Into Darkness - Route To The Outer Side - CD

Italy's INTODARKNESS have been a work in progress since their formation in 2011. Led by vocalist / guitarist Doomed Warrior from the very beginning, the band released a handful of demos, a couple splits, and a couple EPs during their first decade of existence. While all short-lengths, they certainly did not lack in quality. As time (and lineups) went on, INTO DARKNESS’ primary influences – equally early Asphyx and Soulburn, Pentacle, Sinister, Gorefest, Dead Head, Phlebotomized, Acrostichon, and Thanatos among others – came more sharply into focus, aligning reverently within old-school Dutch death metal in style but with a unique lyrical focus: divulgative astronomy. Not astrology, not sci-fi, no Lovecraft – only and specifically divulgative astronomy, maybe poetically but definitely realistically. Now, at long last, INTO DARKNESS are prepared to unleash their debut album. Tellingly titled Route to the Outer Side, the Italians’ first full-length is a concept record about the outer solar system, which still considers Pluto as a planet and also includes Halley’s Comet.

As a power-trio, they unload a twisted, hulking mass of DEATH METAL – dark, doomed, but not without a special spark of astral atmosphere. Mind you, INTO DARKNESS still don’t do “sci-fi” or “spacey” death metal; rather, the sweeping songwriting that overtakes the listener with an energetic-yet-patient pace spells out in subtler terms the band’s lyrical conceits. Put another way, they show you rather than tell you about the vast, ominous majesty of space, leaving behind cliché sonic signifiers in favor of timeless death metal songcraft. Nevertheless, the trio possess prodigious chops, and are unafraid to often put them in service of the song – but when framed within the album’s powerful & professional production, it all feels exceptionally organic and far from flashy.

A creative, passionate vision that’s bloomed beyond their trademark tribute to classic Dutch death metal, INTO DARKNESS have finally arrived. Prepare for the Route to the Other Side!