What makes Construct by Dark Tranquillity notable?

Upon its release, Construct received critical acclaim for its sophisticated songwriting and production quality, reaching number 34 on the Swedish album charts. The album was highlighted in several prominent reviews for its ability to blend melody with heaviness, reinforcing Dark Tranquillity's status as pioneers within the melodic death metal scene. Construct represents Dark Tranquillity's tenth studio album, following their well-received record, We Are the Void, released in 2010. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound within the melodic death metal genre while exploring more atmospheric elements. This album marked a continued evolution rather than a departure from their established style, emphasizing intricate compositions and lyrical depth.

Who is Construct for?

Construct works well if you're into dynamic journey with varied intensity, reflective moments of introspection and wave-like pacing for deep focus.

How many songs are on Construct?

Construct has 25 tracks, running approximately 113 minutes.

Construct

Dark Tranquillity · 2013

113 min · 25 tracks · melodic death metal

A rich tapestry of melodic riffs and aggressive rhythms interwoven with introspective themes and dynamic vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Science of Noise — This track showcases the band's signature blend of aggression and melody, driven by intricate guitar work and thought-provoking lyrics about communication breakdowns.
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Uniformity — With its driving tempo and intense vocal delivery, this song captures the essence of existential dread while maintaining a melodic sensibility that is central to the album's character.
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Weight of the End — This track features a powerful emotional climax, where the interplay between heavy instrumentals and introspective lyrics reflects the overarching themes of loss and realization present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Construct showcases strong songwriting and production, balancing aggression with melody, though it remains within genre conventions.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and growled vocals, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and clean singing.
Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that contrast with the heavier sections, creating dynamic shifts in intensity.
The album includes recurring motifs and themes across multiple tracks, enhancing its cohesiveness despite the varied song structures.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with varied intensity
reflective moments of introspection
wave-like pacing for deep focus
emotional peaks and valleys
atmospheric layers for immersive experience

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Construct is noted for its sophisticated songwriting and production quality, marking a high point.
Career context: Construct represents Dark Tranquillity's tenth studio album, following their well-received record, We Are the Void, released in 2010. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound within the melodic death metal genre while exploring more atmospheric elements. This album marked a continued evolution rather than a departure from their established style, emphasizing intricate compositions and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: In Flames· At the Gates· Soilwork

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Apathetic

The narrative shifts from an external observation to an intimate self-reflection on disillusionment and emotional numbness.

This change in perspective deepens the listener's connection to the theme of apathy, illustrating a personal struggle that contrasts with the album's broader commentary.