Forget "Dechristianize" and start here!
DevilsWings | Tampa, Florida United States | 10/09/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Here is the peak of Vital Remains career in my opinion. Into Cold Darkness is a fine slab of brutal American Death Metal. The album opens with the brutal Immortal Crusade with an intensity they have yet to match. Jeff Gruslin's vocals are original and very distinct amongst the many bands out there. Personally I prefer Jeff's vocals to Glen Benton's on Dechristianize. If you have not heard this CD, think of a combination of VADER and ACHERON and you will have some idea. I loved this CD so much that I ordered the Japanese version about 5 years ago just for the bonus track which is included here for a much cheaper price. If you are a fan of great musicianship with a brutal edge, I highly recommend this CD. The drumming on this album is simply outstanding for 1995. The drums are brutal and fast while the riffs and vocals are more mid-paced which comes off as a great blend and adds to the originality of the music. I am glad to see this has finally been released properly, the sad thing is it gets more recognition now because of Glen Benton joining the band....VITAL REMAINS IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE A CLASSIC UNDERGROUND BAND!"
Pure Vicious Death Metal
A. S. Rios | Houston, TX, USA | 09/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"During the rise of death metal, Vital Remains was one of the most important bands. They were aggressive and original at the same time. Vital Remains was the first underground death metal band I ever listened to. I had to mail them $7(cash) to receive their first demo. I never regretted it, and that demo made me a life long fan. INTO COLD DARKNESS is quite brutal. If you own LET US PRAY, then you really need to get this one. I was surprised to see this CD available since when it was originally recorded(for MUSIC FOR THE NATIONS label) it wasn't released in the US for a long time. Jeff Gruslin(the original and best damn death metal grunter) mailed me some advance copies of the CD and I waited anxiously for this CD to come out. It never did. Until recently, of course. It is unfortunate that Jeff is no longer with the band. He wasn't just a bad ass growler, he was a PR machine. He kept VITAL REMAIN's name flowing through the underground while they were ripping and roaring in Rhode Island.
So, if you don't own it and are trying to put together a respectable death metal collection this is one to own. This is as mandatory as owning the DEICIDE's self-titled work, OBITUARY's-Slowly We Rot, DEATH's-Spiritual Healing, CARCASS-Symphonies of Sickness, MORBID ANGEL's-Alter of Madness and NAPALM DEATH's-Harmony Corruption. There are others to name but this CD should be at the top of your list."
Let the Killing begin!!!
magus1966 | wi usa | 03/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For the fans of deathmetal who may not of heard this band and fans who have old and new alike this will blow you away buy now!!!!!!"
