Style: Technical death metal
Primary Emotions/Themes: Casually setting the standard for an entire genre.
Thoughts: Some albums redefine what good music is. They reach a height that I had never even comprehended before. It's a rare, strange occurance when this happens... one that I remember for the rest of my life. Death's Symbolic is one such album.
I had heard Spiritual Healing before this and while the album was ok, it really did nothing for me. It introduced me to some of Death's sound at the time, but it left no lasting impact. I heard from one of my friends at the time that Symbolic was vastly different and that I should give it a listen. While I don't remember who told me that, I am eternally indebted to them for this recommendation.
From the first moments of the title track it had my attention. The slow intro that built itself up slowly by repeating the same riff, it was unlike anything I had heard before. Then when it explodes and Gene is allowed to show his full prowess on the drum kit... I was hooked.
The interplay of absolute technicality paired with perfect execution and a keen sense of melody permeates every single minute of this album. Every single song has a moment that makes my jaw drop. The breakdown/chorus of Zero Tolerance and it's incredibly ominous atmosphere, the bridge in Sacred Serenity where Chuck says "observing spirits on the wall, what are they telling you?", every single note of 1000 Eyes... there are endless moments on this album that give me goosebumps.
Symbolic is one of the finest entries into the death metal genre... no scratch that, it's one of the best metal albums ever created. I don't listen to it nearly enough, but when I do listen to it I'm consistently blown away. RIP Chuck, you left us too soon.
Written July 22nd 2024
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