To explain things for beginners is a thing that is pretty easier from a veteran, because the older bands can become stoned to old formulas and models. The ones who are just beginning their careers can hear carefully what some can say and take many important lessons for the future. And the Canadian duet VITAL SPIRIT is a beginner that comes with its first release, the 4-song EP "In the Faith that Looks Through Death".

Their music is a form of Black Metal with deep roots on the 90's, using many melodic elements that are usual to hear on bands from Swedish Black/Death Metal School (as some melodic lead guitars within melodically darkened parts, as can be heard clearly during "Centaur"). It's clear that they still can mature a bit more to be in the right point, but the energy and personality shown on these songs is something to follow with attention.

The songs were mixed and mastered by Andrew Oswald at Secret Bathroom in Oakland (CA), but the sonority gives that idea that there's a 'smoke cloud' floating above the songs. The tunes from the musical instruments could be better worked during the distorted moments. It's not a loss, but it's not what their music needs to be fully understood.

Their lyrics deal with Indigenous mythology and history, so it's something really different from the usual satanic themes. And their musical potential can be felt on the melodies created by the guitars on "Heart of Sky" and "Centaur" (both using some clean melodic moments that are great), on the harsh and aggressive feeling of "Face of the Sun" (this one has a traditional Black/Death Metal insight, but with very good shrieks), and on the brutal and oppressive outfit of "Ghost Dance" (on some moments, bass guitar and drums seems to create tribal rhythms). But some parts can evolve a bit more, because their musical potential is great enough for that.

Although the sound quality of "In the Faith that Looks Through Death" could be way better, the musical work of VITAL SPIRIT really deserves to be heard and followed. Their future seems to be great, indeed.