Vital Remains – Dechristianize (2024 2xLP Reissue) Review

⛤ Death Metal | 40.50€ (Mint)
⛤ Pulse Rating: 9.5 / 10

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When it comes to blasphemous, larger-than-life death metal, Vital Remains stands like a titan, and their masterwork "Dechristianize" is nothing short of colossal. As a die-hard metalhead and the proud curator of Pulse Records, my heart races every time I drop the needle on this iconic album. Finally, with the 2024 2xLP orange/black marble reissue from Listenable Records, "Dechristianize" gets the reverence it has always deserved.

Let’s not kid ourselves; Dave Suzuki is the heart and soul of this record. It’s almost unbelievable to think about how much of this album he single-handedly crafted. The drumming, guitar leads, bass lines, and relentless lyrics shout out his obsessive commitment at every turn. Songs that stretch into epics of nine minutes or more — this is what Vital Remains does best. You’ll find yourself humming these riffs in the most mundane situations, like pushing a shopping cart at the grocery store. It just hits different when it’s Vital Remains.

Right from the opening track, "Let the Killing Begin", the album sets itself up as a prelude to a savage ritual. The use of Carl Orff's "O Fortuna" is pure genius, and the dialogue from "The Greatest Story Ever Told" hooks you instantly. And when "Dechristianize" launches into those punishing blasts and chaotic screams, you can’t help but be swept off your feet. It’s a transition that’s simply devastating — one of the most unforgettable moments in early-2000s death metal.

Then you dive into tracks like "Infidel", "Devoured Elysium", and "Savior to None... Failure for All...", which serve as a brutal triad that showcases Dave Suzuki’s incredible command over the band's sound. Flipping to the back half, "Unleashed Hell" kicks off with a raw Portuguese scream that still sends chills down my spine after countless listens. It’s that kind of passion and intensity that sets Vital Remains apart.

Side D shifts gears and delves into the more epic aspects of the album. "At War with God" unleashes absolute savagery, while "Entwined by Vengeance" reflects the long-form melodic brutality that cements this album's significance in the genre. The acoustic touches, wild solos, and atmospheric background screams are textbook examples of everything extreme metal should encompass: monumental and unforgettable.

Now, from a collector’s standpoint, this reissue is no joke. The thick gatefold, gold foil accents, a hefty 12-inch booklet, and that stunning orange/black marbled vinyl elevate the entire experience. Some albums simply feel “meant” for vinyl, and "Dechristianize" is one of them. The expansive tracks breathe life over four sides, and flipping the record isn’t just part of the experience; it becomes a ritual in itself.

The overall sound hits harder on vinyl, capturing the essence of the original mix while making the atmosphere even more powerful. If you adore death metal, are a wax collector, or want the ultimate edition of this early 2000s classic, you've got to snag this pressing. A 9.5/10 isn’t just high praise; it’s a testament to how enduring and dominating this album truly is.

For fans of Deicide, Morbid Angel, or Hate Eternal — and let’s not forget those who revere the melodic brutality that defined extreme metal's golden era — this pressing is a must-have. Don’t sleep on this one! Copies like this vanish FAST, and once it's gone, good luck hunting down another premium edition of "Dechristianize". This album is actual metal history, and it deserves a spot in your collection! Horns up! 🤘

Tracklist:
Disc 1 – Side A
1. "Let the Killing Begin" – 01:59
2. "Dechristianize" – 08:56
3. "Infidel" – 06:18
Disc 1 – Side B
4. "Devoured Elysium" – 05:44
5. "Savior to None... Failure for All..." – 06:37

Disc 2 – Side A
1. "Unleashed Hell" – 05:58
2. "Rush of Deliverance" – 07:07
Disc 2 – Side B
3. "At War with God" – 07:55
4. "Entwined by Vengeance" – 10:00

Credits:
Glen Benton – Vocals
Tony Lazaro – Rhythm Guitars, Songwriting, Layout
Dave Suzuki – Drums, Lead Guitars, Bass, Lyrics
Joe Rooney – Photography
Todd Jessop – Engineering (re-mix)
Aaron Caillier – Engineering
Jaromir "Deather" Bezruc – Cover Art
Anthony Clarkson – Layout
Roger Lian – Mastering
Robert Pemberton – Engineering (re-mix), Mixing (re-mix)
Mark Prator – Engineering, Mixing

Recorded, mixed and mastered at Morrisound Studio, Tampa, Florida (2002).
Remixed at Sound Station Seven, Providence, Rhode Island (2002).
Mastered at Masterdisk Studios, New York City.
"Let the Killing Begin" includes elements of Carl Orff’s "O Fortuna" and dialogue from The Greatest Story Ever Told.

Links:
Official Facebook
Official Instagram
🔥 For fans of: Deicide, Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal, Krisiun
💀 Label: Listenable Records


Vital Remains – Items Available at Pulse Records

Item Format Price Condition Order
Vital Remains – Forever Underground (2022 CD, Album, Reissue, Red Cover) CD 12.50€ Mint Order
Vital Remains – Dechristianize (2024 2 x Orange/Black Trans Marble Vinyls, Limited Edition, Gatefold, Booklet, Reissue) 2xLP 40.50€ Mint Order

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