DARK TRANQUILLITY holds the esteemed distinction as being one of the bands responsible for founding an entirely new genre of death metal music in the early '90s, which came to be known as "The Gothenburg Sound." Throughout each release, the band would explore the creative dimensions of expression, drawing upon science and mythology in their songwriting while focusing on such topics as chaos theory, psychology, art, varying states of consciousness and self-destruction. It was these lyrical aspects coupled with their stunning musical contradictions between captivating melodies and sheer brutality that helped them pioneer the famed melodic death sound.

The group kick-started the Scandinavian metal movement in 1993 with this legendary debut album, Skydancer, which also features Anders Friden (pre-In Flames) on vocals.