Scream Bloody Gore (1987)
Death’s 1987 debut, “Scream Bloody Gore,” is a raw and relentless death metal album. It’s considered a groundbreaking release in the genre, with its fast tempos, gory lyrics, and Chuck Schuldiner’s iconic vocals.
Death’s 1987 debut, “Scream Bloody Gore,” stands as a landmark release within the extreme metal scene. Widely considered the first true death metal album, its raw aggression, gore-soaked themes, and Chuck Schuldiner’s guttural vocals helped codify the emerging genre, separating it from its thrash metal roots.
Length: 37:51
Death metal
May 25, 1987
Combat Records
November, 1986
The Music Grinder (Los Angeles, California)
Randy Burns and Chuck Schuldiner
Gore and Horror: Many of the songs graphically depict violence, mutilation, and body horror. Titles like “Zombie Ritual”, “Regurgitated Guts”, and “Torn to Pieces” speak for themselves.
Zombies and the Occult: Songs like “Zombie Ritual” and “Evil Dead” (clearly inspired by the movie of the same name) delve into themes of the undead and occult practices.
Anti-religion: While not as overtly present in later Death albums, there are hints of anti-religious sentiment in songs like “Baptized in Blood”.
Visceral Assault: The album hits you hard from the very first track. The raw guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Chuck Schuldiner’s guttural growls create a relentless sonic assault. This is not music for casual listening.
Oppressive Atmosphere: There’s a sense of claustrophobia and darkness throughout the album. The production is intentionally raw, giving it a grimy feel that adds to the oppressive mood.
Horror-Inspired: If you’re into horror movies, the imagery of “Scream Bloody Gore” will feel familiar. It’s like the soundtrack to a grotesque, gore-filled zombie flick.
Primal and Aggressive: The album taps into raw, primitive aggression. This isn’t about technical complexity; it’s about pure, unfiltered intensity.
Debut Album: “Scream Bloody Gore” is Death’s debut studio album. It is considered one of the pioneering albums of the death metal genre.
Seminal Death Metal: Scream Bloody Gore is often cited as the first true death metal album, setting the template for many bands that followed. While debatable, its importance in the genre’s development is undeniable.
The “Evil Dead” connection: The song “Evil Dead” is a direct homage to Sam Raimi’s cult horror movie of the same name. Chuck Schuldiner was a massive fan of the film.
May 25, 1987