"Pessimist is back with their rawest and most powerful release ever... Slaughtering The Faithful is an incredible lesson in violence, a true barbaric annihilation which will leave you for dead...Inspired by Deicide, Morbid Angel, Nile and Krisiun, Pessimist has created a unique piece of brutal death metal thanks to its diabolical power and its dominating strength...A real massacre just as it has to be."
- METALLIAN (France)

"Disc number three solidifies Pessimist's reputation as one of traditional death metal's leading acts. The production by Erik Rutan (Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal) brings out the brutality of the Maryland-based death merchants' speedy and technical attack, helping put Pessimist on the level of such heavyweight peers as Diabolic and Krisiun, with a similar underground swell of support sure to follow."
- Brian O'Neill, ALL MUSIC GUIDE

"The long awaited 3rd album of the blaster masters Pessimist. Another step forward to the brutal top. 8 Tracks of brutal hammering with tons of guitarleads, unholy deep voice and no resting point. The only rest is when the disc is over. Pessimist show that they belong in hell together with Krisiun, Centurian, Nile and Severe Torture. This is a real slaughter!"
- Twan Sibon, BRUTALISM

"The brand new full length offering from Maryland's Pessimist. Produced by Hate Eternal/Alas/Morbid Angel's Erik Rutan, this blasphemous quartet dish out [nine] tracks of unrelentingly crushing death metal. If you're looking for something in the vein of Diabolic and Centurian then this is definitely what you're looking for."
- TEUFEL'S TOMB

"This is the most deathy of all the Pessimist albums..."
- THE GRIMOIRE OF EXALTED DEEDS

"The trilogy of terror is now complete as the mighty Pessimist builds on the power, technical virtuosity and barbarism of Cult of the Initiated and Blood for the Gods and unleashes their most punishing release, Slaughtering the Faithful. A cross between Morbid Angel's Altars of Madness and the raw brutality of bands like Cannibal Corpse and Suffocation, Slaughtering the Faithful is a thoroughly engaging masterwork of aural destruction sure to satisfy the swarming multitudes of extreme metal fans. Throw in a wicked as fuck cover painting by the uniquely talented Jon Zig and you have a "must buy" for Death Metal fans everywhere. 9 1/2 Skulls!"
- David Horn, SOUNDS OF DEATH #19

"How about some good old American death metal of the most pugnacious and brutal kind: the nauseating blur of churning guitars and hammering drums, the vocals that make the stomach turn, and the expression of murderous hate that mocks hope and nurtures nihilism? 'Slaughtering the Faithful' may commence with a mellow, melancholic introduction, but soon breaks into a blast of bludgeoning death metal and unrelenting musical violence... Produced by Erik Rutan, Pessimist's third album will not turn out to be a classic of the genre, but its spirit is malevolent as hell. Though not matching the complexities of Nile or Morbid Angel, the four-piece have a knack of hammering seemingly turgid riffs into something hugely chaotic but also eminently listenable. The pace is exclusively fast...Benton-style vocals crown the morass of chopping-board drumming and treacle-constituency axe-grinding. This is not an album you'll want to listen to day and night, but in the right mood, be assured that it's absolutely barbarous. 7/10"
- Nick Moberly, TERRORIZER #99 (UK)

"My god has Pessimist turned into on of the top bands in the death metal scene...with a new line up, Pessimist just decimate and annihilate! So fast, so technical and so brutal... This shit kills in every way possible... With each album Pessimist advance ten more steps into greatness. Everyone should truly consider Pessimist to be one the elite! The way Kell (Guitars) writes/play his guitar riffs, they are completely incredible/god like... Diabolic? Krisiun? Centurian? Hate Eternal? Now everyone else must be measured up to Pessimist!!! Can they compare? Only time will tell!!!"
- Peter Hasselbrack, BLOODSOAKED PROMOTIONS

"Pessimist return with their most bone crunching release to date. The production is out of this world and makes the songs so heavy they crush any Korn fan for 100 miles. Slicing riffs slide through the air as this plays on.. Slay like vocals just scream out the power... This pounds, crushes, and is just plain brutal. If somebody said what does death metal sound like I would hand them this cd."
- Chris Forbes, METAL CORE FANZINE

"Holy Shit!!!! Whoa!!! Fucking Ungodly!!! An absolute masterpiece of death fucking metal!!! I honestly didn't think they would be able to top 'Blood for the Gods.' That album was just amazing! But, they somehow managed to improve upon something that was already death metal perfection in my opinion. Goddamn, what pissed these guys off??? You can just feel the venom coming from their music. It's fucking lethal!!! I want to make sure EVERYBODY knows about this album. Fuck [other death metal bands]. Pessimist are light years beyond those bands!!! I would say that Pessimist are among the top 3 death metal bands in this country..."
- Scott Courtney, WAIF 88.3 FM Cincinnati, OH

"The burning bodies out of the eternal fire on the cover art of "Slaughtering the Faithful" was the first thing that grabbed my attention. It appeared to be yet another cool drawing of Jon Zig, who is slowly but surely becoming a very, very popular cover artist in the Death Metal scene. I am not surprised coz this cover looks yet again pretty wicked. Jon Zig is not the only familiar person that has borrowed his talents to this band. "Slaughtering the Faithful" was recorded by Derrik Roddy and produced by Erik Rutan know of Hate Eternal and the mighty Morbid Angel. The best way to describe Pessimist's third efford "Slaughtering the Faithful" is simply put: RELENTLESS!!! Extremely fast and aggressive drumming, spiced up with break-neck speed riffing, crushing hooks and killer leads make this band one of a kind. This is a 35 minute American Death Metal whirlwind for people that dig music like Krisiun, Rebaelliun or Morbid Angel."
- Dennis, LORDS OF METAL (Netherlands)

"Produced by Erik Rutan of Morbid Angel/Hate Eternal, "Slaughtering the Faithful" as promised by the band live up to their words as their best release yet. Absolutely unrelenting blackened death metal at it's finest. The production as you may have guessed is tighter than ever. Starting out with the short ballad track "Requiem" in a slow, eerie manner, then this tears into "Baptized in Blasphemy". The voxs are incredible with out right evil ferocity and guttural anger. Leaning to more of a death metal overtone then blackened unlike past albums this comes across more clear, harsh, and for a lack of a better word but properly noted, brutal! Over used? yes, is this the case on this album, no. No other word can better describe this new PESSIMIST. The music is suffocating with an intense barrage of structured semi-technical madness. If you are a fan of PESSIMIST then you will agree with me that after listeing to this release that it is your favorite one to date and leaves me wondering if they can top this! SICKNESS OF THE MONTH, 10 Impalements"
- Byron McHenry, VIOLATED ROT

"The best band signed by Lost Disciple Records is proud to present its new full album and we waited it! 9 tracks of pure Death Metal with the Erik Rutan touch 'cause he recoded the CD. PESSIMIST releases here its best album, the materials is stronger, really more aggressive and brutal but it is a true Pessimist album. Always between Deicide, Nile, Krisiun and Morbid Angel, the Death Metal act from USA releases here a good brutal album even if we feel a lack of originality but it isn't this we are searching, it is the brutality and the technicality!"
- Fabrice Lefebvre, XTREEM MUSIC (Spain)

"The ominous acoustic intro that kicks off this album is the well know silence before the storm. Because once Pessimist hit it off with their furious death metal, they'll make you bleed and gasp for air. Releases like this keep the scene healthy. Ofcourse Pessimist aren't a new band. They've been around since 1993 and this is already their third full length. Compared to the earlier stuff, they sound a bit more brutal than they used to. The production is also incredibly heavy. It was done by the death metal icon Erik Rutan, who is becoming a better producer by the album. The song material contain some very complex riffwork, and a lot of staccato slaughtering, The vocals are brutal, yet could use slightly more variation. That is also about the only problem I have with this album: the songs don't really differ a lot from eachother. They're all hyperspeed death metal and because of the high pace of the songs, they tend to sound a bit like each other. The good lead parts and the sometimes very innovative guitar riffs can keep you on a level of attention for the duration of the album. This album does score far above average, because of the fact that the songs Pessimist write are better structured and more appealing than most other death metal bands. Actually there's only one word necessary to describe this album... BRUTAL!"
- Stijn, VAMPIRE MAG (Italy)

"After a brief clean instrumental this kicks into total death metal with a good mix of the traditional approach and more contemporary technical flare...for death metal fans Pessimist should hit the spot because the performance is tight and they're good at what they do. Expect tons of speed, low vocal growls, and a few complex flurries that bring Dying Fetus to mind. The songs have a propensity to sound very similar to one another, with constant tremolo picking and few noticeable changes, so as soon as a song like the title track pops up with its chunkier (though still fast) rhythms it immediately becomes a standout... The production was handled by Erik Rutan. Death metal fanatics should no doubt dig this."
- AVERSION ONLINE

"I've read and heard a good bit about Pessimist, now I know what all the hype is about. This mega brutal, mega technical band could eat Diabolic and Krisiun for lunch! Just a few minutes into this CD and you'll be asking, 'is this playing humanly possible?' Unbelievable is about all I can say. I'm sorry for all you connoisseurs who have their older material, this is my first Pessimist album. But if these few words are not enough to convince you of the power and brutality of the music on this disc, would it help to mention that Erik Rutan (Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal, Alas) produced it? That means the production has rendered the music heavy as lead, but clear as a bell! If brutal, technical death metal is your thing, you'd be a fool to pass this one up!"
- Tom Edmondson, CRITICAL METAL

"What I have to stress is that Erick Rutan is really experienced as well as professional in production of different Death Metal bands. Erik Rutan and Jon Zig aren't the only remarkable points concerning Pessimist's brand new album. It's the whole band and above all its music. "Slaughtering the Faithful' is a massive produced stuff which reminds you best years of Death Metal. It even sounds a bit it in 'Covenant' way, having still the edge and performance remarkable just for insanity and infernality of Pessimist. Check this ultimate hell feasting release now!"
- Filip, AGONIA MAG (Poland)

"Slaughtering The Faithful" is the third work of the Americans PESSIMIST, and without a doubt their best work and one of the best Death Metal releases in the last months. This work has everything: recorded at Dimensional Sound Studies, mastered at Cyberella Studies, the production is work of the genius Erik Rutan and the cover of John Zig, that is to say, everything what a Death Metal band would like to have for its disc. The obtained sound is really crystalline and brutal, and only the calm thing which you are going to be able to listen in this work is intro, the others is pure devastation and destruction through 9 subjects of Brutal Death Metal where the hand of Rutan is noticed, since the influences of HATE ETERNAL in this work cannot be denied. To it we must add an excellent technique to him and a diabolic speed to purest style KRISIUN than makes this a destructive work, where the half times do not exist, only speed and destruction. An obligatory album in your collection. 10/10"
- David Deniz, NECROMANCE MAG (Spain)

"Finally! I waited so long! After many delays, Lost Disciple Records gave us this sonic bomb that's entitled Slaughtering The Faithful by Pessimist (death metal band from Maryland, USA), third release after Cult Of The Initiated (1997) and Blood For The Gods (1999). Many of you surely don't know this band, but in the American underground they are considered as gods and if you listen to their new effort you'll understand why.... Compared to their last release, Pessimist have given to their sound much more brutality, speed and aggressivity. The 9 tracks (the first, "Requiem", is an instrumental intro) are devoted to the most uncompromising death metal: here melodic tunes aren't conceived, keyboards are banned and mid tempos are two words with no meaning. Moreove the production, by a certain Mr. Erik Rutan, highlights the sound even more, showing all the evil that is inside the songs, and the instrumental skill that the band has in large amount... If you feel an extreme pleasure listening to this kind of music as I do, you MUST absolutely listen to this disc asap. 8/10"
- Evil Frons, HEAVY METAL PORTAL (Italy)

"After a clean and decent intro, Pessimist are bringing forth the chaos with their third opus, entitled: "Slaughtering The Faithful". I already knew these dudes from their album "Blood For Gods", which received quite a good response in the underground scene. First thing that has changed musically is the speed, basically the tempo has increased a lot. This is brutal death metal in the vein of Krisiun or Morbid Angel, so you kind of know what to expect. The riffs are composed in a dark orientated way, and therefore very low-tuned. The production comes from the Hate Eternal dudes Derek Roddy (sound) and Erik Rutan (producer). They surely did a good job at Dimensional Sound Studios (Rutan's own studio), but I think the drum sound is a little bit dry, and the riff-structures are sometimes to complex during the solos. This sometimes makes it hard to follow all the details. It seems that Pessimist increased their brutality, but lost a bit of their own unique sound they created on the "Blood For Gods" album. Anyway, "Slaugthering The Faithful" has defenitly great moments and is certainly worth to listen to. Jon Zig (Deeds Of Flesh, Digorge, Pyaemia, Disavowed) was responsible for the cover-art. This one is recommended to all speedfreaks!"
- Sjoerd, QUINTESSENCE (Netherlands)

"I don't think that I have to persuade anyone who heard two previous albums of Pessimst to buy the new one. And I really cannot imagine that it could exist a death metal fan who has not listened to "Cult of the Initiated" and "Blood of the Gods" yet. Anyway, strange things happen and that's why my duty is to write that the third CD of Pessimist is a must for each blood-thirsty maniac.. Since "Blood..." was released the line-up of the band has changed completely. The only member from the old one is Kell McLauchlin... So the new line-up and the new beginning? In some way yes. Pessimist has not changed the style completely but surely there are many new ideas added to the old patterns. It means that the band develops. The questions is if it develops in the correct direction. In my opinion, it does it without any doubts. "Slaughtering..." is most brutal and fastest recording of Pessimist. This album is incredibly intense, killing in each musical aspect. The remarkable riffs are played with real talent. The compositions are characteristic and original. Vocals are different than previously. This time there are no high screams so expect only deep growling with really good voice. The album was recorded by Derrek Roddy and produced by Erik Rutan so the sound differs from earlier productions. My only complaint is that the guitars could sound heavier but I wouldn't be surprised if someone said that everything is OK in this aspect. So Pessimist once again proved to be one of the best death metal bands. I hope that good promotion will make this album one of the best selling brutal CDs. It deserves to be in each true death metaller's collection."
- Damian J., METAL SIDE (Poland)

"Ah, finally a big breath of fresh air from the USA! Pessimist brings us their third and mortal strike like a hurricane. Fast and furious death metal, alliating technique and speed in the pure Malevolent Creation and Hate Eternal vein, just the vokills are a bit different. 9 songs of straight to the point death metal...following each others like bullets from a machinegun. All the riffs here are well-thoughts and sharp as a razorblade, giving you the feeling to assist to a massive attack. The Eric Rutan touch is even recognisable as I mention before what I can recognise as reminder: Hate Eternal. PESSIMIST is for sure one of the brightest future for the US death metal scene after Hate Eternal and Diabolic."
- Christophe, DEVIL'S ELIXIR/METAL KIOSK NEWSLETTER

"I cannot describe the incredibly brutal sensations but that I have experienced listening to the new work of the Pessimist... IMPRESSIVE... words cannot express how I feel after several listening of this Slaughtering The Faithful.. but I promise to try it. Often when you take to long time hoping something sublimates, fantastico and plenty of brutality and sickly cruelty, then after finally the listening of this third album which leaves you exhausted, the first sensation is [devastated], since the storm of decibels after the 9 subjects (intro including) is infernal... like a diabolical game it taunts us with its annihilating battery of non-stop hyper-blast projectiles, (with which you reach the conclusion that this album is fast like single rapid-fire..), continuing with craze of riffs assassins and doublings perpetrated by those two axes which they cut to your clean neck to machatazo totally merciless, and culminated with the guttural voice of its new vocalist which already gives the finishing nail in case to your battered body. But ah! is not left the thing, since the production has been developed by the teacher of the 7 cords and guitar of Morbid Angel, Mr Erik Rutan, which has shaped its malevolent, demonic seal into each riff, with a clarificadora and destructive production. And like dessert the cover, marked blood and fire by the teacher of the brushes Mr Jon Zig, creating the sour cherry to this pie of Brutality, and musical extremism, that has ultimately created one of best discs of the year 2002, without any type of doubts. 9.2/10 "
- Pinhead, BLOODCIFERY (Spain)

"After some delay the third album from the American brutal death metallers in Pessimist has finally left the pressing plant and I can tell you right away that these guys have risen to become one of the most important forces of brutal death metal in the US. This was obviously also clear to Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal, Morbid Angel, Alas) who produced this morbid work of art. Pessimist are living proof of the fact that hard work will get you to the top. A lesser known fact to some of you might be that the lead guitarist of Pessimist, Kelly McLauchlin, used to play together with Matt Barlow (Iced Earth) in the Florida based band Cauldron. This is an album that fans of brutal death metal couldn't possibly be disappointed with since it is one of the tightest and most intense pieces of music I have heard so far this year. I don't know why but this album also makes me think of the summer, perhaps that's just because it is a sunny day and above 10 degrees celcius (hey, I live in Sweden, you know, we are starting to defrost now...). Here is a final comment to fans of Morbid Angel and Obituary: don't forget that Pessimist exist or you will miss out on yet another world class act!" (8/10)
- Vincent Eldefors, TARTAREAN DESIRE

"First thumbs up on the zig artwork on the cover its awesome. secondly thumbs up an the brutality factor here easily ranks up there with krisiun. and thumbs up on the great riffing and crushing work i wonder who dug the bodies up from around the drummer after he laid to waste all life slaying on this one? but what i do have to question is this even with erik rutan (morbid angel & hate eternal) behind the knobs what does pessimist have to offer in today's scene. i mean face it the title positions are locked up. was is it this band will do that will make you want to listen to them over someone else? i don't know the answer to that. its a super album and grindy as fuck, i like it tons baby but you know Kim Goss says im no reviewer so who cares what i say? 8.5/10"
- Wes, METAL OBSERVER (Germany)

"Our friends PESSIMIST shows us meanwhile with its third long iron "Slaughtering the Faithful" which is total American Death grind. From the short Intro "Requiem" it goes directly to "Baptized in Blasphemy". Completely in typical style of DYING FETUS, DEEDS OF FLESH, INFERNAL TORMENT or ORIGIN...offers mainly aggressive riffs and Blastbeats at max volume. It shows nevertheless now and then also that it has more unusual parts in Pess and above all not limited to one speed, even if this is unfortunately only very rarely the case. As special alluding tip I will mention "Baptized in Blasphemy" or the MORBID ANGEL affected piece of title of "Slaughtering the Faithful" to recommend, since one acts here clearly more variedly! 8.5/10"
- Sascha, ANCIENT SPIRIT (Germany)

"Pessimist absolutely blasts you with their new sound after the beginning riff...Produced by Erik Rutan of Morbid Angel, this album has a very low-end, thunderous rumble to it. Right off the bat, the first couple of songs reminded me alot of Tennessee's Brodequin, and at some points, I almost hear a few chunks of Devourment style underneath the relentless punishment. I was very surprised, to say the least. Pessimist has definitely "bruted" up their sound. Very speedy blast beats and much more low-end on the double bass. The dual guitar attack does have a Devourment type-ring to it, and to me, that can only be a positive thing. Another thing that caught me off guard is the new vocal style. It's a very straight ahead growl w/ some eerie dual vocal chants here and there. Gone are any Glen Benton (Deicide) similarities that were very abundant on Blood for the Gods. There is a lot more going on in the music than before. This truly is a barrage of thunder & technicality here. This album really is an 18-wheeler on a rampage, occasionally coming to a tire-obliterating skid w/ a very brief massive chunk breakdown, but never completely stopping. I love the improved guitar style. Kell and Bill Hayden have kept the unique solos, but have blended them better into the songs. Bassist Ralph Runyan does shine through w/ the occasional Alex Webster type "intermission", and just contributes to a much heavier bulldozing than before. This band has dropped a few things that I was somewhat partial to about them before, but the new direction they have taken into utterly annihilating brutal death pleases me more. If you are a fan of some of the most over-the-top underground brutal death, then I highly suggest you buy this concrete slab of blasphemy. 5.5/6"
- METAL REVIEW

"I was made aware of PESSIMIST's very existence only one year ago, thanks to a link I found on the MORBID ANGEL web site. I discovered then that the band had already two albums under their belts, namely "Cult Of The Initiated" (1997) and "Blood For The Gods" (1999), both on Lost Disciple Records. I bought these two without delay, to then find myself deeply impressed by their fine brand of brutal Death Metal with a devilish twist. But as good as these two releases can be (check them out by the way), they are nothing compared to the brilliance of "Slaughtering The Faithful". This new album introduces a totally revamped line-up, with main man, founding member and guitarist Kelly McLauchlin appearing here as the only survivor of the PESSIMIST of old. Such a drastic change could have killed the band for good, but it has a totally opposite effect really, PESSIMIST coming through this trial only to become even stronger. Combining the insane aggression of such acts as KRISIUN, REBAELLIUN, HATE ETERNAL and DIABOLIC, while keeping their own identity, PESSIMIST belong to the very elite of Death Metal now. The band sounds tight with ultra-precise surgical riffing, the guitars buzz like amplified demented insects, and I am not even talking about the drumming parts delivered with stunning frenzy and total mastering, almost inhuman! In fact, listening to "Slaughtering The Faithful" may induce a sort of hypnotic trance, and I found myself totally disconnecting from the surrounding reality all the while I have been exposed to the attack of this venomous monster. The highly-dynamic production (courtesy of PESSIMIST supporter Erik Rutan), while being powerful, gives little room to each of the instruments, but far from being a flaw here this only adds to the lethal hammer-like effect the album could produces on the brain. Gone are the DEICIDE-like screams that you could hear at times on both the previous releases, expect a guttural-only (and nevertheless understandable) rendition by new vocalist / bassist Ralph Runyan. "Slaughtering The Faithful" is no less than a metallic holocaust, I even prefer this to the yet excellent "Vengeance Ascending" album by DIABOLIC, and it is vastly superior to the somewhat disappointing latest releases by both KRISIUN and REBAELLIUN. A classic album if you ask me, and I see PESSIMIST becoming HUGE in a very near future...AWESOME (AND I MEAN THIS)!!!"
- Edouard Vergriete, VOICES FROM THE DARK SIDE

"A band from United States playing grind and playing it well. They have influences from the Florida Death metal scene and their music is brutal as hell, with no compromises and no other influences than the most brutal death metal and grind. A straight in your face album that some will love and some will hate. The guys deliver their grind with intensity and the album can be described as "brute force". The only drawback we could find is that they repeat themselves sometimes, but this is only a minority in the album. They have what it takes to win grind fans around the world and I am sure that given time, maturity and the proper funds to improve a bit the production they will make it. The production as we mentioned could be better, but yet it is not awful or something. A classic grind band, with talent and potential for something better, that's still in the beginning of their career. Check them out if you are into brutal music. 7/10"
- TOMBSTONE (Germany)

"Third album by the Americans Pessimist that after two albums highly acclaimed in the underground scene as the debut one "Cult of the Initiated" and the following "Blood for the Gods" come back thanks to Lost Disciple Records that I wanna thank for sending me directly the promo from USA, cause I think this label has no official distribution here in Italy. Talking about the album, all expectations are confirmed thanks to pure and raging death metal of this four pieces that in a really personal way give us solutions of the old american death metal school as Deicide and Morbid Angel with a little bit of Nile and Deeds of Flesh; just listen to "Summoned..." or the title track to realize it in a few seconds! Surely the guy who buy this album will be satisfied , waiting exactly this sound and these songs from Pessimist. Finally, a really good album, greatly powerful and evil that put its strong base upon the excellent songwriting and some beautiful guitar solos (as in Cross the Styx by Sinister). Only death is real..."
- Gianluca Grazioli, METAL.IT (Italy)

"The definition of the word "noise" reads: "noise = as disturbing and unpleasantly felt sounds, penetrating noises..." I can not help itself, but my listeners understand the music on Pessimists new album "Slaughtering The Faithful" of this characterisation accordingly. After the short, harmonious, not at all suitable Intro "Requiem" into the overall view here, which apparent sat down to the goal of breaking all speed records. The problem here is only that any harmony is perverted by Pessimist, if one refrains times from occasional trips into comprehensible, musical essential structures ("Summoned to Suffer", "Slaughtering The Faithful", "Resurrected Torment"). One cannot deny to the four pessimists technical ability under any circumstances, only the adequate conversion of the same is missing in my eyes (and particularly in my ears)...the production does not exhibit weaknesses which can be over-heard particularly within the impact things range, what with a producer such as Erik Rutan, which has actually a very good name, but is somewhat amazing. Thus "Slaughtering The Faithful" is solely recommended for only the most ultra-brutal fans."
- Metalgreg, WAVEGOTHIC (Germany)

"Similar to their last album... Drum wise, lots of blasting and double bass, in fact it's mostly double bass through the entire album like that guy in Krisiun. Definitely a brutal over the top album, fast fast playing with some angry vocals, and good songs. If you liked their previous album, you'll probably like this one."
- SOUL KILLER

"As far as brutality goes this album hits right on the mark. It's the sort that makes you feel like you've been thrown in a meat grinder and dumped back out in a pile of mashed flesh and bone. I find listening to "Slaughtering The Faithful" is an aggressive/enjoyable experience...if you are looking for variety, you aren't going to find it here. The riffing and vocals are typical of most early 90's Death Metal riffs/vox and not much groundbreaking is going on. At least they are consistent. I also expected more out of the production since Erik Rutan was behind the board but I find it's sort of muddled together. For those who hunger for yet more "in your face", "wall of sound" brutality then by all means, try this one out."
- METAL GOSPEL (Germany)

"This must be one of the most expected underground releases of 2002. Pessimist is one of the most brutal death metal bands ever seen. Their crushing riffs and drum beats (with a lot of blast beats) that are a trademark of this band and that were all over "Cult of the Initiated " and "Blood for the Gods" are present on this release too but multiplied. One thing that has helped a lot has been the production of the great Erik Rutan (Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal) who has made the guitars even more bestial and the drums clearer achieving this brutal recording !! I liked a lot the sound that the lead guitar has in the solos which is not typical of death metal bands . It is more clear and it helps to make better solos than a rawer sound that would ruin the faster ones. All the tracks contained here are designed for the mosh pit and gives you the feeling of banging your head to a wall of sound !! Amazing brutality on this release! Favorite tracks: "Baptized in Blasphemy"; "Summoned to Suffer" and "Slaughtering the Faithful."
- MUSIC EXTREME (Argentina)

"The sky will turn red and rain blood. That day makind will be destroyed, and the hymn that sound will be Pessimist's "Slaughtering The Faithful"!!! Pessimist finally recorded the material that will devastate pillars on US death metal scene, due to an amazing combination between unleashed angry and apocalyptic brute force that will kick arse everywhere they'll carry their barbaric diabolic slaughtering tornado! Surprised? so read something more.... Pessimist change a bit their style in order to be where Incestuous meets Hate Eternal meets Centurian meets Krisiun! Pure ultra-fast and aggressive raw death metal for true death metal fans! No technical concessions. No easy melodies. No mercy and no remorse...only DEATH METAL! Forget their previous works, coz "Slaughtering The Faithful" left them appart all their old material. Now that they will devastate the world, humans must rebuild countrys again...Nuff said!"
- FLESHRITES (Spain)

"Pessimist is brought to us by Erik Rutan, famous of course for his association with Morbid Angel, and that fact alone is a pretty good indication of what to expect from this band. It's full-speed ahead, wet, sludgy death metal. This band is technically excellent. The guitars are as thick, meaty and angry as you could ever want on an album like this. If there was an academy for teaching death metal vocalists how to sound exactly like the growls on Morbid Angel's early releases, Pessimist's guy would have graduated at the top of his class. The production (by Mr. Rutan) is deep, crisp and flawless. It's been a while since I heard a death metal band as technically proficient as Pessimist."
- Michael De Los Muertos, METAL-RULES

"This album is simply all about death metal... I somehow ask myself why the guys decided to call their style "black/death", it's just high speed new school death metal in its purest form. "Slaughtering The Faithful" is the third full-length release of US-extremists Pessimist... Songs like "Baptized In Blasphemy" or "Infernal Abyss" clearly state the bands above-average status...a decent dose of hard death metal the guys from the states are banging out, but in the end, I think that even the sound concept of the album could have been more differentiated: I personally have never been a friend of the productions of Morbid Angel member Erik Rutan because I really think him to do rather average work. To be honest I never heard a real speacial release out of his production pool. If I only take the debut album of brazilian deathsters Abhorrence, that album was musically ok, but the medicore production just threw it all into the depths of mean. Don't get me wrong, it's not exactly the same with Pessimist, I think they are better than Abhorrence, but I hope that they next time choose a producer who is able to bring in something like the real spirit of a band... "
- Seb, NOIZE MAGAZINE (Germany)

"Maryland's Pessimist are becoming reputed for their dedication as well as their brutality, having displayed their talent at the recent Metal Meltdown festival in New Jersey and a New England Metal Fest, besides performing at a release party for their album Slaughtering the Faithful with fellow death metallers Internal Bleeding, Mortal Decay and Corpse Vomit. Their sights are set on 'the top of the death metal elite' as their biography sheet phrases it; this is a bold statement that they belong in the same hall of fame as Deicide and Morbid Angel but their album backs it up adequately enough. The band's name is intended as an ironic reference to the world around them and people's true motives despite outward appearances of decency. That their music is a reflection of this dim view of their society is a sincere understatement. Guitarists Kelly McLauchlin and Bill Hayden are a gifted pair handling the chaotic complexity of the progressions written with perfect dexterity."
- GOOD TIMES DUNGEON

"Third album for the Pessimist Americans, to practically follow "Cult Of The Initiated" and "Blood For the Gods", production and sonic cataclysm entrusted to the expert hands of Erik Rutan. It is a first class of death metal highly brutal, malignant and overwhelming, characterized by obssessive riffing and beastly grunting that the inenarrabile narrates. In this totally chaotic atmosphere, alarming and psychotic assoli are grafted, of hannemaniana memory. Dynamic in the ways of Rebaelliun and Krisiun, Pessimist send back to the fury of first the Morbid Angel or Necrosanct, but with an attention all particular one to the total effect...The executive ferocity, above all in terms of catacombale intensity, this insane very rarely sostenibile quartet: an authentic one brainwashing, one come down in the inferi lead from cerberi that sbranano the meats with a mechanical voracity, an inexorable will to annihilate who is placed to the comparison on the base of a hammering iconoclasta, such to graze concerns us of pathological madness. An authentic mattanza, and I have said to you all."
- Michele Dicuonzo, SENSORIUM (Italy)

"Brutal Death Metal of the baddest kind supplies the Amis PESSIMIST to us with. Crudest Geholze meets still deep Geroechel technical of reef, Blasts mixes with schraegeren harmonies, in addition. Wonderful! After first hearing the whole thing seemed to me a little stressful, after several passages "Slaughtering The Faithful" however nevertheless enormously! It needs to leave and a bloody trace to stop a little, until the partly more complicated Songs eats into the hearing. This definitely takes no prisoners!!! A fat production completes the positive overall view, thus PESSIMIST can fully convince me with their now third LP! 7/7"
- EARSHOT (Austria)

"Long awaited new Pessimist album with a totally new line-up. This time a lot faster and heavier with lower vokills raging guitars and ferocious tight drumming!!!! Produced by Erik Rutan (Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal). Played in the speed of Centurian, Rebaelliun, Diabolic, Krisiun and other legions of that sort. Under the king of darkness come forth and become baptized in blasphemy!!"
- HELL'S HEADBANGERS

"Fire, brimstone, and the promise of eternal hell might be scary to the passing religious zealot in today's apocalyptic world, but that ain't nothing compaered to the music that is PESSIMIST. Born in the Mid-Atlantic hotbed of Maryland, recorded in the Death Metal capitol of the world of Tampa, Florida, and waxed by a truly twisted foursome of individuals, Pessimist have undoubtedly arrived with their instant classic, Slaughtering the Faithful on Lost Disciple Records.

"...'Baptized in Blasphemy' soon shot from the speakers, blasting my eardrums with a menacing barrage of strep-throat vocals, merciless guitar riff-o-rama, and faster than the speed of sound beats. Then, just when I thought it couldn't get any sicker, they shifted gears into an insane, light-speed rhythm followed by Hanneman & King-like lead guitar solos. I needed oxygen at that point..."Summoned to Suffer" was up next, and as impossible as it may have been to believe, these hell bastards actually "out-Slayered" Slayer on this cut. Next, "Embodiment of Impurity" and "Slaughtering the Faithful" both overheated a witches' brew that demanded both riveted attention and utter submission. Too much, too soon, and way too fast - just the way I like it!

"Infernal Abyss" made me wonder if a new super group had been forged by drum legend Dave Lombardo and ex-members of Cannibal Corpse? Better yet, however, band members Kell McLauchlin (guitars), Ralph Runyan (vocals/bass), Bill Hayden (guitars), and John Grden (drums) shone like the sun, assisted by producer Erik Rutan. "Resurrected Torment" and "Stripped of Immortality" ended the album with searing slabs of chaos. Both tracks competed for speed and endurance, but the good news is that they both finished tied for first place! In the end, when the bloody cotton was finally removed from my ears, I realized that Pessimist had presented a slab of death metal that was beautiful, yet at the same time hideous to the core!"
- Mark Bounds, MUSIC MONTHLY