Unjustly overlooked, the American formation VITAL REMAINS released their second album Into Cold Darkness back in 1995. Compared to the somewhat raw debut Let Us Pray, it differs in that here the band found its sound, its signature element -- that atmosphere more akin to the black metal legion of bands, the power and, I would say, the confidence.
What I love about bands from the last century is the sound. Nowadays it's a rarity -- that rough, unpolished, unbuffed tone. Back then they created music without obsessing over the technical side; there was more sincerity in it than there is now.
So what was I saying?
Into Cold Darkness is an excellent specimen of old-school American death metal -- a solid sound, clanging bass, classic growling that is both good and varied, virtuoso solos that are apt and justified, never shifting the center of musical gravity toward themselves but merely adding spice to the overall dish.
Into Cold Darkness is fast and deadly.
What can I say -- this is practically a classic.