DARK TRANQUILLITY (S)

Niklas Sundin

Back in the early '90s Sweden's DARK TRANQUILLITY were laying the foundations for a style of metal that they could call their own. Having identified the limitations within the strict and rigid framework of the downtrodden death metal genre, DARK TRANQUILLITY began experimenting with and incorporating advanced melodic patterns and non-linear song structures into their intense, aggressive and accomplished music. Each album showcase DARK TRANQUILLITY's ability to expand their musical borders and constantly challenge their listeners.

Formed in 1989, DARK TRANQUILLITY have had a huge influence on the European underground scene, pioneering the now-archetypal style that journalists and fans have dubbed the "Gothenburg sound" (alluding to their native town in Sweden of course). This term is characterized with dueling guitar harmonies and complex song structures combined with an intense aural assault rooted in the '80s thrash tradition, although with a more melodic approach.

The irresistible and tempting beauty of Mayones instruments is widely known so it wasn't long until Daniel received his first Mayones bass when Niklas Sundin, his band mate guitarist, contacted us to discuss the features of his dream Mayo axes.

His choice are two customized guitars: a Setius GTM 6 Gothic and a Regius 6. The Setius was delivered with outstanding Black Matt top with Red Ash graining, Dark Tranquillity acrylic initials in the Ebony fretboard and two Seymour Duncan pickups, Screaming Demon (bridge) and Jazz (neck). The Regius sports Monolith Black Gloss top, Custom Dot Inlay around the 12th fret and two Seymour Duncan Invader pickups.

I've been using my Mayones Setius and Regius guitars on our current "Where death is most alive part II" tour and am extremely impressed! The instruments sound and look phenomenal, with a craftsmanship and attention to detail that's truly outstanding.

The playability and general feel is amazing and I'm looking forward to having these axes as part of my live arsenal for many years to come.