Death: Leprosy (1988)

Death’s second studio album, “Leprosy” (1988), marked a significant shift in the band’s sound, transitioning from the raw aggression of their debut to a more technical approach. The album features complex song structures, intricate guitar work, and Schuldiner’s signature growling vocals. Lyrically, it delves into dark themes of death, disease, and societal decay. Despite its lo-fi production, “Leprosy” has become a landmark album in death metal, influencing countless bands and shaping the genre’s evolution.

Track Listing

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

Length: 38:04

Genre

Death metal

Release Date

November 16th, 1988

Record Label

Combat Records

The Lineup for the Album

Chuck Schuldiner – vocals, guitars, bass
Rick Rozz – guitars
Bill Andrews – drums

Recording Date

April, 1988

Recording Studio

Morrisound Recording (Tampa, Florida)

Produced by

Dan Johnson

Album Themes/Concept

Death and Decay: Songs like “Leprosy,” “Open Casket,” and “Left to Die” delve into the physical and psychological aspects of death, decay, and the fear of mortality.

Social Commentary: Tracks like “Born Dead” and “Forgotten Past” touch upon societal issues like apathy, neglect, and the struggles of marginalized individuals.

Mental Illness: “Pull the Plug” addresses the difficult topic of euthanasia and the emotional turmoil surrounding terminal illness.

Revenge and Retribution: “Primitive Ways” and “Choke on It” express themes of vengeance and the consequences of unchecked aggression.

Album Mood

Oppressive and Dark: The heavy, distorted guitars, guttural vocals, and fast tempos create a sense of unrelenting intensity and darkness. The music often feels claustrophobic and suffocating, mirroring the lyrical themes of decay and despair.

Menacing and Aggressive: The aggressive riffing, pounding drums, and Schuldiner’s growling vocals contribute to a menacing and threatening atmosphere. The music is often relentless and unforgiving, conveying a sense of anger and frustration.

Bleak and Nihilistic: The lyrics and overall tone of the album paint a bleak picture of the human condition, exploring themes of death, disease, and societal decay. The music often feels hopeless and nihilistic, leaving the listener with a sense of unease and disquiet.

Intense and Cathartic: Despite its dark and heavy nature, “Leprosy” can also be a cathartic listening experience. The sheer intensity of the music can be both exhilarating and liberating, allowing listeners to channel their own frustrations and anxieties.

Album Trivia

Musical Influence: “Leprosy” is considered a landmark album in the development of death metal, showcasing a more technical and refined approach to the genre compared to Death’s earlier work.

Early Death Metal Experimentation: While primarily rooted in death metal, “Leprosy” features some early experimentation with elements of thrash metal and even progressive metal.

Schuldiner’s Multi-Instrumental Role: Chuck Schuldiner not only handled vocals and guitars but also played all the bass parts on the album, despite Terry Butler being credited as the bassist.

Live Staple: Several songs from “Leprosy,” such as “Pull the Plug” and “Left to Die,” have become staples in Death’s live setlist throughout their career. The album continues to be celebrated by fans as a classic of the genre.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Death Metal Enthusiast: You enjoy the raw intensity, aggression, and technicality of death metal. “Leprosy” is considered a classic of the genre, showcasing its early development and evolution.
Fan of Extreme Metal: You appreciate extreme metal subgenres and their exploration of dark themes. “Leprosy” delves into morbid topics with unflinching honesty and musical ferocity.
Chuck Schuldiner Admirer: You admire Chuck Schuldiner’s songwriting, guitar playing, and vocal style. “Leprosy” is a testament to his talent and his influential role in death metal’s history.
Open-Minded Listener: You’re open to exploring music with lo-fi production and raw sound. “Leprosy” prioritizes energy and intensity over polished production, offering a visceral listening experience.
Music History Buff: You’re interested in the history and development of death metal. “Leprosy” is a landmark album that played a significant role in shaping the genre’s sound and direction.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Sensitive Listener: You prefer music with positive or uplifting themes and dislike dark or disturbing content.”Leprosy” explores morbid topics with graphic imagery and aggressive music.
Melodic Music Lover: You prefer melodic vocals and instrumentation over raw, aggressive sounds. “Leprosy” features guttural vocals, distorted guitars, and fast tempos, creating a harsh and abrasive soundscape.
Audiophile: You prioritize high-quality production and polished sound in your music. “Leprosy” was recorded with limited resources and has a raw, unpolished sound that may not appeal to audiophiles.
Casual Listener: You prefer easily accessible and catchy music over challenging or demanding albums. “Leprosy” requires focused listening and an appreciation for extreme metal to fully appreciate its nuances.
Mainstream Music Fan: You primarily enjoy popular music genres and are not interested in exploring extreme subgenres. “Leprosy” is a niche album that caters specifically to fans of extreme metal and may not resonate with mainstream listeners.

Release Date

November 16, 1988