Dechristianize
[Olympic Records]
Vital Remains return with their followup to Dawn of the Apocalypse, acquiring Glen Benton of Deicide for lead vocals throughout the entire album. As one would expect, it’s an hours worth of blaspheming guttural vocals, fast double-bass beats, and an onslaught of snare blast beats. When listening to the first musical track, Dechristianize, you think that this is going to be just another typical death metal album which just circles around the now cliche “we hate God” novelty. However, after the first two minutes pass, Vital Remains surprises you with an absolutely amazing melody with excellent harmonizing guitars; and when Glen Benton adds his blasphemous vocals of hatred, it makes even the most die-hard and elite metal-head think to himself “Dei-who?”
The entire album is essentially like that: extremely crushing traditional death metal, then they break down into heavily classical-influenced melodies that are just as heavy as..well...just about anything I’ve ever heard. I would have to say that if death metal is going in any direction, these guys are leading the way. Period. Lead guitarist and drummer, Dave Suzuki, shows extreme virtuosity in both of his instruments, but mainly the guitar. His leads are obviously heavily influenced by guitar legend Yngwie Malmsteen, which are portrayed best in the last song Entwined by Vengeance.
The production is superb, as no instrument is too loud, or too quiet. The only thing that I would have done differently is mixed the bass drums a little louder. Otherwise, this album is damn near perfect. Essentially, no complaints in this category.
Overall, this is a damn fine death metal album, easily is one of the best releases this year. Long time fans will not be disappointed, as Vital Remains return with their trademark classical guitar solos, crushing riffs, and a few new tricks to show everyone. New listeners will be equally amazed at what is capable of these fine musicians. Everything I have to say about this album can be summed up in two words: unbelievably heavy. Bottom line, you would be doing yourself, and your CD collection, a great disservice by not including Dechristianize.
[Olympic Records]
Vital Remains return with their followup to Dawn of the Apocalypse, acquiring Glen Benton of Deicide for lead vocals throughout the entire album. As one would expect, it’s an hours worth of blaspheming guttural vocals, fast double-bass beats, and an onslaught of snare blast beats. When listening to the first musical track, Dechristianize, you think that this is going to be just another typical death metal album which just circles around the now cliche “we hate God” novelty. However, after the first two minutes pass, Vital Remains surprises you with an absolutely amazing melody with excellent harmonizing guitars; and when Glen Benton adds his blasphemous vocals of hatred, it makes even the most die-hard and elite metal-head think to himself “Dei-who?”
The entire album is essentially like that: extremely crushing traditional death metal, then they break down into heavily classical-influenced melodies that are just as heavy as..well...just about anything I’ve ever heard. I would have to say that if death metal is going in any direction, these guys are leading the way. Period. Lead guitarist and drummer, Dave Suzuki, shows extreme virtuosity in both of his instruments, but mainly the guitar. His leads are obviously heavily influenced by guitar legend Yngwie Malmsteen, which are portrayed best in the last song Entwined by Vengeance.
The production is superb, as no instrument is too loud, or too quiet. The only thing that I would have done differently is mixed the bass drums a little louder. Otherwise, this album is damn near perfect. Essentially, no complaints in this category.
Overall, this is a damn fine death metal album, easily is one of the best releases this year. Long time fans will not be disappointed, as Vital Remains return with their trademark classical guitar solos, crushing riffs, and a few new tricks to show everyone. New listeners will be equally amazed at what is capable of these fine musicians. Everything I have to say about this album can be summed up in two words: unbelievably heavy. Bottom line, you would be doing yourself, and your CD collection, a great disservice by not including Dechristianize.
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| Tracklist: 01. Let the Killing Begin 02. Dechristianize 03. Infidel 04. Devoured Elysium 05. Savior to None...Failure for All 06. Unleashed Hell 07. Rush of Deliverance 08. At War with God 09. Entwined By Vengeance |
| Rating: 9/10 |
| Release Date: 2003 |
| Length: 60:40 |
| Review By: Lord Goathole |
| Total Reviews: (1) |
| Bands Website: Go Here |
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