An illustrious name in Death Metal circles. Although firmly in the Death Metal camp, Rhode Island's VITAL REMAINS infuse their whole being with blasphemous content. The band's first line-up for recording of the demo 'Reduced To Ashes' in 1989 comprised vocalist Jeff Gruslin, guitarists Paul Flynn and Tony Lazaro, bass player Tom Supkow and drummer Chris Dupont. A further tape 'Excruciating Pain', with new drummer 'Ace' Alonzo, and a 7" single for French label Thrash 'The Black Mass'. Recorded in November 1990, 'The Black Mass' shifted over 1500 copies in two weeks. This first commercial outing bolstered the band's reputation and signaled a deal with Deaf Records, a subsidiary of British label Peaceville Records.

VITAL REMAINS released the 'Let Us Pray' album in August 1992, issued through Grind Core International in the USA. Peaceville had also issued a 1993 split clear vinyl 7" single, 'Amulet Of The Conquering', on clear vinyl, in collaboration with MORTA SKULD, as part of their exclusive and now exceptionally sought after Collectors Club series. A three month US road alliance across the USA with AUTOPSY, kicking off in May 1993, led into sessions for a second album, 'Into Cold Darkness', released in March 1995. The latter closed out with a cover version of CELTIC FROST's 'Dethroned Emperor'. The band also cut a rendition of VENOM's 'Countess Bathory', this song only included on Peaceville's 1996 compilation 'Under The Sign Of The Sacred Star'.

By the recording of March 1997's 'Forever Undeground', the group's first offering for French label Osmose Productions, VITAL REMAINS had trimmed down to a trio of Lazaro, bassist Joseph Lewis and drummer David Suzuki.

VITAL REMAINS were included on the 1999 tribute to JUDAS PRIEST album 'Hell Bent For Metal' covering 'You've Got Another Thing Comin'. Another cover executed that same year would be their interpretation of MERCYFUL FATE's 'To One Far Away / Come To The Sabbath', featured on 'The Unholy Sounds Of The Demon Bells - A Tribute To Mercyful Fate' collection issued via Poland's Still Dead Productions.

Vocalist Jeff Gruslin was replaced by Thorn. VITAL REMAINS released the 'Dawn Of The Apocalypse' album in November 1999. However, in 2000 VITAL REMAINS sacked vocalist Thorns as the remaining band members cited alleged drug abuse. VITAL REMAINS re-hired Gruslin in time for European dates as part of the 'No Mercy' festival package alongside Poland's VADER, Brazil's REBAELLIUN and Germany's FLESHCRAWL.

Late 2000 found Gruslin back on the scene as part of the prominent WOLFEN SOCIETY project, which included erstwhile ACHERON man Vincent Crowley, INCANTATION's Kyle Severn and Lord Ahriman of DARK FUNERAL. The Dutch label Cryonics would re-issue the debut demo 'Reduced To Ashes' in CD format.

The band would enlist ex-MONSTROSITY and DEATH bassist Kelly Conlon but following a brief run with the band he would bail out necessitating lead guitarist Ron Greene taking on bass for the interim. However, in April 2002 vocalist Jake Raymond and lead guitarist Ron Greene parted ways with the band, founding a fresh project entitled CAST OF VENGEANCE in league with former VITAL REMAINS bassist and frontman, Joe Lewis. Greene would also unite with LEUKORRHEA.

In a major coup, the band pulled none other than Glen Benton of DEICIDE infamy in to record lead vocals for the 'Dechristianize' album. Recorded at Morrisound Recordings the recording line-up consisted of Tony Lazaro on guitars and David Suzuki on guitars, leads, bass and drums. VITAL REMAINS debut gig with Benton would be the 2003 Milwaukee Metalfest.

The band hooked up with VEHEMENCE for one week at the end of August 2004. Suzuki would enrol into the ranks of DEICIDE for their October European tour dates. VITAL REMAINS European headline gigs in October and November, traversing Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg and Holland, saw NOMINON and Germany's HIDDEN IN THE FOG as support act.

In early 2006 ex-VITAL REMAINS drummer Marco Pitruzella joined the ranks of US Death Metal band VILE to conduct their 'Gutting Europe' tour during March and April. The band conducted West Coast "God Killers" shows alongside DEICIDE, seeing Glen Benton doing double frontman duty each night, CREMATORIUM and Oregon's DESOLATION. Shows commencing in late May had VITAL REMAINS hooked up with INCANTATION, SIN OF ANGELS and New Zealanders DAWN OF AZAZEL. VITAL REMAINS teamed up with DISMEMBER, GRAVE, DEMIRICOUS and WITHERED for a North American tour commencing September 29th.

The band line-up at this juncture comprised a core trio of Glen Benton, Dave Suzuki and Tony Lazaro plus live session members bassist Brian Hobbie, from CATASTROPHIC, 420 and INTERNAL BLEEDING, with Antonio Donadeo, from STILLNESS BLADE, UNDERTAKERS, TRAITOR, NECROTORTURE, VIRULENT RE-SHAPES and EXHUMER on drums.

The group, having utilised Mana Recording Studio in Florida, wrapped up new album recordings in mid January 2007. When advance copies of 'Icons Of Evil', set for April issue, were distributed feedback from retailers caused such concern in regard to the cover art, depicting Jesus Christ's hands being pinned to the crucifixion cross, a decision was made to put the album out in a discreet slip case. Tony Lazaro stated "The record's scheduled to come out around Easter, and apparently the subject of Christ being nailed to his cross is a bit extra-sensitive around that time."

VITAL REMAINS teamed up with LIGHT THIS CITY and WITH PASSION for summer US shows. DEICIDE and VITAL REMAINS hooked up for US touring in February 2009 with support from ORDER OF ENNEAD.

Garry Sharpe-Young

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