thrash metal maniac wrote:The production shouldn't have to give the music atmosphere anyways, the music itself and the tone/settings of the instruments should give it all the atmosphere and feeling...
I'm sorry, but that is total nonsense. For a start, whether you record digitally or onto tape is going to affect the sound massively; that's why a lot of modern records sound very sterile and lifeless, and why a lot of classic 70s and 80s records have more warmth and character. Different studios, with different equipment made a great difference to the records, but now everyone uses stock digital software.
Also, isn't the tone of the instruments a production issue to some degree? Are you telling me that something like early Mayhem or Darkthrone would sound as cryptic, obscure and stygian if it had a polished Dimmu Borgir style production?