Vital Remains
Icons of evil ()
Wydane przez Century Media RecordsRok wydania Kraj USANapisał Wouter8
2003's "Dechristianize" was possibly the band's crowning achievement in their illustrious career. Not only did Vital Remains wrote the best album in their catalogue, it also simultaneously lifted the band into the mainstream death metal consciousness and forcefully cemented the band's position in the upper echelons of the death metal genre. Now, some 4 years later, Vital Remains is back with "Icons Of Evil" an album that is as good, if not better, than their 2003 breakthrough record – yet I cannot give this album a perfect score, something which I looked forward to, due to a feeling of deja-entendu. In similar fashion the album starts off with a cinematic intro, illustrating Christ being nailed to the cross – after which vocalist Glen Benton vigorously growls the intro's title... just as on "Dechristianize". When the album kicks off with the title track its clear that Vital Remains doesn't deviate that much from the formula that made "Dechristianize" a success, although this album is bit more on the melodic side as far as guitar leads, melodies and harmonies is concerned. As on "Dechristianize" the tracks on this album are all epics in every right, clocking easily a full 6 to 9 minutes a piece. Dave Suzuki outdoes himself on lead guitar and drums, while Tony Lazaro delivers his most convincing and blistering material to date on this album. "Icons Of Evil" was recorded at Mana Recording Studios (Cannibal Corpse, Goatwhore, Internal Suffering, Six Feet Under) with famed producer Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal, ex-Morbid Angel) and comes with a far more organic and warm sounding production in comparison to 2003's "Dechristianize" which sounded too digital at points. The artwork and lay-out by famed artist Kris Verwimp (Absu, Enthroned, Marduk, etc) fits perfectly with the lyrical concept and caused controversy upon release, resulting in a slipcase for the album. This is definitely another milestone and benchmark in the genre.
www.vitalremains.com/
