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User
Reviews 196
Approval 91%
Soundoffs 195
News Articles 11
Band Edits + Tags 59
Album Edits 23
Album Ratings 2110
Objectivity 73%
Last Active 08-18-15 3:29 am
Joined 08-08-09
Review Comments 10,693
| Symbolic Ranked [2]
Thought I'd do my own ranking in light of the other one. Let's do this (with descriptionz!). | | 9 |  | Death
Symbolic
1,000 Eyes: This song's fine, but I really would have liked to hear more in terms of the middle section. It always felt like the refrain came back in way too early; some more solo or bridge time would have been nice. But that main riff during the verses is just awesome, bringing a perfect balance of brutality and melody. Plus, the mini guitar solo before the choruses is cool too. | | 8 | | Death
Symbolic
Empty Words: I'm probably putting this a bit lower than some people would like, but I always found this song to be a bit too long. With that said, the calm intro is pretty nice and there are plenty of tempo changes that ensure you'll be on your toes throughout much of the experience. | | 7 | | Death
Symbolic
Sacred Serenity: Aside from the amazing bass/drum intro that kicks this song off, it's a pretty conventional song for the standards of later Death. I do wish that this song had some more standout moments, but I'll mention some of the song's best sections. The first is really that great intro; between the bass riff and the fast guitar melodies, it's a feast for the ears. The other great moment is the aggressive snare-driven riff before the chorus. It doesn't last very long, but it leaves a memorable impression on the listener. | | 6 | | Death
Symbolic
Zero Tolerance: While a bit lower on the totem pole for me when it comes to this album, I still really enjoy this song. The slow tempo keeps things very atmospheric and suspenseful, and the solo becomes a fantastic payoff that contrasts those sections very well. The harmonies displayed in the solo are well-executed and remind me a bit of NWOBHM music from the 80s. | | 5 | | Death
Symbolic
Crystal Mountain: I'll be honest, I just really enjoy how accessible this one is. Easily the least complex of the songs (maybe barring Sacred Serenity), the riffs in this one are just a ton of fun to listen to. That galloping drum beat is just great, and the mixture of acoustic and electric guitars (especially in the outro) in this song is both varied and incredibly satisfying. | | 4 | | Death
Symbolic
Perennial Quest: This one seriously grew on me over time. The longest track on this album, Perennial Quest twists and turns through a pretty sizable amount of tempo and dynamic changes and manages to be extremely compelling in the process. The final two minutes are especially memorable, as Chuck chooses to end things with a soft acoustic guitar portion that leaves the listener with something more reflective than outright energetic. | | 3 | | Death
Symbolic
Symbolic: Of course this had to be high on the list. One of Death's best openers, Symbolic is fantastic at illustrating just what's in store for you throughout this record. Beginning with a riff that's simplistic but incredibly memorable, things soon launch into a series of thrash-based portions that will make your head spin with each change in tempo or drum patterns. Also, that little melodic section in between the intense riffage is a really nice touch. | | 2 | | Death
Symbolic
Misanthrope: I just love how intense this one is. It storms right out of the gate with a great thrashy riff as Gene Hoglan's rapid-fire double bass drumming works perfectly in tandem with such aggressive guitar work. Add great juxtapositions between melancholic melodies and outright dissonance, as well as another great Chuck solo, and you have a treat worth revisiting again and again. | | 1 | | Death
Symbolic
Without Judgement: Without a doubt one of my favorite Death songs. Between the fluidity of each musical transition, highly intelligent lyricism about judgement (of course) and human perception, and the fantastic mix between crushing metal segments and clean progressive rock passages, this one clearly takes the top spot. | |
Necrotica
03.09.15 | I'm so happy I ended up getting into this album | InfernalOarsman
03.09.15 | Awesome list. I love your reasoning for each ranking. I'd personally put Sacred Serenity higher, but they're all great songs at the end of the day. | TalonsOfFire
03.09.15 | 7 and 8 should be way higher and I'd put 2 at 9, good descriptions | Necrotica
03.09.15 | Thanks guys. Yeah, I like doing these little descriptions... kinda like mini reviews, I suppose | carved
03.09.15 | terrible | MyNameIsPencil
03.09.15 | Honestly "Misanthrope COME AT ME" is a more fitting title. | SIMBOLIC
03.09.15 | One of the toughest albums in existence to rank. Good list tho descriptions are nice | FacelessMan
03.09.15 | i agree pencil | Necrotica
03.10.15 | Indeed | guilouzzz
09.13.15 | 2 is 1 for me and i would have put empty words higher | romulanrancor
09.13.15 | Very well ranked man. I don't think I could even begin to try and rank this album. | TheMagicalBlender
09.13.15 | 3 is 1. | SpiritCrusher2
09.13.15 | yea I couldn't rank this, every song is perfect | Ryus
09.13.15 | could never rank it |
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