Style: Progressive metal (clean vocals)
Recommended for fans of: Evergrey, Morgana Lafey, Circus Maximus
Review by: Francesco
Country: Italy
Release date: 26 February, 2023
Inner Vitriol from Italy returned to the scene earlier this year after a more than ten year musical hiatus. Into the Silence I Sink was originally released in 2012 under the mononym ‘Vitriol‘, and remastered for their rebranding. Self styled as “dark progressive”, their music intersperses minimalist melodic passages and an atmospheric and somber soundscape with the heavy staccato riffing and drumming typical of the progressive metal genre.
The thematic writing on this album is introspective and contemplative, made to contrast sharply with a lot of the aggressive musicality, and complement the bleak and gloomy atmosphere of the other half of the songwriting that is found in this release. The lyrical concepts delve into dark corners of the human psyche and speak of solitude, existence, abandonment, isolation, and the perceived inability to make interpersonal connections. These themes can be commonly written about in metal, but Inner Vitriol deftly stay away from the heavy-handed symbolism in the lyrical prose of some other genres in favour of a more nuanced, even poetic approach.
Musically, Inner Vitriol‘s songs gradually evolve from start to finish by utilizing inventive arrangements that include odd-timed riffs, captivating vocal harmonies, and lots of melodic, emotional solo piano and vocal phrases- the latter of which do a lot for the somber atmosphere of the album. The crushing guitar work of Michele Di Lauro propels each track forward alongside the punishing and complex drumming of Michele Panepinto, well supported by Francesco Lombardo’s intricate bass lines (featured prominently during a dazzling solo in “Behind the Electric Veil”). But the standout member for me is singer Gabriele Gozzi by a mile. His singing and the harmonies he chooses makes a very emotive, haunting vocal performance that really shines when combined with the tonality of the music.
I first heard Into the Silence I Sink years ago and while I immediately gravitated to the heavier side of their track listing, understanding the thematic ideas behind the album made it clear to me that the softer, more stripped-down elements were a necessary part of the textural landscape that they were sculpting. Inner Vitriol crafted an intense and emotional listen, combining technical riffing and precision drumming with a dark atmosphere and highly evocative vocal performance. I fear this album has been sorely overlooked and I hope the remaster brings the group more attention as they shake off the dust from their hiatus. Pour yourself a glass of Pignoletti and enjoy the sounds of Bolognese progressive metal.
Recommended tracks: Behind the Electric Veil, The Frozen Wind, Endless Spiral
You may also like: DGM, New Horizons, Pathosray
Final verdict: 8.5/10
Related links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Official Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Metal-Archives Page
Label: Melodic Revolution Records – Bandcamp | Facebook | Official Website
Inner Vitriol is:
– Gabriele Gozzi (vocals)
– Francesco Lombardo (guitars)
– Michele Di Lauro (bass)
– Michele Panepinto (drums)
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