That’s right folks, it’s official, At The Gates are back! Following their live-reunion and a spate of online teasers hinting at the prospect, the pioneers of the Gothernburg style of death metal have inked a deal with Century Media Records, and confirm rumours that they are working on a new studio album featuring their 1995 Slaughter Of The Soul lineup: Tomas Lindberg – Vocals, Anders Björler – Guitars, Martin Larsson – Guitars, Jonas Björler – Bass, Adrian Erlandsson – Drums. The album, which going on early reports is entitled At War With Reality, should see its release in late 2014 according to the official press release.
In response to the news, At The Gates today released the following, high-spirited, statement: “So, here we are almost 24 years since the birth of At The Gates, and some 18+ years since our last album, Slaughter Of The Soul. A lot of years have passed and we have embarked on some life-changing reunion tours and shows the last couple of years. So, why make a new album you might ask, and why now? Well, what we learned from the last couple of years hanging out and playing shows together, is that we enjoy what we do to the fullest extent. We love playing music together, and we love to hang out as friends. But, as musicians, we constantly write new music. It’s a huge part of our identities.
“We are fully aware that we have made some very drastic statements in interviews as well as the closing words on the DVD about the longevity of At The Gates, but things change, situations change and people change. When Anders sent the first song last summer, we had zero expectations of the outcome. We only knew one thing: that it sounded amazing! At the time we weren’t even sure there would be an album, but as things progressed, more songs came into existence, and we knew we were on to something great.
“We know you are all curious about the new material, and to make a simple explanation of where we are at musically, we would describe it as a perfect mix between early At The Gates & Slaughter Of The Soul-era At The Gates, trying to maintain the legacy and the history.
“We chose Century Media as a worldwide partner for the upcoming album. We have all been friends for years with people at the label. Jonas and Anders have a history with The Haunted there (as well as Adrian with Paradise Lost). So, we hope to bring you updates about the progress of the new album soon. The plan is to record the album in June/July with a tentative release in October / November of 2014 on Century Media Records.”
Century Media Records added: “We are extremely proud and super excited to have teamed up with one of the most legendary and influential bands in metal. At The Gates have not only been a staff favourite since their very inception, but also a group of members that we individually like, respect and are always glad to support. As the reunion shows of the recent years have demonstrated, At The Gates are currently on top of their game and more relevant than ever before within and for the metal scene of these days. We truly look forward to pushing At The Gates to new heights with their new album At War With Reality. Let’s…GO!!!”
If that hasn’t made you happy enough already, the band have also announced a run of live dates, with more to be added soon:
AT THE GATES Live 2014:
TH 06.03.2014 Stockholm (Sweden) – Close-Up Båten
SA 08.03.2014 Trondheim (Norway) – Trondheim Metal Fest
SA 26.04.2014 Santiago (Chile) – The Metal Fest
FR 23.05.2014 Baltimore (US) – Maryland Death Fest
TH 10.07.2014 Neskaupstadur (Iceland) – Eistnaflug Festival
