Portland Mercury called the album "one of the finest releases in the storied history of Amphetamine Reptile Records."[4]The Seattle Times wrote that "the songs ... explode like pop supernovas – the music is packed so densely that it bursts into massive fireballs of rage."[5]Gimme Indie Rock: 500 Essential American Underground Rock Albums 1981–1996 called Into the Vortex "among the most intense and enjoyable albums to come out of indie rock's less friendly back streets."[6]