Death - Symbolic review
| Band: | Death |
| Album: | Symbolic |
| Style: | Progressive death metal, Progressive thrash metal |
| Release date: | March 21, 1995 |
| Guest review by: | ITz_Jirka |
01. Symbolic
02. Zero Tolerance
03. Empty Words
04. Sacred Serenity
05. 1,000 Eyes
06. Without Judgement
07. Crystal Mountain
08. Misanthrope
09. Perennial Quest
10. Symbolic Acts [instrumental demo version]
11. Zero Tolerance [instrumental version]
12. Crystal Mountain [instrumental version]
13. Misanthrope [instrumental version]
14. Symbolic Acts [demo]
Released in 1995, Symbolic is an important milestone in the development of death and thrash metal, displaying the remarkable musicianship and lyrical depth of the legendary band Death. This album not only changed the genre, but also cemented Death's place in the history of heavy music.
The guitar work on this album is breathtaking. Chuck Schuldiner's talent is evident in every riff, with no mediocrity to be found. The harmonies crafted are skillfully arranged, creating a rich sound that resonates deeply. The high production quality ensures that each note is distinct, enhancing the overall listening experience.
The drumming on Symbolic, performed by Gene Hoglan, is outstanding. The clarity and definition of the drum sound perfectly complement the guitar work, keeping the rhythm section tight and engaging throughout.
Chuck Schuldiner’s vocal performance on this album ranks among the best in the death metal genre. His growls and screams amplify the themes present in the lyrics. The lyrics explore important concepts, reflecting Schuldiner's philosophical insights and adding depth to the music.
Overall Quality:
The quality of the album is exceptional. The production is polished while retaining the raw energy characteristic of death metal, achieving an ideal balance that enhances every aspect of this musical style. This album is truly a masterclass in what it aims to achieve.
My Personal Opinion:
As a fan of death metal, Symbolic is particularly meaningful to me. Its ability to blend brutality with melody strikes a deep chord within me. It is beyond an album; it is an experience that transports me to another world. Chuck Schuldiner’s vision is reflected in every note, making Symbolic my favorite album of all time.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 10 |
| Songwriting: | 10 |
| Originality: | 10 |
| Production: | 10 |
Written by ITz_Jirka | 17.10.2024
Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
Rating:
9.7
9.7
|
Rating: 9.7 |
1995 was very generous to the metal world with its great releases. One of them was Death's 6th studio album called Symbolic, a true masterpiece and a classic without a doubt. Everything about this music piece impresses to the very marrow of the bones: the riffs, the leads, the bass, the drums, the lyrics and the vocals. The album is even more versatile and progressive than the previous two, with most songs running for over 5 minutes. Read more ›› |
Guest review by
Yanko
Yanko
Rating:
9.0
9.0
|
Rating: 9.0 |
So, after probably the worst album in Death's career, they have taken enough time off (two years) before releasing this one. And it is a very rapid change from the previous one, leaving many of the fans really puzzled. Chuck has once more changed his vocals to more screaming and thus getting them to what they will sound three years later at a steady and slow pace. His singing isn't very convincing and could be easily be labeled as rather ordinary thrash singing, because of his voice lacking the personal touch of the man performing them. Read more ›› |
Comments
Comments: 2
Visited by: 34 users
| cynicoren Posts: 74  |
I'll never forget (and stop mentioning...) how MetalHammer rated it 3.5/5 when it came out.
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| ForestsAlive Posts: 37  |
I agree with the reviewer, this is one of my favourite albums of all time as well.
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