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DEATH

Tech/Extreme Prog Metal • United States


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Death picture
Death biography
Founded in Orlando, USA in 1983 (as MANTAS) - Renamed in 1984 - Disbanded in 1998

Chuck Schuldiner founded Death in the early 80s as an extreme metal band, not knowing that in the years to come the band would be celebrated by many as the band which created the genre of Death Metal. During the years the lineup changed frequently, with Schuldiner as the constant element. Their music got more and more complex in the 90s, and their last releases Individual Thought Patterns, Symbolic and The Sound of Perseverance are the reason for their inclusion in the archives. The music on these albums is what is today often referred to as "Progressive Death Metal", and it influenced many other bands in the following years which further explored the possibilities of this new kind of music. Eventually Schuldiner founded the band Control Denied, which essentially continued Death's evolution towards a more experimental music - their first release is very similar to Death, minus the typical Death Metal vocals. After the release of that album in 1999 Schuldiner was diagnosed with brain-stem cancer, and due to this disease both Control Denied and Death were put on hold, and in 2001 Schuldiner lost his battle with his illness.

Why this artist must be listed in www.progarchives.com :
Death can be seen as the founding fathers of two genres: Death Metal and Progressive Death Metal. While their first 4 studio are not progressive, the remaining 3 show an amazing development of more and more experimental structures.

See also: - Control Denied

DEATH Videos (YouTube and more)


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DEATH discography


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DEATH top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.02 | 215 ratings
Scream Bloody Gore
1987
3.11 | 220 ratings
Leprosy
1988
3.50 | 203 ratings
Spiritual Healing
1990
4.21 | 466 ratings
Human
1991
4.17 | 383 ratings
Individual Thought Patterns
1993
4.28 | 669 ratings
Symbolic
1995
4.26 | 540 ratings
The Sound of Perseverance
1998

DEATH Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.35 | 34 ratings
Live in L.A. (Death & Raw)
2001
3.95 | 21 ratings
Live in Eindhoven
2001
2.62 | 10 ratings
Vivus!
2012

DEATH Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

3.38 | 15 ratings
Live in Eindhoven
2001
4.26 | 19 ratings
Live in L.A. (Death & Raw)
2001
4.17 | 6 ratings
Live at Cottbus '98
2005

DEATH Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

1.30 | 16 ratings
Fate - The Best of Death
1992

DEATH Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

DEATH Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 The Sound of Perseverance by DEATH album cover Studio Album, 1998
4.26 | 540 ratings

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The Sound of Perseverance
Death Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by theaqua

5 stars If Human is the turning point for Death and for Death Metal, this album is one of the pinnacles, Human was my first album that I heard from Death and this is my second and it is difficult to compare this album with their previous works, but one thing It's clear from my listening to Death's discography: it's going to be extremely difficult for them to top this album.

The Sound Of Perserverance is one of the best albums ever, every moment, every riff, every note... everything is played with great mastery, it's scary how much this album elevates everything that Human has established, a truly progressive work, be it the polyrhythm insane of ''Bite the Pain'' or the build and stop-and-go riffs of ''Story to Tell'', The Sound Of Perserverance is one of the best albums I've ever heard in my life, and definitely a masterpiece.

10/10

 Individual Thought Patterns by DEATH album cover Studio Album, 1993
4.17 | 383 ratings

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Individual Thought Patterns
Death Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by BrufordFreak
Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Orlando's Death Metal progenitors' seventh studio release: they have plateaued at the top of their subgenre. Is this what Prog/rock sounds like in fast forward?

1. "Overactive Imagination" (3:30) sometimes obnoxious, though always impressive drumming. Other than the riffing, these are not very complicated song structures. (8.25/10)

2. "In Human Form" (3:55) the drumming and lack of space in the music (sonic clutter) bring this one down for me. (8.5/10)

3. "Jealousy" (3:39) some jazzier drumming and snaking guitar and bass play helps. I wish the instrumentalists would go off in their own independently creative directions more often. I like that I can distinguish between the two guitarists' styles easily during their solos. (8.75/10)

4. "Trapped in a Corner" (4:11) A little space goes a long way! As well as some twists and turns along the journey. A top three song. (8.75/10)

5. "Nothing Is Everything" (3:16) again, why does everybody have to travel so tightly? I find, in particular, the bass player's allegiance to the rhythms and paces set by the others annoying. Several themes here thrown together. (8.75/10)

6. "Mentally Blind" (4:45) the singing here is actually quite decipherable--and humane! Poor guy! My favorite song on the album. (9/10)

7. "Individual Thought Patterns" (4:00) after a THIN LIZZY twin guitar start, the band syncs up to chugg along beneath Chuck's carefully articulated screams. Some more nice TL shifts and turns along the way. Not bad despite the baseline galloping rhythm tracks. (8.75/10)

8. "Destiny" (4:04) What?! Softly arpeggiated guitars? Acoustic guitars?!?! Just a ruse. The onslaught soon descends. Nice separation between bass, drums, and twin guitars. Spacious beneath the chorus! Another top three song. (9/10)

9. "Out of Touch" (4:19) What?! Slow, plodding bombastic proggy rock?! Again, just a tease. The band devolves into head-banging before the end of the opening minute. A couple of speeds are explored, which is interesting, but one of the motifs is just so cliché metal, another classic heavy rock. But, still, keeps the listeners on their toes! Nice effort by the band to keep together through all of the changes.(9/10)

10. "The Philosopher" (4:10) another one with a surprising "classic rock/prog" opening. Even beneath Chuck's metronomic syllabically-punctuated growls the music retains something of the 1980s metal scene. Even an out-of-place "Classic rock" guitar solo in the middle of the second minute. (8.75/10)

Total Time 39:49

I wish I could find it in myself to enjoy and appreciate this music more. The guitar work is very impressive and mesmerizing; the rest is unmemorable, repetitive, and disposable. The genius is to be able to find inspiration to sing (or, in this case, growl, bellow, and scream) over this music! (Too bad I don't hear/comprehend lyrics.)

B/four stars; an excellent album for all you Metal fans; an artistic case point for study and reflection for the rest of us.

 Human by DEATH album cover Studio Album, 1991
4.21 | 466 ratings

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Human
Death Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by BrufordFreak
Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars The highly-acclaimed project of Chuck Schuldiner shows signs of metamorphic breakout as Cynic members Paul Masvidal (guitar) and Sean Reinert (drums) and new bassist, Sean Reinart inject a whole new speed and technical skill into Chuck's ideas. The Flaw for me here is not in the music but in the singing: Chuck's delivery is very much one dimensional in every way possible--even pitch. Therefore, I will warn the reader that my song-by-song ratings are based more on the instrumental contributions though I cannot help but downgrade for the presence of the grating drone thread of Chuck's voice in every song.

1. "Flattening of Emotions" (4:28) impressive sound, technical skill, and timing. Great albeit brief lead guitar touches. But that vocal! (8.5/10)

2. "Suicide Machine" (4:19) flat. (8/10)

3. "Together as One" (4:06) a little variation in the screaming. (8.5/10)

4. "Secret Face" (4:36) less vocal presence = more instrumental shine. (8.75/10)

5. "Lack of Comprehension" (3:39) What! Sensitivity and delicacy--and flanged drums and effected guitar! Short-lived but interesting. (8.25/10)

6. "See Through Dreams" (4:26) I find the time shifts on this one, as well its bridges and extended guitar solos, to be more in the vein of music that I like--despite the fact that the time shifts often feel a bit random and inexplicable (i.e. unnecessary). I like hearing the bass this prominently. (9/10)

7. "Cosmic Sea" (4:23) An instrumental! paced a little more humanely over its first half, with more standard metal arrangement and sonicsphere, this one definitely feels more like what I'd call "progressive rock music" or "prog." guest bassist Skott Carino's work is also quite prominent and interesting. The second half's STEVE VAI-like guitar work is also different and quite impressive. This, to me, is a great prog metal song, one filled with more broad strokes and effects than most of the other songs. (10/10)

8. "Vacant Planets" (3:48) the sound is now well established, as are the vocal stylings, here we get to hear some more extended lead guitar solos. As impressive is the drummer's low end stamina, the snare work here does not always fit very well with the guitars and bass. (8.5/10)

Total Time 33:45

I am most impressed with the skill of these musicians--especially with drumer Sean Reinert and the way guitarist Paul Masvidal can sneak in some incredibly effective and memorable lead flourishes into such small spaces.

B/four stars; a solid submission to Prog World that will probably be an exciting addition to any Prog Metal lover's music collection.

 Symbolic by DEATH album cover Studio Album, 1995
4.28 | 669 ratings

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Symbolic
Death Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by Nhelv

5 stars Simply put, this record is to Death Metal what Close To The Edge is to progressive rock. It's an essential record that completely flipped the tables and introduced never-heard ideas to the death metal genre (progressive death metal, in this case).

Chuck Schuldiner has already made revolutionary changes within the genre with 'Human', which introduced and started Death's more progressive era. Symbolic is the culmination of this era, a culmination that would persist even on the next album. The high-pitched growls and insane technique from the musicians combined with Chuck's melodic guitar solos make up for one hell of a treat.

An undisputed classic within death metal. This record was miracle when it was released and it still is. Five Stars, no doubt.

 The Sound of Perseverance by DEATH album cover Studio Album, 1998
4.26 | 540 ratings

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The Sound of Perseverance
Death Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by Nhelv

5 stars Following something like Symbolic wasn't going to be easy for Death. By that time, Death were already the kings of Death Metal due to their sheer influence and revolutionary additions to the genre. Death Metal became something that would actually last to this day as an obscure, but respected, genre.

In all honesty, The Sound Of Perseverance is kinda like Individual Thought Patterns in how they both follow up legendary albums and don't really add much to the genre compared to their predecessors, but regardless, they're both solid and very well made albums.

This album continues the melodic progressive death metal sound that Symbolic established, and it does an excellent job, at some points doing even better than Symbolic itself. The Death you'll hear in this record is miles more mature than the one in Scream Bloody Gore or Spiritual Healing. This record is highly recommend and it's for sure one of the best of the genre. Five Stars.

 The Sound of Perseverance by DEATH album cover Studio Album, 1998
4.26 | 540 ratings

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The Sound of Perseverance
Death Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by sgtpepper

5 stars In my limited Death experience and exposure so far, I think this is the culmination of the band's efforts. They already cemented their top spot in progressive death metal but new bands like Opeth are taking the genre to new heights. The band knows how to impress on each instrument be it bass guitar or drums. Vocal has evolved into black metal shrieking (higher pitched), which doesn't move it as I still don't like it :) The first track sets the bar very high with syncopated drumming up to furious drumming, great guitar motives. "Bit the pain" is a bit of departure from ultra-heavy death metal to more adventurous heavy prog-metal and singing is greatly reduced. "Spirit crusher" has devilish drums as well as guitar soloing. "Voice of the soul" is the mellowest song by Death ever, acoustic and electric guitar played together in a sensitive manner without drums disturbing. On the other hand, "To forgive is to suffer" is one of the heaviest attacks in particular when the vocal/drum tandem break in.

The album presents the sheer brilliance of the band which mastered the combination of progressive and technical death metal and didn't sound too pompous at the same time. One of the top technical death metal albums.

 Symbolic by DEATH album cover Studio Album, 1995
4.28 | 669 ratings

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Symbolic
Death Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by sgtpepper

4 stars Death didn't rest on laurels and prepared another death cake (or a gift?) full of brutality, screaming and blazing speed in playing. The album is very complex with frequent changes and plenty of ideas. It makes it perhaps less accessible to the more casual Death fans like me. A great track to start is "Zero tolerance" with slower rhythms in the beginning, and accessible guitar. All tracks have technical elements but when I should pick the clear progressive winner, 1. "Sacred Serenity" has harder and quiet sides with winning guitar playing. 2. "Perennial Quest" is the opus of the album with monstrous complexity unheard before. Acoustic guitar appears in the moody outro. Another Death album with a high standard and dozens of things to analyze for repeated listens.
 Individual Thought Patterns by DEATH album cover Studio Album, 1993
4.17 | 383 ratings

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Individual Thought Patterns
Death Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by sgtpepper

4 stars When you look at the album and title names, you think of modern prog-metal bands. The music is equally intellectual but what a brutality! Bass drums and drumming speed have surpassed the first thrash-influenced albums and I'm thankful for that. There are some interesting irregular rhythms ("Mentally blind", "Individual thought patterns"), great fill-ins and muscular bass, listen to "Jealousy" for its more prominent sound. "Nothing is everything" contains what we can say a hint of melody, bass guitar attack and the madness is topped by super busy complex drumming. Certainly one of the most memorable tracks here. The band's instrumental interplay is marvelous and never goes over the top as they switch among more complex and straightforward bursts of death metal. Vocally, the singer made a step forward - he tries to a few exercises here with growling but the main focus is on guitar playing. The technical significance of this album and what it started are indisputable.
 Human by DEATH album cover Studio Album, 1991
4.21 | 466 ratings

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Human
Death Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by sgtpepper

4 stars This is the album where progressive elements start to be overwhelming or at least equal the death metal ones. Still, there is the same amount of heaviness - intensive drumming, aggressive guitars and screaming. Surprisingly, the songs are quite short, no beating 5 minutes. The album starts off by intensive drumming and turning into a complex guitar supported rhythm long before a more conventional death metal scheme kicks in. There are couple of standouts - "Secret face" is en essential piece of progressive death metal - it features different moods, styles. "Cosmic sea" is like out of different Death planet, absolute moody and spacey with keyboards followed by killer blistering guitar solo. "Vacant planets" first sounds like a straight death-metal number but the middle section is jaw-dropping.
 Spiritual Healing by DEATH album cover Studio Album, 1990
3.50 | 203 ratings

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Spiritual Healing
Death Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

Review by sgtpepper

3 stars Getting more progressive? Definitely, just listen to the amount of technicality in the first track - from the elaborate riffing, prog metal rhythms, the beast instrumental part, splendid guitar solo. There is more focus on instrumental prowess, which, taken the average vocal into account, is a welcome change. "Altering the future" doesn't cut down on amount of experimentation. Starting pretty doomy and then evolving into a prog-death pattern, gone are the days of straightforward thundering death metal attack. While there isn't any memorable melodies, it is amazing how differently each song can be played. "Defensive personalities" offers a rare vocal-solid track due to dabbling in advanced growling. The most memorable thing, though, is the central riffing motive. As you go through the tracks, you may recognize that some riffs are similar; however drumming and guitar soloing are pretty diverse. The closing "Killing spree" is a return to more straightforward crushing death metal.
Thanks to MikeEnRegalia for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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