Usually I don’t review a lot of death metal bands but especially American death metal bands. I don’t because after awhile their albums all kinda start to sound the same. Death metal (especially American) is one of those genres of music where it’s hard to review. However there are some exceptions (see Morbid Angel, Nile) and so for this review I’m putting Vital Remains on the chopping block. So let’s take a look…….
Let Us Pray- alright so this one starts out as any 90’s death metal band but for this one, the production is quite good. Like if you listen to the first couple Cannibal Corpse records, the sound isn’t that good. That’s not the case here. So for this, I’ll give it 8/10
Standouts: War In Paradise, Malevolent Incantation, Cult Of The Dead
Into Cold Darkness- I really like the album cover for this one. It’s a wolf in a forest and it’s got a black metal feel to it. Now the first song kinda has that blackened death metal feel to it too. Overall though, this is really more of the same. I give this 8/10
Standouts: Immortal Crusade, Dethroned Emperor, Crown Of The Black Hearts
Forever Underground- this is an EP and it really sounds like a bunch of leftovers from the last two records. The production on it is not bad and in fact you can understand the vocals a little better on this. It’s a good in between release. Check this one out. 9/10
Standouts: Battle Ground, I Am God, Eastern Journey
Dawn Of The Apocalypse- ok so I feel like here the albums go from just your standard death metal albums and into more epic territory (not sure how to describe it). I guess you’ll just have to listen to the album(s). For starters, there are these intros from what I can only guess are from movies and secondly, the songs are a lot longer (I’m talking like 8-9 minutes). Also the guitar work is a lot more technical. Anyway, sound wise, this one has that sort of old production with a modern sound. I think that this album does tend to drag in parts so therefore I’ll give it 8.5/10
Standouts: Black Magick Curse, Flag Of Victory, The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
Dechristianize- this part of the band is interesting. For one thing, they continue the same trend as the last album with the longer songs and intros. Secondly, we have Glenn Benton (Deicide) on vocals and man does he do a great job on this record. This record is also faster and much more brutal. Like if you wanted to listen to a super satanic death metal record, this might be a good record to listen to. I have no choice but to give this a 10/10. Not to mention the record name is absolutely badass
Standouts: Dechristianize, Unleash Hell, At War With God
Icons Of Evil- ok so this is when I first heard of these guys and I even remember seeing them at a 2 day music festival called Murder Fest LA. I thought they were badass and this record is also just as badass and brutal as the last one. I must also point out that Dave Suzuki is an incredible guitar player and he is at his best here. The guitar work is almost bluesy and has a classic guitar flavor to it. Like seriously if you enjoy and appreciate great guitar work then seriously check this album out. It really is too bad he left after this record. Anyway we also have Glenn Benton on vocals again (although I don’t think he toured with the band). Anyway, this is an awesome record and I definitely recommend it. I also am giving this record another 10/10
Standouts: Icons Of Evil, Born To Rape The World, In Infamy
Ok seriously if you haven’t heard of this band definitely check them out especially their last two albums. These guys are seriously underrated and whether or not you agree with their satanic views, at the heart of it is a really good death metal band. Also I think they did a tour with Deicide which actually would’ve been cool to check out. Anyway, give these albums a listen. I think you’ll like what you hear.
Album Rankings:
- Icons Of Evil
- Dechristianize
- Forever Underground
- Into Cold Darkness
- Let Us Pray
- Dawn Of The Apocalypse
Sinister Reviews 