[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amU3SbrPdeo[/youtube]
Metal Insider contributor Anthony Maisano is listening to a different metal album that was released on that day every day this year. 22 years ago today, Vital Remains released their killer debut album, Let Us Pray.
This is the debut album from Vital Remains. My first impression with the album is that the bass work is REALLY awesome, such as on the track “Isolated Magick.” A lot of death metal bands had terrible production in the early 90’s, especially if it was a debut, but the production on this album is pretty great for a debut in ’92! It’s an ambitious album with great riffs, and some spooky, and atmospherically fitting keyboard parts, that are only implemented when they add to the album. It has a bit of everything, with some odd time signatures, too. All but maybe one song on the album kept my interest the whole way through, regardless if it was a shorter or longer song. In general, with some cool riffs, solos, interesting parts, and intense vocals, the album was just an overall treat to listen to.
I really have very few problems with the album. I only feel that the band could grow a bit more, and become a little more complex then they showed off on the album. As amazing as this album was, I felt there was even more potential in the musicians than this release showcased.
Favorite Tracks: “War in Paradise,” “Uncultivated Grave,” “Frozen Terror,” “Cult of the Dead,” “Malevolent Invocation.”
Now, there were many albums this year that I have already listened to, and revisited, and many I never have. Not counting those albums that I have revisited, and already knew were great, this is easily one of the best albums of my year doing this project. It was a death metal release that had everything. It was heavy, it had great riffs, both fast and slow, atmospheric keyboard work, punchy drums and deep bass, interesting time signatures at times…you name it, this album delivered, in my opinion. I couldn’t recommend this release enough.
