Death Albums Ranked

Death was an American death metal band from Altamonte Springs, Florida, founded in 1984 by guitarist and vocalist Chuck Schuldiner. Death is considered to be among the most influential bands in heavy metal and a pioneering force in the extreme metal subgenre of death metal. Their debut album, Scream Bloody Gore, has been widely regarded as the first death metal record (although there is some dispute to that claim as Possessed’s debut album Seven Churches and Necrophagia’s debut album Season of the Dead was released before). Death had a revolving lineup, with Schuldiner being the sole consistent member. The group’s style also progressed, from the raw sound on its first two albums to a more sophisticated one in its later stage. The band ceased to exist after Schuldiner died of glioma and pneumonia in December 2001 but remains an enduring influence on heavy metal. Here are all of the Death albums ranked.

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7. Spiritual Healing (1990)

“The best part about this is that Chuck actually makes some good points. The only lyrical slip up for me is “Living Monstrosity” which just might have some of the most unintentionally hilarious lyrics i’ve ever heard. Musically, the album features better production, better musicianship (THE SOLOS! THE SOLOS!), and better thought out arrangements. Some of my favorite tracks are “Spiritual Healing”, “Low Life”, “Killing Spree”, and , the first Death song I ever heard, “Within The Mind”. This is an amazing album that, along with Scream Bloody Gore and Leprosy, serves as an awesome intro to death metal.”

6. Scream Bloody Gore (1987)

“This is DEATH’s first album Scream, Bloody Gore!! This is a blistering, raw, rough ride through the horror movie psyche of then 20 year old Chuck Schuldiner over brutal guitar riffs and deadly drums. Yes, campy as the lyrics and overall feel may be this is still a hell of an album to listen to.”

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5. Leprosy (1988)

“A great early death metal album. The production quality is pretty low, and this is easily one of the least technical albums Death released, but it is still great. If you are interested in getting into old school death metal, this is a good starting point. My favorite track is probably born dead.”

4. Individual Thought Patterns (1993)

“First off, the line up is incredible for this album, returning bass protege Steve DiGiorgio, King Diamond’s Andy LaRocque and the legendary thrash giant behind the kit, the one and only Gene Hoglan. If that doesn’t excite you, well just listen to the songs! Every song is the highest quality, every musician at the top of their game, with some even more personal and insightful lyrics from Chuck.”

3. The Sound Of Perseverance (1998)

“The album’s subject matter and motifs are especially poignant when considering the fate Chuck would face a few years after releasing this album, in late 2001 from Brain-Stem Cancer. In some ways, it’s as if with creating the band, and writing this album, he fulfilled his own prophecy in many ways. He was certainly one of metal’s most creative and talented voices, and will not be forgotten.”

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2. Human (1991)

“”Human” is not only an extremely unique, creative, and original sounding death metal masterpiece, but it also showcased a huge improvement and step of advancement in their sound as well. This album has got everything from sheer brutality, and blistering, full blown heaviness, mind-blowing technicality, and of course, amazing melody as well.”

1. Symbolic (1995)

“”Symbolic” has the coolest riffs, and the most melodic guitar solos I’ve ever heard from Death. It’s one of those releases that you can NEVER get tired of listening to. Every time I listen to this I like it more and more….The melodic guitars are just incredible!!!”