which expanded their musical horizons while remaining true to their roots. With a recent lineup change and the return of original guitarist Anders Björler, the band is currently working on their eighth studio album, promising to deliver more of their signature sound.