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
Rating: 4
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