Albums Ranked: Death!
Death is one of my all time favorite bands and Chuck Schuldiner was one of the greatest musical minds of our time or anytime! The fathers of death metal, Death kicked off the death metal movement with their first album being the first full length death metal album. Even before that time Death and other bands like Possessed were hugely influential in the underground tape trading community. Here is my list of Death albums ranked up to the best.
How this works; Songs are rated on a 5 star rating with each star having a value that is averaged together for the album rating. Average album rating will equal the band’s rating
1 star=0, I hate it! The world would be better off without this.
2 stars=25, I don’t like it but it could be worse
3 stars= 50, decent song but not special
4 stars=75, good song but is missing something that might make it amazing
5 stars=100, Amazing!
Live albums, demos, cover albums and EP’s are not included.
Note: Popular doesn’t mean great and importance doesn’t mean it’s good either. A chart topping song only means it is watered down enough for a mainstream audience
#7
Scream Bloody Gore - 81.25%
Style: Death Metal
Although not the first full length death metal release it is the first full release from Death. Although Possessed’s first album was released first, both bands released their first demos in 1984. Along side Possessed, Death is rightfully considered the fathers of death metal by most.
The Good: Zombie Ritual, Evil Dead
The Bad: compared to later death, the songs here are more simplistic and raw although this is an appeal for those who really love this album
#6
Leprosy - 87.5%
Style: Death Metal
Leprosy was my first introduction to Death and one of my first death metal albums if not the first. It’s a good introduction to death metal if you are already into thrash. It’s not so brutal and discernible as many death metal albums. As a fan of more complicated thrash albums I appreciated the structuring of the songs that seemed similar to things I was already into. This is a really solid death metal album and a must have for any fan of old school death metal.
The Good: Pull The Plug, Born Dead, Leprosy, Left To Die. The new drummer is a big improvement to the overall sound.
The Bad: I have no complaints but a lot of songs only got 4 stars from me, still a must own
#5
Spiritual Healing - 90.62%
Style: Progressive Death Metal
The first Death album I would actually consider progressive. This album isn’t as prog sounding as the ones that come after it and is a good balance between old school death metal and progressive death metal.
The Good: Altering the Future, Spiritual Healing, and everything. James Murphy is one second guitar and is one of my favorite death metal guitar players
The Bad: There really isn’t any but again a few songs that only got 4 stars
#4 (the next four albums all are rated at 100% which is and incredible achievement for any band, it made putting them in a ranked order difficult)
Human - 100%
Style: Progressive Death Metal
Possibly the only reason this album is ranked 4 instead of higher is because I had it the least amount of time compared to the others in the top 4. Again Death had a line up change. This time adding Bassist Steve DiGiorgio one of the greatest metal bassist. It also added Paul Masvidal and Sean Reinert of progressive metal band Cynic.
The Good: Everything
The Bad: Nothing
#3
Individual Thought Patterns - 100%
Style: Progressive Death Metal
This was the second album I got after Leprosy. It is the first one of two for Gene Hoglan, one of the most prolific and best drummers around. Andy LaRocque of King Diamond fame guests as lead guitarist.
The Good: Everything!
The Bad: Nothing
#2
Symbolic - 100%
Style: Progressive Death Metal
I know there are a lot of people who consider this their favorite Death album and for good reason. I haven’t mentioned yet, but Chuck Schuldiner is not just a incredible guitarist and writer, but has great lyrics. As Death became more progressive, the lyrics also became deeper. This is probably the album I find my self singing to the most. Probably the only reason this album doesn’t make my #1 spot is I prefer the drumming of Richard Christy on the next album. Not that he’s better, but just more compatible with my own style of playing… less mechanical.
The Good: Everything!
The Bad: Nothing!
#1
Sounds of Perseverance - 100%
Style: Progressive Death Metal
Like the last ones, this is another master piece. If you didn’t notice the patter, these albums ended up ranked in chronological order. I didn’t realize till I got to the end. I think it’s good to point because it shows that Chuck was constantly improving and pushing the boundaries of his sound. Some people don’t like the vocals on this album, but I think they are very impressive especially if you include the Painkiller cover in this. just like the music, Chuck’s voice also kept changing. If you listen to Scream Bloody Gore with no context and then hear this album it’s hard to believe its from the same person. Chuck is one of my all time music heroes and it is a shame we lost him so young. Even if someone isn’t into death metal, there is no denying the skill and musicianship involved in the later death albums. It’s worth a listen even if it’s not your cup of tea.
The Good: Everything!
The Bad: Nothing!
Bonus Album
Control Denied - The Fragile Art of Existence 96.875%
Style: Progressive Metal
This album picks up where Sounds of Perseverance leaves off but with Vocalist Tim Aymar. It also sees the return of Steve DiGiorgio. This album isn’t quit as aggressive as a death album but is every bit as technical. The vocalist reminds me a bit of Eric Adams of Manowar in some ways. He later went on to be in Pharaoh which is a good band to check out if you like this one. If you are a fan of Chuck you really should give this a listen.
The Good: Nearly everything!
The Bad: Many people who love Chuck might not be into the vocals. He’s really good but he’s not amazing. This album is also lighter than death metal which death fans may not like. There is only one song I didn’t give 5 stars.
Let us know what you think below and check out our other lists