UMUR "Into Eternity" is the debut full-length studio album by Swedish death metal act Desultory. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in February 1993 (the first album in a three album deal with the label). Desultory formed in 1989 and released the "From Beyond" demo in June 1990. The "Death Unfolds" demo followed in February 1991 and the "Visions" demo in January 1992. Finally the "Forever Gone" EP was released in November 1992. The latter is a compilation of the tracks from the "Death Unfolds (1991)" demo and the "Visions (1992)" demo. Five out of the six tracks featured on "Forever Gone" appear on "Into Eternity (1993)" in re-recorded versions.

So if you already have either the demos or the "Forever Gone (1992)" compilation EP, there are actually only four new original tracks on "Into Eternity". Of course the older material appear here in re-recorded versions and "Into Eternity" is a consistent release both in terms of quality and style. In that respect you won´t notice that some tracks were written before others and the high quality of the tracks from the demos also fully warrant their inclusion here.

Stylistically the material on "Into Eternity" is melodic old school Swedish death metal (not melodeath of the Gothenburg school). The tracks are drenched in a dark and melancholic atmosphere and the lyrics deal with emotional problems/depression and sorrow. The tracks are predominantly fast-paced and energetic (no blasting) and there is a nice heavy groove in the music too. The rhythm section play raw and organic, complimented by the heavy downtuned riffs and faster tremolo ditto, while Lead vocalist/guitarist Klas Morberg sings his raspy snarling growling vocals. If I have to mention a highlight in the music though it would be lead guitarist Stefan Pöge´s dark melodic leads. They are the icing on the cake and often elevate the tracks from good to great.

"Into Eternity" features a raw, dark, and heavy sound production, which suits the material perfectly. It´s obvious that Desultory was on to something special with "Into Eternity". They had intriguing songwriting, a well sounding production, and the skills to execute their musical vision, and the outcome is a high quality old school Swedish death metal album in the melodic end of the spectrum. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.