Dark Tranquillity was formed in 1989 by current vocalist and then-guitarist Mikael Stanne, and guitarist Niklas Sundin, under the name Septic Broiler.

Guitarist Mikael Stanne then assumed the position of lead vocalist, and Fredrik Johansson was recruited to take over second guitar duties.

In January 1999, Fredrik Johansson and the band parted ways, citing a desire to focus on his family and a more stable job.

[8] With that position now vacant, bassist Martin Henriksson took over duties as second guitarist,[9] and the band brought in Michael Niklasson on bass.

Dark Tranquillity released Damage Done in 2002, was a return to a much heavier direction, adding thicker guitar distortion, deep atmospheric keyboards, and abandoning soft vocals altogether.

It featured the fourth music video released by Dark Tranquillity, with the successful single "Lost to Apathy".

In 2007, Fiction was released, which in turn, saw a return of Stanne's clean vocals, and the first female guest vocalist since Projector.

[14] They were also the opening act for a US winter tour that was headlined by Killswitch Engage and joined by The Devil Wears Prada.

[19] On 18 February 2013, Antonsson amicably left Dark Tranquillity, citing a desire to focus on playing guitar and being a recording engineer and producer.

The band also commented on the style of the album, saying, "While still bearing the unmistakable mark of the Dark Tranquillity, the record is probably our most different and diverse offering since 1999's Projector".

[24] To promote the album, the band toured the world with dates in Finland and North America alongside Omnium Gatherum, Europe with Tristania, and Sweden with Darkane.

On 14 January 2014, the band announced that the song would be released with another B-side, titled "A Memory Construct", on a limited tour 7" and digitally which also includes the "Sorrow's Architect".

[27] On 22 May 2016, Dark Tranquillity began recording their eleventh full-length album Atoma,[28] but did not officially announce it until 6 July.

[30] On 22 March 2020, Niklas Sundin released a statement on Dark Tranquillity's social media, announcing his departure from the band.

For their upcoming tour bassist Christian Jansson and In Mourning drummer Joakim Strandberg Nilsson were asked to play as session musicians.