Saturday, February 9, 2019

Vital Remains: Let Us Pray



Vital Remains' debut album "Let Us Pray" is a crushing display of death metal that has a lot going for it. First, as I've stated in other reviews, the songs on this album are on the long side, which would be a trend they would continue for most of their career. Just as I have stated before, I have no problem with the length as just like "Icons of Evil" the music and song writing on "Let Us Pray" is formulated to fit such lengths. At no point do I feel like I'm listening to two completely different songs, nor do any portions feel like filler. As for the music, there is a significant change of style compared to their later years. The biggest being that Glen Benton is not on vocals. "Let Us Pray" would be fronted by Jeff Gruslin, whose vocal style is completely different, which is a good thing. His vocals fit perfectly due to the second style difference; the music. The sound on this album is nowhere near the frantic, blazing speed of either Benton fronted affairs and for good reason. Benton's vocals play well with those styles of insane riffs and blastbeats. Jeff Gruslin's vocals on the other hand, have a more paced and methodical sound to them, which is recognized by the similarities in the music.  Slower riffs and more precise drumming complement Gruslin's style, allowing them to mesh and form the crushing sound they sought to create. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of blastbeats and up tempos riffs to be had on this album, but it's the more technical melodies that can be heard that are more prominent, creating a progressive atmosphere throughout the album. Old school death metal fans will dig this for sure, but if you're like me and your first experience with the band was during the Benton era, don't miss out on their earlier releases. This album may offer a different flavor, but it's no less appealing.

Highlights "Of Pure Unholiness" "Ceremony of the Seventh Circle" "War in Paradise"

Rating: 4

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