DRIFT INTO BLACK is a solo gothic and doom metal inspired act out of New Jersey. Originally formed in 2017, DRIFT INTO BLACK released an EP entitled, "Shadow People". What followed was the 2018 full-length album "Dead Suns Under the Forever Moon".  Now DRIFT INTO BLACK return to the fold with the new full-length album, "Anthems From The Darkest Winter".

There is a beautiful mixture of the avant-garde style of gothic rock in DRIFT INTO BLACK's music. But what grabs me more about the music is the addition of the brutal vocals. There are some elements of a more death metal style to the sound. The opening track, "Snowbound" brings a more elevated metal sound with it. The gothic inspired keyboard work and musicianship are fueled by the gutter growls of Craig Rossi. It is a perfect blend of brutal and beautiful. The musicianship is a thing to behold, being that it is solo effort. There is a lot to digest in terms of tempo changes and production. The second track, "No Tomorrow", leans more on the slower tempo. The vocal cadence and dark and gloomy melody offering a (dare I say) darker OZZY OSBOURNE like sound. But then you are hit again with the rougher and grittier vocals that have that death metal tinge to them.

"The Ending of Silence" brings in the more doom sound to it. The tempo is of a slower nature, but the guitar work is a lot grungier. The keyboard melody brings in a more alternative rock band sound to add more to the depth of the music. I like the many sub-genre nuances that exist in a lot of the tracks. "The Darkest Winter" to me brings in another element to this already diverse musical sound. There is a darker black metal sound to the track. That is what I love about DRIFT INTO BLACK, the sound is not linear whatsoever. There is mostly a theme of gothic sounds, but there are many elements of other sub-genres thrown in.

I love the track, "Seasons", as it is a beautiful piano melody coupled with clean vocals and some great guitar work. This is the diverse sound that DRIFT INTO BLACK brings with "Anthems From The Darkest Winter". Of course, I couldn't end my review without commenting on the PINK FLOYD cover of "High Hopes". I think it is beautifully done and adds that DRIFT INTO BLACK gothic style to it. Not many bands succeed in covering legendary bands, while simultaneously elevating the song, but I believe this is that case. "Anthems From The Darkest Winter" is a beautifully dark and layered sounding album. DRIFT INTO BLACK pull no punches when adding more elements like death metal, black metal, and alternative rock into a truly cohesive sound. This is a fun and diverse album that fans of types of metal will enjoy.