Melodic death metal band At the Gates is currently on the Latin American segment of a world tour in support of the album At War With Reality, which was in October 2014 after a very long hiatus. In Costa Rica, At the Gates will perform live at Pepper’s Club on Saturday, September 5^th. The venue is located in the Zapote district, which is part of the eastern suburbs of San Jose.

 

The history of At the Gates dates back to the early 1990s, when the band emerged as a pioneer of the melodic death metal (or Gothenburg death metal) sound. Initially active from 1990 to 1996, the band reformed in 2007 for a reunion tour before breaking up once again in 2008. However, they reformed for a second time in 2011, and have since continued to perform live. The band released their comeback album ‘At War with Reality’ (their first album in 19 years) in October 2014.

 

When At the Gates began recording, their signature style included string solos and neo-classical arrangements that evoked a chamber music feeling. Future albums featured instrumental virtuosity combined with thrash metal stylings similar to those of bands such as Slayer from the United States. The vocals of At the Gates combine diabolical grunts with blood curling shrieks that would not be out of place in a horror film.

 

With the new album At War With Reality, The Gothenburg band have been careful not to raise fans’ hopes for a new album since they reformed in 2007, 11 years after splitting up. When they did return, it was with the full classic line-up, namely, Lindberg, guitarists Anders Björler and Martin Larsson, bassist Jonas Björler and drummer Adrian Erlandsson. But, for a long time, the five-piece were careful to distance themselves from any thoughts of new recordings.

 

By touring Latin American nations, At the Gates is paying homage to the magic realism vibe that inspired their latest album. Magic realism is a surrealistic motif that has distinguished Latin American writers. At the Gates is visiting Costa Rica at a time when the domestic death metal scene is gaining popularity.