DRIFT INTO BLACK is a gothic/doom metal band that started in 2017 and hails from Sayreville, New Jersey. This is their latest full-length album "Patterns of Light" released on May 28th, 2021. It is a essentially one-man band project (with guest musicians) where most of the musical duties are handled by Craig Rossi. From the echo effects in the guitars, hat have a Scottish influence in the background, to the overall atmosphere, we are greeted by the rather unique vocals of Craig Rossi, which does bare some light resemblances to Ian Astbury from THE CULT in "The Silent Autumn" to a much heavier guitar sound in "Among the Beast", which in overall mood is much closer to TIAMAT and GODGORY, it is much grittier and shows off a more death metal (yet fairly clear) vocal. At times, the effects used in the vocals are like what MORBID ANGEL were ominous for in the mid-1990s. The clean vocals are at the absolute opposite, mid-range, and sound like they would fit into a progressive rock outfit (there is a keyboard passage here that does flirt a bit with that genre).

"Mother in Peril 9" is slightly quicker and immediately reminded me of the glory days of PARADISE LOST with those very intricate melodies. The contrast between the two vocals approaches is incredible, as the higher, nasal clean vocals, are what is synonymous with gothic rock, yet the rougher ones can match any death metal outfit out there today (think NEFILIM). If you want a hook that lets you linger a bit before going into a MOONSPELL mode, then I am certain will sink your teeth into the standout of the album, "The Burial Gown", one of the few that dwells a little into the black metal side of doom metal (like AGALLOCH). If you are more into the sheer horrific side of music and want something evil and ominous, then you will have your favorite in "Her Voice from Beyond ", this is the number that will send shivers down your spine, as again, this could be easily part of a horror movie soundtrack, because it employs so many themes synonymous with ghosts and the afterlife, hence the perfect title.

The final two songs on the albums are 2 parts entitled "Patterns of Light" and show a much cleaner side that the band is capable of (like the introduction), but also mastering the art of progressions and a slow buildup (like SWALLOW THE SUN). The 2 songs are a great outro to the album, as they go through a myriad of emotions and minor tempo changes, and just feel like a chapter ending throughout. I think it has been over 10 years since I have listened to anything remotely close to gothic metal (even in the doom sphere), and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the arrangements, the production and the passion shown by Craig Rossi who is at the helm of this impressive project. If the gothic variety of doom is your cup of tea, then, drink this one up and enjoy.