At the time, critical response was generally positive. A positive review appeared in "Melody Maker" that called VdGG "a band with enough enigma to keep Sherlock Holmes on the case for three volumes," and stated that "indicates more fully than ever the inspired maelstrom of bitter vision and controlled desolate grandeur that Van der Graaf can create". John Gill, reviewing for "Sounds" said "Unashamedly betraying my partisan affections, 'Vital' really is," and that "[the album captures the dark soul of VdG, laying past and present musical nightmares on to vinyl".