DEATH's Leprosy: 1988’s Unrelenting Sledgehammer of Death Metal Glory #vinylrecords

Album Description:

In the world of extreme music, Death Metal stands as one of the most influential and groundbreaking genres. Among the pioneering bands that shaped the genre's trajectory, Death, led by the iconic Chuck Schuldiner, reigns supreme. Their second full-length album, "LEPROSY", released in 1988, cemented Death's place in music history and furthered the band's artistic evolution.

The Birth of "LEPROSY":
Following their debut album, "Scream Bloody Gore", Death sought to push the boundaries of their sound and delve deeper into the realms of technicality and songwriting prowess. Chuck Schuldiner, the driving force behind the band, envisioned an album that would solidify their standing within the burgeoning Death Metal scene. With the lineup consisting of Chuck Schuldiner on guitar and vocals, Rick Rozz on guitars, Bill Andrews on drums, and Terry Butler on bass, Death entered Morrisound Recording Studio in Tampa to bring "LEPROSY" to life.

Recording Process and Production:
The album's production was entrusted to Dan Johnson of D.U.A.F Productions, known for his work with seminal Death Metal acts. Additionally, Scott Burns, a renowned sound engineer, oversaw the recording process, ensuring that the band's vision translated into a visceral sonic experience. The Morrisound Recording Studio, known for its exceptional work within the genre, provided Death with the ideal environment to capture the raw power and intensity of their music.

Under the watchful eye of Scott Burns, Death meticulously crafted their sonic assault. From the furious guitar riffs to Chuck Schuldiner's distinct growls and intricate song structures, each element of "LEPROSY" received careful attention. The album's lyrical themes delved into topics such as mortality, social decay, and introspection, reflecting Schuldiner's philosophical approach to songwriting.

Artistic Elements and Visuals:
An album's visual presentation often plays a crucial role in conveying its essence. For "LEPROSY", Death enlisted the artistic talents of Edward J. Repka, a legendary figure renowned for his iconic album cover artworks within the genre. Ed Repka's visual interpretation perfectly encapsulated the morbidity and darkness present in Death's music, creating an album cover that resonated with fans and became an enduring symbol of the Death Metal aesthetic.

Additionally, the album's custom inner sleeve featured captivating band photos by J.B. Stapleton and comprehensive lyrics, providing fans with a deeper connection to Death's music and its underlying messages.

Legacy and Lasting Impact:
"LEPROSY" became a turning point in Death's career, solidifying their status as trailblazers in extreme music. The album's precise and intricate musicianship, combined with its raw intensity, pushed the boundaries of Death Metal, inspiring countless bands in its wake. Chuck Schuldiner's visionary songwriting and innovative guitar work influenced generations of musicians, propelling Death into legendary status.

Music Genre:

Death Metal Hardcore Thrash Music

Album Production:

Produced by Dan Johnson for D.U.A.F Productions.

Dan Johnson is a highly accomplished producer and sound engineer, renowned for his significant contributions to the heavy metal music scene during the vibrant 1980s era. Read Dan Johnson's Career

Sound/Recording engineer Scott Burns.

Scott Burns is a legendary music producer and sound engineer renowned for shaping the sound of death metal in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Working from Morrisound Recording in Tampa, he defined the sonic identity of bands like Death, Obituary, and Sepultura. His influence on metal production remains unmatched. Discover his full legacy.

Recorded at Morrisound Recording, Tampa.

Morrisound Recording Studio, founded in 1981 by Jim and Tom Morris in Tampa, Florida, became a legendary hub for heavy metal and death metal. Known for shaping the Florida death metal sound, it hosted bands like Death, Morbid Angel, and Cannibal Corpse. Its cutting-edge production defined a genre and influenced countless artists. Learn more about its legacy on the Morrisound page

Mastered by Michael Fuller at Fullersound, Miami.

Michael Fuller explore Mike's journey from aspiring engineer to acclaimed producer, shaping the soundscape of a generation. Discover the man behind the music!

Album Cover Artwork by Edward J. Repka.

Ed Repka is a renowned American illustrator, best known for his striking album cover art that defined the visual identity of 1980s thrash metal. His work with Megadeth introduced the world to Vic Rattlehead, while his detailed, horror-inspired illustrations graced covers for Death, Nuclear Assault, and many others. His vivid, dystopian imagery remains iconic in heavy metal culture. Read more about Ed Repka.

Live Photos by Frank White.

Frank White ( Photographer ) started at a very young age ( 12-13 years ) by photographer Hard Rock greatest like "Led Zeppelin", "Ronnie James DIO". He has photographed DIO from 1975 until 2009 and has published a photobook on DIO. During the 1980s White has published photos of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal bands on album covers and inner sleeves for bands like: Anthrax, Blood Feast, Cro-Mags, Hades, Overkill, Nasty Savage, Nuclear Assault and many others.

Band Photo by J.B. Stapleton

Record Label & Catalognr:

Combat / Under One Flag FLAG 24

Packaging: This album includes the original light cardboard custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Death and photos.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo LP Gramophone Record
Album weight: 240 gram

Year & Country:

1988 Made in England

Band Members and Musicians on: Death Leprosy

Chuck Schuldiner - Guitar, Vocals

Chuck Schuldiner (birth-name: Charles Michael Schuldiner) was an American musician and songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the death metal genre. Born on 13 May 13 1967, in Long Island, New York, Chuck displayed a passion for music from an early age.

Chuck's musical journey began when he picked up a guitar at the age of nine. Inspired by the likes of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Slayer, he quickly developed his skills and started playing in local bands. In 1983, at the age of 16, Chuck formed the band Death, which would go on to become one of the most influential and groundbreaking acts in the history of death metal.

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With Death, Chuck released several albums that pushed the boundaries of the genre and showcased his exceptional songwriting and guitar-playing abilities. Their debut album, "Scream Bloody Gore" (1987), was a seminal release that set the tone for the death metal sound with its aggressive riffing, intense vocals, and dark lyrical themes. Subsequent albums like "Leprosy" (1988) and "Spiritual Healing" (1990) further solidified Death's reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the metal world.

However, it was with Death's fourth album, "Human" (1991), that Chuck Schuldiner truly showcased his musical vision and talent. The album featured complex song structures, progressive elements, and technically demanding guitar work. Chuck's lyrics delved into philosophical and existential themes, adding depth to Death's music. "Human" is often hailed as a landmark album that influenced countless bands and helped shape the progressive death metal subgenre.

Throughout his career, Chuck Schuldiner faced various lineup changes and challenges, but he remained the driving force behind Death's music. He continued to evolve his sound, incorporating elements of jazz and fusion in albums like "Individual Thought Patterns" (1993) and "Symbolic" (1995). These albums showcased Chuck's growth as a songwriter and cemented his status as a visionary in the metal scene.

Tragically, Chuck Schuldiner's life was cut short on December 13, 2001, when he succumbed to brain cancer at the age of 34. His death sent shockwaves throughout the metal community, and he was mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike. Chuck's contributions to death metal and his influence on the genre cannot be overstated. His dedication to his craft, innovative approach to songwriting, and technical prowess continue to inspire generations of musicians.

Chuck Schuldiner's legacy lives on through his music and the enduring impact he made on the metal genre. His work with Death remains timeless, and he is remembered as a true pioneer who pushed the boundaries of what metal could be. Chuck's passion and creativity continue to inspire countless aspiring musicians, ensuring that his influence will endure for years to come.
Rick Rozz - Guitars
Bill Andrews - Drums
Terry Butler - Bass

Complete Track Listing of: Death Leprosy

Leprosy
Born Dead
Forgotten Past
Left to Die
Pull the Plug
Open Casket
Primitive Ways
Choke on It

Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Death Leprosy

High Resolution Photo — Death, created by Ed Repka, a renowned artist in the metal community. The artwork is vivid and unsettling, typical of Repka’s style. It portrays a grotesque figure—a leprous man in a tattered, white hooded robe—pulling the garment over his disfigured, decaying flesh, which is covered in sores and lesions. The character’s hollow, haunting eyes and menacing expression convey despair and suffering, embodying the album’s title and themes.

The background depicts a barren, desolate landscape, with dilapidated wooden shacks and a group of similarly robed figures walking away, perhaps suggesting a leper colony. The sky is an ominous blend of pink and red hues, adding an otherworldly and apocalyptic tone.

The band’s logo appears prominently in the top-right corner, dripping and jagged, with a grim reaper’s sickle integrated into its design. Below, the album title, Leprosy, is written in bold, distressed blue lettering. The overall composition is both striking and deeply disturbing, capturing the album’s grim and intense atmosphere.

Photo of Album's Back Cover

Back cover of Death’s Leprosy album. Features a reddish-purple group photo of the band members with intense expressions, wearing leather jackets and dark clothing. The bottom section includes production credits, studio details, and label logos for Combat Records and Under One Flag. — This is the back cover of Death’s Leprosy album, featuring a group photo of the band members with a moody and intense aesthetic. The image is bathed in a reddish-purple hue, giving it a dramatic and ominous tone. Each band member exudes a serious and grim expression, fitting the dark themes of the album.

The layout highlights the band’s classic lineup, with their faces framed to convey a sense of unity and power. They are dressed in leather jackets and dark attire, aligning with the aggressive and rebellious energy of death metal. The band’s name, along with production credits, studio details, and other album-related information, is displayed in the bottom section in bold yet clean typography. The Combat Records logo and Under One Flag label details are positioned at the bottom corners, emphasizing the album’s release and distribution. The overall design complements the grim and heavy nature of the music.

Photo of the Death Band on the custom inner sleeve

Custom inner sleeve of Death’s Leprosy album featuring live-action photos of the band members. Top left: Chuck Schuldiner, guitarist and vocalist, performing with a black guitar, wearing an Exodus shirt. Top right: Rick Rozz, guitarist, playing intensely in a sleeveless shirt. Bottom left: Bill Andrews, drummer, captured mid-action behind a teal drum kit. Bottom right: Terry Butler, bassist, focused on playing a blue bass guitar, wearing a Slayer t-shirt. Each image is set against a dark background with member names and roles labeled below. — This custom inner sleeve from Death’s Leprosy album features live-action photos of the band members, showcasing their individual energy and musicianship during a performance. The sleeve is divided into four quadrants, each dedicated to a band member:

Top Left: Chuck Schuldiner, the band’s iconic guitarist and vocalist, is seen performing passionately, holding a black guitar and wearing a sleeveless shirt with an ‘Exodus’ logo. His intense expression and stance embody the aggressive spirit of the music.

Top Right: Rick Rozz, the guitarist, is captured mid-performance, showcasing a dramatic and powerful playing style. He wears a sleeveless shirt, emphasizing his vigorous stage presence.

Bottom Left: Bill Andrews, the drummer, is depicted in action behind a teal drum kit, his expression and motion reflecting the raw energy of the band’s sound.

Bottom Right: Terry Butler, the bassist, is shown engrossed in his playing, wearing a Slayer t-shirt and holding a blue bass guitar. His focused demeanor adds to the dynamic atmosphere of the photos.

The dark background enhances the vividness of the individual images, creating a striking contrast. Each member’s name and role in the band are labeled beneath their respective photos. This layout offers a personal glimpse into the band’s stage presence and highlights their dedication to their craft.

This is the record label of Death’s Leprosy album, released under the Under One Flag label. The design prominently features a stylized, torn American flag in golden hues, creating a striking visual contrast with the dark background of the label. The label includes the album title Leprosy and the band name Death in white, positioned at the top.

The Under One Flag logo appears in bold blue, centrally placed and written in a distinctive, stylized font. Additional details, such as the catalog number (FLAG 24), speed (33⅓ RPM), and side designation (Side One), are neatly listed on the left. Production credits and copyright information are displayed in small text around the outer edge, giving it a professional and polished appearance. The overall design is both eye-catching and reflective of the album’s intense and rebellious themes.