Death | |
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![]() Death in 1989. From left to right: Terry Butler, Paul Masvidal, manager Eric Greif, Bill Andrews, and Chuck Schuldiner. | |
Background information | |
Also known as | Mantas (1983–1984) |
Origin | Altamonte Springs, Florida, U.S. |
Genres | |
Discography | Death discography |
Years active |
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Labels | |
Spinoffs | Control Denied |
Past members |
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Website | emptywords |
Death was an American death metal band formed in Altamonte Springs, Florida, in 1983 by guitarist Chuck Schuldiner (who later became the band's sole vocalist), drummer/vocalist Kam Lee and guitarist Rick Rozz. Death is considered to be among the most influential bands in heavy metal music and a pioneering force in death metal. The band's 1987 debut album, Scream Bloody Gore, has been widely regarded as one of the first death metal records, alongside the first records from Possessed and Necrophagia.
Death had a revolving lineup, with Schuldiner, aside from a European tour, being the sole consistent member.[1] The group's style also progressed, from the raw sound on its first two albums to a more complex one in its later stage.[2] The band disbanded after Schuldiner died of glioma and pneumonia in December 2001, but remains an enduring influence on heavy metal.[3]
Their first three albums—Scream Bloody Gore, Leprosy, and Spiritual Healing—used the harsh and fast stylings of death metal bands during that era. But Death transformed their sound with the band's fourth album Human, evolving even more with their next releases, Individual Thought Patterns, Symbolic, and The Sound of Perseverance ... From the animosity of Death's earlier material to the intricate musicianship heard in their later work, Schuldiner needed the right musicians for Death's evolution.
Mainman Chuck Schuldiner died in 2001, aged 34, but he left behind a legacy that inspired an entire genre.