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User
Soundoffs 104
Album Ratings 103
Objectivity 92%
Last Active 12-28-19 6:39 am
Joined 06-06-19
Review Comments 278
| Death albums ranked
As a young death metal beginner, the looming reputation of Death amongst the community was inescapable. I knew I wasn’t a death metal fan until I payed homage to the godfather himself. But once you hear the sound of death, there is no turning back. These legends captivated me during my senior years of high school and helped shape my passion for not only death metal, but metal in general. | | 1 |  | Death
Symbolic
Widely regarded as the greatest album in the history of the genre, it’s not hard to see why “Symbolic” is revered amongst metal fans of any background. With this release, Chuck proved that Death metal doesn’t need to always be obscene and nihilistic. Instead it can produce meaningful lyrics/messages without compromising the technicality and fundamental musical traits of the genre. In fact, the song “Misanthrope” relays the diametrical opposite of nihilism by contradicting it though the geniality of Chucks writing ability. Lyrics aside, “Symbolic” is nothing short of masterclass as far as instrumentation and song structure is concerned. Let’s be honest, no death metal band could write a song as smooth as “Crystal Mountain”. | | 2 |  | Death
Human
With “Human”, Death pioneered technical death metal. So needless to say, It’s easily their most intricate record. Similarly, to “Symbolic”, “Human” marks a departure from your typical graphic lyrical themes that define death metal in general. In favor of a more deeply rooted philosophical theme. Particularly evident in the records most acclaimed track “Lack of Comprehension”. Furthermore, “Human” features arguably the greatest Death lineup ever. With legends Masvidal & Digorgio anchoring, and Reinert on drums. I’d say this is the only Death album where Chuck takes a “back seat” with Masvidal & Digorgio taking center stage to put in the performances of their career. | | 3 |  | Death
The Sound of Perseverance
I would imagine that in 1998 this may have been considered a bit risky, acknowledging the drastic dissimilarity from any of the band’s recent works. But as always, chuck never disappoints. By bringing in Richard Christy, the band acquire a versatile drummer no less capable of performing the more patient progressive segments of the album as he is at his typical lightning fast drumming. Another, more radical change is that of Schuldiners vocals. He adopts a slightly higher pitched raspy vocal technique. With tracks like “Spirit Crusher” that blend perfectly progressive elements with death metal riffs, and the emotionally stirring instrumental track “Voice of the Soul”, “The Sound of Perseverance” is easily Death’s most experimental and peculiar album. This album was also my first ever vinyl. | | 4 |  | Death
Spiritual Healing
If the artwork is any indicator, “Spiritual Healing” is Death’s most politically themed album. Generally, such ideas are avoided in metal, but by Schuldiner explores topics like televangelism and abortion. Particularly in the title track. Luckily however despite the fact, Chuck keeps such themes to a minimal. Death fans may regard “Spiritual Healing” as the bands least interesting album, I however remember being mesmerized by the incredibly heavy riff on the title track that catches you by surprise and saying to myself “Is this really 1989!?” haha. Although I may agree that the remainder of the album lacks the depth of the band’s later releases. | | 5 |  | Death
Leprosy
An appropriate follow up to the bands raw debut, “Leprosy” maintained several key elements including less refined production (consider the era) and eight tracks of relentless pure raw death metal. Due to the fact that the record was made before the onset of technical death metal, the album makes use of extended bass/drum riffs to negate any gaps within schuldiner’s chorus deliveries. This can make the album awkwardly repetitive at times. For me it was difficult to select standout tracks for the same reason, however within the maze of OSDM one cannot miss staple track “Pull the Plug”. | | 6 |  | Death
Individual Thought Patterns
I find it odd how personally unappealing this album is considering that it was made between “Symbolic” and “Human”. Two albums that I believe were leagues better that “Individual Thought Patterns”. Although it continues with the technicality introduced in “Human”. Also, this record contains my favorite track by the band “The Philosopher”. The lyrics “The Philosopher, you know so much about nothing at all” resonated with me especially during philosophy class haha. But of course, I love the song mostly for the crushing and catchy riff and Schuldiners passionate vocals. Perhaps this makes the album even more disappointing, the fact that aside from my favorite song by the band, there is nothing more for me to take away from the record. | | 7 |  | Death
Scream Bloody Gore
Listen, I don’t give a shit what year “Seven Churches” came out. Although profoundly influential, it was more black/thrash than anything. “Scream Bloody Gore” was the first album that was pure death metal. Simply for that fact I refuse to rank the album. It is truly in a league of it’s own and its importance to the genre that we love cannot be understated. So, do not think of this album as simply #7. Although with that being said I must be honest, after listening to death metal for years it has become difficult to see the appeal of “Scream Bloody Gore” compared to other albums I have come to love. But as stated that doesn’t matter because none of which would exist without “Scream Bloody Gore”. Thank you Chuck Schuldiner. | |
Arditi
06.22.19 | Check out my Lamb of God ranked list if you want. I'm thinking about doing a bunch of these lists. Maybe Dying Fetus next. But don't worry I got different kinds of metal bands planned. | deathschool
06.22.19 | 6 > 2 > 1 > 5 = 3 > 7 > 4 | trilo
06.22.19 | 2 > all | Arditi
06.22.19 | haha fair enough. Thanks for checking out my list mate :) | deathschool
06.22.19 | You're welcome! Posi vibes. | deathschool
06.22.19 | Nice write ups as well. You justified your ranking fer sher. | Arditi
06.22.19 | Btw do you guys think I write too much? Should I be briefer? It takes a long time to make these lists but I mean it's a lot of fun and even better if you guys enjoy the read. | Arditi
06.22.19 | @deathschool aw thanks a lot mate I really appreciate that input. | Arditi
06.22.19 | @Kaiwaz appreciated bro! | samwise2000
06.22.19 | Great list! | Source
06.22.19 | Band pleases me | naughtcturnal
06.22.19 | kinda like all of them but 3 is soooo underrated | Pon
06.22.19 | Tech death had been a thing for a couple years before Human was released, but nice list m/ | Arditi
06.22.19 | @Jacquibim. Some say that because of Suffocation but it's subjective. | Morningrise767
06.22.19 | All Death is epic of course, but 5 and 6 are too low for my tastes.
Leprosy is just heavy as fuck (my 2nd fav Death album) and ITP just gets better with every listen. It's so fuckin good m/ | beefshoes
06.22.19 | The only Death album that I outright dislike is 3. I actually love the vocal style that Chuck used, but the music itself is outright sloppy, cheesy, and there's far too much wanking around with the guitars (I've always seen it as a Control Denied album though). Human is the best. Having half of Cynic's lineup with Chuck is a fucking dream. | Hawks
06.22.19 | 6 is 1. | Demon of the Fall
06.22.19 | 3 & 4 over 6 makes me wince. | Demon of the Fall
06.22.19 | Re the tech death thing... Atheist released Piece of Time in ‘89...
Not sure whether the list starter was meaning Death or overall, just a thought. |
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