- 1987 Canadian Release on COBRA Records
"Scream Bloody Gore" is the first/debut album by the American Death Metal band: "DEATH", it was released in 1987. The album was recorded at "The Music Grinder, Los Angeles" and produced by Randy Burns, Chuck Schuldiner. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
In the fetid swamp of 1987, when metal was still figuring out if it wanted to thrash or shred, a guttural roar erupted from the Florida underground. A roar so primal, so drenched in blood and viscera, that it tore open a new dimension of sonic extremity. That roar was Death's debut album, 'Scream Bloody Gore,' and it was a goddamn revelation.
Before 'Scream Bloody Gore,' metal was fast, aggressive, and rebellious, but it hadn't quite embraced the macabre. Death, led by the enigmatic Chuck Schuldiner, wasn't content with just breaking the speed limit. They wanted to desecrate the graveyard. And 'Scream Bloody Gore' was their unholy manifesto.
This wasn't just music. It was a sonic autopsy, a dissection of death itself. The guitars were buzzsaws slicing through flesh, the drums a relentless percussive assault on your sanity, and Schuldiner's vocals... well, they were the sound of a demon regurgitating your soul.
The album's production, while raw and unpolished, only added to its visceral impact. Recorded at Florida's Music Grinder Studios, it captured the band's raw energy and unhinged aggression with a ferocity that few albums could match. This wasn't a polished studio creation. This was a blood-soaked howl from the abyss.
The lyrics were equally unsettling, a gruesome exploration of death, decay, and the horrors of the human condition. Songs like 'Zombie Ritual' and 'Regurgitated Guts' weren't just shock value; they were a reflection of Schuldiner's morbid fascination with the darker aspects of life. They also cemented the album's legacy as one of the most iconic and influential records in the death metal genre, inspiring countless bands to follow in its blood-soaked footsteps.
'Scream Bloody Gore' wasn't just a musical statement; it was a declaration of war against the safe and sanitized. It was a middle finger to the mainstream, a defiant scream from the margins of society. And it resonated with a generation of disenfranchised youth who craved something more extreme, something that mirrored their own inner turmoil. The album's raw intensity and uncompromising vision struck a chord with those who felt alienated by mainstream culture, establishing Death as a cult icon among metalheads worldwide.
Of course, it wasn't without controversy. The album's graphic imagery and violent themes drew criticism from moral guardians and pearl-clutching parents. But that only fueled its notoriety, solidifying its status as a cult classic among those who dared to venture into the sonic darkness. The controversy surrounding the album only served to enhance its appeal, turning it into a forbidden fruit that fans devoured with a rebellious hunger.
In the end, 'Scream Bloody Gore' wasn't just an album; it was a cultural earthquake. It gave birth to a new genre – death metal – and forever altered the landscape of extreme music. It proved that music could be brutal, uncompromising, and still profoundly impactful. It stands as a testament to the power of artistic expression and the enduring appeal of pushing boundaries. Its influence continues to reverberate throughout the metal scene, reminding us that even in the darkest corners of creativity, there is beauty to be found.
So crank up the volume, let the riffs rip your flesh, and let Schuldiner's demonic vocals burrow into your brain. Because 'Scream Bloody Gore' is more than just an album; it's a sonic exorcism, a cathartic journey into the darkest depths of the human psyche. And once you've experienced it, you'll never be the same.
Death Metal
Cobra CL 1030 / Maze Music
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1987 Made in Canada
Standard Album Cover
Randy Burns - Producer
Randy Burns is an American record producer and sound engineer who played a crucial role in shaping the sound of heavy metal music in the 1980s and 1990s. His collaborations with bands like Megadeth, Death, Kreator, and Possessed have left an indelible mark on the genre, and his contributions continue to be recognized and appreciated by metal fans worldwide.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Burns' career began in the late 1970s when he started working as a sound engineer in various studios in Los Angeles. His big break came in 1986 when he produced Megadeth's iconic album "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" . The album's raw energy, aggressive sound, and socially conscious lyrics resonated with audiences, and it became a landmark release in thrash metal history.
Shaping the Sound of Death Metal
In 1987, Burns produced Death's debut album "Scream Bloody Gore," which is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in death metal. The album's combination of speed, technicality, and brutality set a new standard for the genre, and it inspired countless bands to follow in Death's footsteps. Burns' work on "Scream Bloody Gore" solidified his reputation as a producer who could capture the raw intensity of extreme metal.
Further Successes and Legacy
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Burns continued to work with a wide range of metal bands, including Kreator, Possessed, Dark Angel, and Nuclear Assault. His productions were known for their powerful sound, which often emphasized the aggression and energy of the music. Burns' contributions to the metal scene helped to define the sound of an era, and his work continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Later Career and Continued Influence
In recent years, Burns has continued to work as a producer and sound engineer, contributing to projects in various genres. He has also been involved in remastering and reissuing classic albums from his catalog, ensuring that his legacy is preserved for future generations. Burns' influence on the metal scene remains undeniable, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
Conclusion
Randy Burns' career as a record producer and sound engineer is a testament to his passion for music and his dedication to capturing the raw power of heavy metal. His collaborations with some of the most iconic bands in the genre have helped to shape the sound of metal music, and his contributions continue to be appreciated by fans around the world. As a pioneer of American metal, Randy Burns' legacy is secure, and his work will continue to inspire and influence musicians for years to come.
Bands he has worked with include: 3rd Stage Alert , Agent Steel , Aversion , Bitter End , Chris Poland (Band) , Crumbsuckers , Dark Age , Dark Angel , DBC , Dead End , Death , Excel , Helstar , Kreator , Leatherwolf , Lizzy Borden , Ludichrist , Megadeth , Morgoth , Mortal Sin , Nuclear Assault , Possessed , Suicidal Tendencies , Uncle Sam , Zoetrope.
Steve Sinclair - Producer
Steve Sinclair, In the 1980s Steve Sinclair has been a successful producer for Heavy Metal bands. As an A&R Manager for Combat Records and Mechanic Records he produced many talented Heavy Metal and Punk bands. These bands include: Death, Crumbsuckers, Agent Steel, Nuclear Assault, Zoetrope, Ludichrist, Possessed, Dream Theater, Voivod, Vio-Lence, Abattoir, Dark Age, D.B.C., Dark Angel, Helstar
Recorded at the Music Grinder, L.A.
Edward J. "Ed" Repka - Album design and cover illustration
Ed Repka: Master of Metal Artwork. Discover the twisted genius behind Megadeth's Vic Rattlehead, Death's iconic covers, and more. Read his Biography + career deep-dive
Chuck Schuldner - Vocals, Guitar
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.
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.
John Hand - Guitar
Christ Reifert - Drums
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
Combat / Under One Flag FLAG 24 , 1988 , England
"DEATH's 'Leprosy' is a seminal 1988 Death Metal masterpiece, showcased on a 12" Vinyl LP Album with Chuck Schuldiner's influential vocals and guitar work. As the band's second full-length release, 'Leprosy' solidifies DEATH's impact on the genre, featuring intense compositions that define the era. A landmark album, it remains a crucial piece of Death Metal history, showcasing Schuldiner's exceptional musical vision."
DEATH - Leprosy
DEATH - Scream, Bloody Gore ( UK ) 12" LP
UNDER ON FLAG FLAG 12 , 1987 , UK
"Unearth the sonic abyss with Death's 'Scream Bloody Gore' on 12" Vinyl. Chuck Schuldiner's death metal masterpiece, released in 1987, remains iconic. The vinyl format enriches the experience, blending visceral cover art, a tracklist of relentless musical carnage, and Schuldiner's profound legacy. A collector's item, this original pressing transcends nostalgia, offering a tangible connection to the birth of death metal and the visionary mind behind its inception."
DEATH - Scream, Bloody Gore (UK)
Cobra CL 1030 / Maze Music , 1987 , Canada
Under One Flag FLAG 12 , 1987 , USA
Under One Flag FLAG 38 , 1990 , England
Death's 1990 vinyl LP "Spiritual Healing" is a classic of the death metal genre, showcasing technical prowess, philosophical themes, and critical acclaim. The album's intricate musicianship and innovative approach to songwriting have cemented Death's legacy in the world of heavy metal music.
DEATH - Spiritual Healing