SYMBOLIC

Chuck's done it; it's a classic album, no doubt about it. The progressive textures built up over the course of Human and Individual Thought Patterns have arrived at a glorious point of perfection as Symbolic proves itself to be Death's finest release. The song complexion has reached a higher level, tracks now spanning over eight minutes with epics such as Perennial Quest: a scene of immense riffage before falling into a sombre and moving acoustic backdrop where the album fades away into darkness. Long before that we're treated to monster riffs ands the finest production any Death album has been treated to, the vocals notably clearer and more defined than on previous releases. Lyrically, Symbolic reigns supreme also, Schuldiner commenting in an earlier interview that the soul lyrical basis being less angry than on Individual Thought Patterns; here we get everything from life issues to government conspiracy with 1,000 Eyes. Symbolic presents the greatest collection of riffs and songs to be found all in one place than on any other Death album.

The opening title track sets the scene perfectly, a solid riff leading way for the howling vocals of Schuldiner before plunging into thrash and then into a riff of bone-crunching density. Similar riffs can be found on Misanthrope, a circling demon-like riff that shows the sheer force of Death. Schuldiner's vocals have become somewhat higher in pitch and with that more defined; gone of the thrash/death days of Scream Bloody Gore and Leprosy, here is a more structured and progressive form of metal.

Guitar solos are another highlight. Sacred Serenity appears to be another full-on track before, halfway through the solo it drops into a ballad-style acoustic wonder where the guitar stuns us all as the album presents yet more musical surprises. There's even an acoustic solo during Crystal Mountain, which is seen by many as the albums power ballad.

In truth, every track is a standout. Zero Tolerance, one of Death's most iconic songs, explodes after a stylistic drum intro into one of the record's highlights. Empty Words opens with some atmospheric bongos before plunging into another brilliant metal riff, and Without Judgement contains some classically inspired guitar soloing; there's so much going on here it's fascinating to listen to.

At one point, this could have been the final offering from Death as Chuck went on to form his next project, Control Denied. However, the project was put on hold and we are treated to one more in The Sound of Perseverance which would continue the progression found here. In Symbolic is a masterpiece of not just metal, but progressive metal/death metal, what ever you want to call it. Chuck had been forming his own form of music from the beginning and it all comes to its pinnacle on this album.

Top Three Tracks:

1) Symbolic 2) Sacred Serenity 3) Zero Tolerance