At the Gates

At the Gates is a Swedish melodic death metal band formed in Gothenburg in 1990, influential in the Gothenburg scene and best known for the 1995 album Slaughter of the Soul.

The band released several landmark albums in the early-to-mid 1990s (including The Red In The Sky Is Ours, With Fear I Kiss the Burning Darkness, Terminal Spirit Desease, and Slaughter of the Soul). They disbanded in 1996 and later reunited (post-2007). Reviews note the departure of long-time guitarist Anders Björler prior to To Drink From The Night Itself and mention Jonas Stålhammar as his replacement in the period covered by the reviews.

DeBaser reviews celebrate At the Gates as a cornerstone of Swedish/melodic death metal, especially praising Slaughter of the Soul. Earlier releases (With Fear I Kiss..., The Red In The Sky Is Ours) are noted for rawness and importance. Terminal Spirit Desease is frequently highlighted as essential; later reunion albums receive mixed but respectful appraisals. Lineup changes (Anders Björler's departure) and stylistic recycling on recent records are mentioned in critiques.

For:Fans of melodic death metal, collectors, and listeners exploring classic Swedish death metal.