Originally named Mantas, this band started out in Tampa, Florida back in 1983. One year later, they changed their name to Death. Chuck Schuldiner were the brainchild of this band, until his untimely death in 2001. Death were originators in the death metal genre. Chuck also started a side-project, and released one album as Control Denied.
SPIRITUAL HEALING (1990) COMBAT
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Line-up: Chuck Schuldiner - Vocals, Guitars James Murphy - Guitars Bill Andrews - Drums Terry Butler - Bass |
This album marked the beginning of a more progressive er of Death. Their sound was no longer as one-dimensional as most of the bands in this genre were at the time. I think Chuck actually got bored with then genre he helped create, and wanted to do something different. The lyrics take on themes such as corrupted politicians, anti-drugs and some religious hypocrisy. This is a good album, but for some reason I seldom find myself putting it on.
Killer tracks: Altering the Future, Living Monstrosity
SYMBOLIC (1995) ROADRUNER
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Line-up: Chuck Schuldiner - Vocals, Guitar Bobby Koeldle - Guitars Gene Hoglan - Drums Kelly Conlon - Bass
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Death were always pioneers when it came to music. Although being a huge contributing factor in the creation of death metal as a genre, they never narrowed their musical aspects to one particular sound. Not that they abandoned what they started. But rather they incorporated other influences, thus creating interesting combinations of styles. 'Symbolic' is yet another fine example of this. The vocals are of the death metal variety. And no one does this better than Chuck himself. But the music is much more classic metal in nature. In fact, this sounds more like technical thrash metal, with guitar-harmonies etc., then it does relentless death metal. I for one really like it, and prefer this to the more brutal kind. It's also a pleasure to listen to the creativity amongst these musicians. They are all extremely good at what they do. Together they created what might be one of the best death metal albums of all times! Songs like "Symbolic", "Zero Tolerance" and "Empty Words" have become classics.
Killer tracks: All of them.
THE
SOUND OF PERSEVERANCE (1998) NUCLEAR BLAST
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Line-up: Chuck Schuldiner - Vocals, Guitars Richard Christy - Drums Shannon Hamm - Guitar Scott Clendenin - Bass |
The last Death disc, and the best one by far. This is just a feast in technical, progressive death metal. I never get tired of this disc. All the songs are favorites, but check out 'Scavenger Of Human Sorrow' to get an idea of the rest. If you only want to own 1 death metal CD, this is the one to own. 'Painkiller' is a Judas Priest cover.
Killer tracks: As I already said, all of them!
December 13th 2001: Chuck Schuldiner died of cancer. He had been struggling with a brain tumor, and even gotten better, but the cancer spread, and finally killed him. He will truly be missed. Chuck was one of the best musician/songwriter in the business. R.I.P.
James Murphy guest appearances:
Vicious Rumors - 'Sadistic Symphony'
Firewind - 'Forged By Fire'
Ralph Santolla guest appearances:
Jorn - 'Starfire'
Jon Oliva's Pain - 'Global Warning'
Related artists:
Control Denied, Testament, Iced Earth, Dark Angel, Agent Steel, Millenium