Death: Human (1991)

Frequently cited as a masterpiece of the genre, Death’s Human solidified the band’s groundbreaking status. Combining relentless aggression with intricate composition, it pushed the boundaries of death metal. Progressive elements, melodic flourishes, and philosophical lyrics set it apart, making Human an enduring and influential classic for metal fans seeking substance alongside technical prowess.

Track Listing

  1. Flattening of Emotions
  2. Suicide Machine
  3. Together as One
  4. Secret Face
  5. Lack of Comprehension
  6. See Through Dreams
  7. Cosmic Sea (instrumental)
  8. Vacant Planets

Length: 34:21

Genre

Death metal, technical death metal

Release Date

October 22nd, 1991

Record Label

Relativity Records

The Lineup for the Album

  • Chuck Schuldiner: Vocals, guitars
  • Paul Masvidal: Guitars
  • Sean Reinert: Drums
  • Steve DiGiorgio: Bass

Recording Date

Early to mid 1991

Recording Studio

Morrisound Studios (Tampa, Florida)

Produced by

Scott Burns and Chuck Schuldiner

Album Themes/Concept

Introspection and Inner Conflict: Unlike Death’s earlier releases that focused on gore and horror, Human delves into internal struggles and the complexities of human nature. Songs like “Flattening of Emotions” and “Lack of Comprehension” examine feelings of alienation, disillusionment, and the struggle for understanding.

Questioning Authority and Conformity: Tracks like “Suicide Machine” and “Together as One” criticize societal pressures to conform, exploring themes of individuality and critical thinking. Chuck Schuldiner questioned the blind acceptance of authority and encouraged listeners to think for themselves.

Existentialism: The album touches on existential concepts like the search for meaning, mortality, and self-awareness.Songs like “See Through Dreams” ponder the nature of reality and the fleeting passage of time.

Spiritual Themes (Subtle): While not explicitly religious, several songs hint at a search for transcendence and a connection to something greater than the individual self. “Cosmic Sea” and “Vacant Planets” suggest an almost spiritual longing for a broader understanding of the universe.

Album Mood

Aggressive, but Controlled: While still undeniably aggressive, Human showcases a greater sense of technical control compared to earlier Death albums. The raw savagery is still present, but tempered with a sense of precision.

Melodic Focus: Lead guitars introduce surprisingly melodic passages, cutting through the relentless drumming and harsh vocals. This added dimension creates a sense of emotional depth alongside the aggression.

Progressive Rhythms: The rhythmic structures in many tracks demonstrate Death’s exploration of progressive elements. Unorthodox time signatures and complex drum patterns add depth and challenge traditional death metal expectations.

Moments of Contrast: Tracks like “See Through Dreams” exhibit softer, more atmospheric passages, showcasing the band’s dynamic range and ability to create textural shifts.

Instrumental Focus: The purely instrumental track, “Cosmic Sea”, offers a contemplative and almost ethereal mood,showcasing the band’s willingness to embrace moments of beauty and reflection within the overall intensity of the album.

Album Trivia

Challenging Recording: Scott Burns, the album’s producer, pushed the musicians to their limits during the recording process. Band members recalled intense pressure for precision playing and numerous retakes until they got it right.

Bass Recording Technique: Steve DiGiorgio pioneered a unique bass recording technique on Human. He used a fretless bass played with a pick directly into the recording board. This created the album’s distinctively punchy and clear bass tone.

Musical Complexity: “Human” marked a significant shift in Death’s musical style, incorporating more complex song structures, technical guitar solos, and progressive elements compared to their previous albums. This change was influenced by the addition of guitarist Paul Masvidal and drummer Sean Reinert, both of whom were known for their proficiency in progressive metal.

Lyrics in the Booklet: For the first time in a Death album, the complete lyrics for all songs were included in the liner notes of the CD release.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

  • Enjoy technical death metal: If you appreciate complex drumming, intricate guitar work, and a focus on musical precision within the death metal genre, Human delivers in spades.
  • Like bands that explore deeper themes: This album moves beyond the gore and horror themes of early Death, delving into introspection, existentialism, and questioning societal norms.
  • Are open to progressive elements: The album incorporates unexpected melodic sections and shifting rhythms, adding depth to the aggressive core sound.
  • Appreciate innovative bass playing: Steve DiGiorgio’s unique playing style and recording technique on bass create a distinct and impactful presence in the music.
  • Are a fan of Death’s evolution: While still undeniably heavy, Human showcases their musical growth and experimentation compared to earlier albums.

You might want to pass this one if you…

  • Prefer “old-school” Death metal: If you enjoy the raw brutality and gore-focused lyrics of Death’s earlier albums,Human might feel too polished and less aggressive.
  • Dislike complex music: The intricate drumming, guitar work, and shifting rhythms might be too challenging for listeners who prefer simpler song structures.
  • Are sensitive to harsh vocals: Death metal vocals are known for their guttural intensity, which might be unpleasant for some listeners.
  • Want strictly aggressive music: While still heavy, Human incorporates melodic sections and moments of atmosphere,offering a slightly more dynamic listening experience.
  • Are unfamiliar with death metal: This isn’t necessarily the best starting point for death metal beginners. It might be best to explore some more accessible examples of the genre first.

Release Date

October 22, 1991