Into Darkness

VINYL FORMAT. Sometimes a band is so far ahead of the times or just so original that people aren't ready for them and only years later do they get the praise they deserve. This is truly the case of Winter. They formed in 1988 out of the ashes of local punk bands Doomsday and Meltdown. The thriving underground music scene in NY at the time was split between NYHC, death/thrash metal and punk. Each one was separate from the other in musical style, politics (or lack thereof) and fashion. Somewhere in the middle of all that Winter arrived. At this time every band from the area were playing as fast as possible. They, however, were the complete opposite...playing as slow and heavy as possible. They tuned lower than any band and their tempos crawled at a snail's pace. Inspired by bands as diverse as Black Sabbath, Celtic Frost, Amebix, Rudimentiry Peni, King Crimson, Hawkwind, Carnivore and Discharge, their combination of dark lyrics, low vocals and crushing slow tempos slowly built a following of punks, metalheads, and even some NYHC/crossover fans. The band signed with Future Shock Records for the release of their debut LP, Into Darkness. The album became an instant cult classic. As the years went on, Winter's legacy slowly evolved from total obscurity to a cult favorite, respected around the world. Winter disbanded in 1991, but 20+ years later the immense impact and influence of the band continues on! From Cathedral to Grief to Unearthly Trance to Coffins, all these bands readily admit the influence of the mighty Winter. After a few dodgy reissues and shitty bootlegs from other labels comes the OFFICIAL release of Into Darkness. ALL HAIL WINTER. RISE.