Death: Symbolic (1995)

For those curious about death metal, Symbolic serves as an excellent entry point. While technically impressive, the album retains a strong sense of melody that makes it more accessible than harsher subgenres. It highlights the technical skill and thematic depth that death metal can offer, making it a great choice for fans wanting to explore a heavier sound.

Death: Symbolic (1995) album cover

Track Listing

  1. Symbolic
  2. Zero Tolerance
  3. Empty Words
  4. Sacred Serenity
  5. 1,000 Eyes
  6. Without Judgement
  7. Crystal Mountain
  8. Misanthrope
  9. Perennial Quest

Length: 50:37

Genre

Death metal, technical death metal

Release Date

March 21, 1995

Record Label

Roadrunner Records

The Lineup for the Album

  • Chuck Schuldiner: Vocals, Guitars
  • Bobby Koelble: Guitars
  • Kelly Conlon: Bass
  • Gene Hoglan: Drums

Recording Date

Late 1994 to early 1995

Recording Studio

Morrisound Recording (Tampa, Florida)

Produced by

Jim Morris and Chuck Schuldiner

Album Themes/Concept

Questioning societal norms and hypocrisy: Songs like “Zero Tolerance” and “Empty Words” challenge established systems and criticize blind conformity and shallow promises.

Spirituality and the search for meaning: “Symbolic” and “Sacred Serenity” delve into more philosophical questions about existence, purpose, and seeking something beyond the material world.

Morality and personal responsibility: Tracks like “Without Judgement” and “Crystal Mountain” grapple with the importance of individual thought and action rather than relying on external forces.

Isolation and humanity’s dark side: “Misanthrope” expresses feelings of alienation, while “1,000 Eyes” reflects on the potential for darkness and surveillance within society.

Album Mood

Driving force: The album is fueled by relentless energy, intricate riffs, and Gene Hoglan’s powerful drumming. You’ll feel a sense of urgency and power that doesn’t let up.

Thoughtful darkness: The lyrics and Schuldiner’s vocal delivery often possess a brooding quality. This isn’t simply aggression for the sake of it; there’s a contemplative element that explores societal ills and the complexities of the human condition.

Touches of melody: While firmly rooted in death metal, there are surprising moments of beautiful guitar harmonies and melodic passages woven throughout. These provide contrast to the intensity and give the album a sense of both depth and a subtle melancholic edge.

Album Trivia

Album Concept: “Symbolic” is often regarded as a concept album exploring existential themes, human consciousness, and the search for meaning in life. Chuck Schuldiner, Death’s founder, lyricist, and guitarist, delves into philosophical subjects with introspective and thought-provoking lyrics.

First full-length with Gene Hoglan: Hoglan’s drumming elevates the album with technical complexity and intensity. His distinctive style became integral to Death’s sound.

Original title: The title track was initially titled “Symbolic Acts,” which can be found on early demos from 1994.

Chuck’s production input: Chuck Schuldiner was more involved in the production side of Symbolic compared to previous Death albums, desiring a cleaner yet still powerful sound.

Legacy and Influence: “Symbolic” cemented Death as progressive death metal pioneers. The album’s intricate musicianship and thought-provoking lyrics continue to influence countless metal bands to this day.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

  • Enjoy challenging music: Symbolic demands active listening due to its intricate riffs, tempo changes, and complex drumming.
  • Are intrigued by death metal: This is a great entry point for exploring the genre. It’s technical yet retains elements of melody.
  • Appreciate lyrics beyond gore: Death tackles societal questions, individuality, and spirituality, offering depth beyond shock value themes.
  • Love guitar-driven music: Schuldiner and Koelble’s guitar work is stellar and features both powerful riffing and melodic solos.
  • Have interest in progressive elements: The album subtly experiments with structure and incorporates acoustic passages unexpected in death metal.

You might want to pass this one if you…

  • Prefer simpler music: Symbolic is far from basic. Song structures are unconventional and the musicianship requires focus to appreciate.
  • Can’t handle extreme vocals: Schuldiner’s growls and high screams are an acquired taste and feature heavily throughout the album.
  • Demand exclusively clean singing: There are no purely clean vocal sections.
  • Want music to relax to: Symbolic’s intensity is meant to be engaging, not soothing background noise.
  • Dislike explorations of darker themes: While philosophical, lyrics address societal problems and human flaws, which can be heavy topics.

Release Date

March 21, 1995