Vital Remains Dechristianize

Vital Remains are back with their newest album, “Dechristianize,” and I don’t see how this band continues to top itself.This is hands down one of the best death metal albums I have heard in a long time.For those not familiar with this band, Vital Remains has been punishing the underground for over a decade, and this release in particular features Glen Benton of Deicide on vocals.In the time I’ve been listening to death metal, I haven’t heard a band that does a better job of mixing traditional (almost old-school) metal with the grinding brutality of modern death metal, than Vital Remains.With this latest epic, Vital Remains have pushed the limits of extreme metal even further. “Dechristianize” begins with a dark intro entitled “Let The Killing Begin” and then blasts through eight more tracks that totals more than 60 minutes of music.By the end of this record, I was just pulverized.Vital Remains weaves together such tightly knit songs that it is nearly impossible to find a single crack or flaw.Dave Suzuki manages to crank out some of the tightest blast beats I’ve ever heard.Those only familiar with Deicide will recognize Glen Benton’s low-end roar, but his vocal presentation is varied with high-pitched screams, that aren’t as predominant on the Deicide records.The vocals are just another element that make this such a dynamic record. Vital Remains’ varied influences shine brightly throughout the entire album.However, these influences and dynamic elements are mixed so smoothly that nothing is a blatant rip-off.Vital Remains still have the classic Morbid Angel influence and almost Iron Maiden styled melodies.There are some parallels to Deicide that are probably unavoidable, but aren’t too obtrusive.One thing, which keeps this record spinning in my player, is the fusion with contemporary death metal sounds.Many songs bear similarities to Dying Fetus, Nile, and at times Beyond The Sixth Seal.So, for fans of death metal, Vital Remains provides something for everyone. The shortest song on “Dechristianize” clocks in at five minutes and forty-five seconds, and though there are epic-length songs to keep up with, I have never once found myself wishing a song would hurry up and end.These guys are masters of putting together one hell of a song. My one and only complaint about this album is the production.Though far from inadequate, some of the levels aren’t high enough.The low end seems to be a little too far down in the mix, but not so much that it’s absent.At some points the vocals seem to drown out everything else, but, also, not so much that it takes away from the overall sound. Bottom Line: Vital Remains have outdone themselves with “Dechristianize.”I have no idea how they are going to top this one, because this is by far my favorite of all their releases.If you are a fan of death metal, this record is a must-have.If you have never heard Vital Remains and you like bands such as Dying Fetus, Nile, and Morbid Angel, this will not disappoint.