Looking for something similar to ATG's first two albums with that real doomy and dark atmosphere (not really Doom Metal) and with that hint of Black Metal influence like they had in those two albums. Thanks.

I'm assuming you already know Dawn and Unanimated?

I'm assuming you already know Dawn and Unanimated?

nope but I'll check em out.

Ophthalamia

Liers in Wait had Alf Svensson, Anders Bjorler, and Tomas Lindberg in the band at one point, and their only EP sounds very similar to early At the Gates.

Crystal Age is worth checking out as well. Far Beyond Divine Horizons (their only release) has a The Red In the Sky is Ours vibe throughout, except it's sci fi themed. It's a pretty badass album. Physical copies are hard to find cheaply but downloads legal and illegal are out there.

How about Cadaver? Their album "In Pains" isn't really as technical or layered as early ATG, but they have lengthy melodic riffs, the dark, doomy atmosphere (without being full on doom metal), and there's even some small degree of violin and cello in there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHVXu8PHA68 Here's an audio sample. You might find some value in it.

FUCKING EUCHARIST

A VELVET FUCKING CREATION

Disclaimer; Eucharist have a sense of coherence in their songwriting, so if the riff salad is what you're looking for, you may be disappointed. However they are apropos in all other regards; the shrill atmosphere, somber melody, penchant for tremolo picking, and abstract lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz-kEv5PnX8

Decollation - Cursed Lands comes very close to the darkness of Gardens Of Grief.

Check out Oral - Slagen In Blod MCD as well. Alf's Crustcore band, but with lots of weird ATG/Grotsque riffing. Highly unique.

Wanted to say these. One of the most underrated swedeath bands I think.

Gates of Ishtar. Also seconding the Unanimated.

You might like Soulless, from the US. Some of the better melodic death ever to come out of this god forsaken country. Apologies in advance if they dont exactly capture the sound youre looking for but awesome nonetheless.

Earache's The Soulless?!?! And how are they similar to old ATG?

OP, try the album Soulreaper - Liferazer, or anything by In Thy Dreams.

Ok I admit it, hastiness while posting is not a good thing. I think I might check these guys too!

The band is Soulless, they are/were not on earache, and its great melodic death, better then at the gates imo, man. Also the often overlooked Detonation, they have 2 full lengths, you might like those as well.

You might like Therion (Swe)'s debut...much more rooted in death/doom metal before they went the symphonic route, and often reminiscent of early ATG.:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59O1bNn0kH4