- Band – https://redvinter.bandcamp.com/album/into-the-deep
- 4 piece out of Minneapolis – Guitar/Guitar/Bass-Vox/Drums
- Release Date: 03/13/2025
- 14:59 Studios – https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1009054762/1459-studios/ / https://www.facebook.com/1459studio/
- Tags: industrial metal, metal, minneapolis, osdm, st. paul, death metal, doom metal, sludge metal
After listening to these over 21 times since release, here are my takeaways:
Sound/Mix
This recording is high quality. Small, cheap smart screen speakers, headphones, mid level portables, stock vehicle speakers, higher end sound bars; the essence of each tunes’ energy comes across on all just fine. The stereo type elements stood out to me on this recording – each instrument and even each fucking drum sound like they are coming from a different location, but balance out perfectly and make this a very engaging listen.
Performance
Look above at Red Vinter’s self-tagged identification markers. You might think they would be sloppy based on these descriptors, but this band sounds like perfectionists. Every guitar riff, every bass line, every drum or cymbal hit, every word growled into a mic… everything is planned out and played with precision and intent. Song structure is also very purposeful, and each song section builds into the entire album; no wasted space in playing. Side note – I saw them live at the First Annual Sinkfest – The attention to detail and precision, while still focusing on HEAVINESS is also evident when you see them in person. They can play.
Highlights
It is harder to play slow and heavy than it is to play fast. That statement is for sure open to debate, but give that thought a shake and try listening and playing shit slow and heavy. This band excels at precision, control, and heaviness. With this mindset, the two primary highlights are:
- The Drum Beats – Groovy, mechanical, organic, industrial, an element of swing, everything composed and patient, laying a foundation that defines Red Vinter’s sound signature.
- The Riffs and Chords – Absolute evil. Every note is also planned and purposeful. These are disciples of Lord Iommi.
Shade
Two things I will throw out:
- No guitar solos. Plenty of room for it. What would Lord Iommi say to this oversight? Make it happen next time!
- Wasted non-playing space – Now, bear with me here while I attempt to be concise. I think ambient sounds, effects, samples are awesome and they give space between the tunes and can add so much to the overall theme and intention of an album. On this EP, the non-playing sounds and space are incorporated well and definitely add to mystique and eerieness Red Vinter is going after… BUT… it is a fucking EP! 3 songs: 1. Ashes 04:15 / 2. Whispered Lies 07:37 / 3. The Last Voyage 05:13. The non-playing sound space takes up a good chunk of the play time (close to half of “Whispered”). This amount of space to breathe makes sense on a full length album with maybe 5 other songs, but on this short of release, some of those pieces got a little redundant after listening through it 21 times!
Summary
To me, this band has demonstrated an ability to consistently land at the crossroads of several different subgenres in a very excellent and unique way. If you aren’t a pure speed freak, there will be something for you on this album (and also their demo from late 2023 – We Built Our Own Death Machine – https://redvinter.bandcamp.com/album/we-built-our-own-death-machine-demo-2023-remastered). If you are a speed freak, Red Vinter’s shit has enough heaviness and complexity to be a fantastic palate cleanser. Spin both of these albums and let me know what you think! ALSO – As I was listening and writing this review, social media posts had it looking like they are in the studio yet again… I heard a rumor a full length album may be on the way. Stay tuned for more.
Æræder