positive punk: DEATH

10.18.2017

DEATH

"the sound of perseverance"
Year: 1998
Country: US
City: Orlando, FL
Label: Nuclear Blast
Format: CD, LP
Tracks: 9
Time: 45 min.
Genre: rock
Style: Progressive Metal

Excellent. "the sound of perseverance" is a MASTERPIECE that deserves all of the praise in the world. Not only is this Chuck Schuldiner's unsurpassed work, it also combines all of the distinct and important elements from Death's previous and near perfect albums such as Human, Individual Thought Patterns and Symbolic. The chaotic and improvised drum fill by Richard Christy that kicks off the opening track "Scavenger of Human Sorrow" is a preview of the musical talent, impressiveness, originality and diversity that is to come later in the album. Every track seems to feed off the other's energy and ferocity in an effortless manner. The anger and bitterness felt on the third track "Spirit Crusher" depicts a sense of betrayal and vengeance in Chuck's lyrics and shrieking vocals. Definitely one of the pinnacle tracks of the album, the somber and insanely catchy bass line along with the tasteful and complex drum fills make "Spirit Crusher" an instant classic.

As the album progresses, a casual listener is able to witness how Chuck Schuldiner's musicianship, songwriting and guitar solos have reached the peak of his outstanding musical career. Furthermore, Chuck did not only use the musical elements that made Human, Individual Thought Patterns and Symbolic so great, he was able to expand on the raw energy and melody on those albums to make Death's most accomplished and diverse work to date. The album also features "Voice of the Soul" an absolutely gorgeous yet sorrowful instrumentation that showcases the perfect balance between two harmonizing guitar solo and an acoustic ballad. The musicianship was so exquisite on "The Sound of Perseverance" that Chuck recruited rhythm guitarist Shannon Hamm and drummer Richard Christy to perform on his more melodic side project Control Denied. In the case of Death's later albums like Human, Individual Though Patterns and Symbolic, this was definitely a breakthrough album for Shannon Hamm, Scott Clendenin and Richard Christy whom became more renowned musicians in the metal community afterwards.

While there are many spectacular moments on "The Sound of Perseverance", the lengthy duel of solos on "A Moment of Clarity" between Schuldiner and Hamm demonstrate another instance where Chuck is able to showcase both his and Shannon Hamm's guitar soloing skills. There have been numerous moments on Death albums where the rhythm guitarist shares the spotlight with Chuck, such as Rick Rozz, Paul Masvidal, Andy LaRocque and Bobby Koelble. The finale of this masterpiece is an excellent cover of Judas Priest's "Painkiller" and is a tribute that the metal legends would definitely be proud of. With Chuck being a huge fan of Judas Priest, one can hear the unquestionable passion while he is shrieking the verses: "This is the painkiller!" Chuck's vocals have also significantly evolved since his earlier work and have become a lot more higher pitched but at the same time, they fit in perfectly with the sound.

As a whole, Death are an outstanding and legendary band whose legacy is unparalleled in the metal community. They released many excellent and highly memorable albums throughout their existence. The Sound of Perseverance is the ideal metal masterpiece and the perfect way to seal Chuck's legacy, one can only wonder which musical directions Chuck would have gone if he were still with us today. As an outstanding musician and human being who gave metalheads a masterpiece that will be remembered for many years to come. Brilliant (review by Tim Johns).

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