A New Chapter in Death Metal

“Human” is not just the fourth studio album by Death, but it’s also a watershed moment in the genre’s history. Released on October 22, 1991, by Relativity Records, the album broke new ground by steering away from the band’s earlier, more straightforward death metal sound. Instead, “Human” ventured into the realms of technical complexity and progressive elements, setting a new standard for what death metal could be.

The album’s musical intricacies were not just limited to complex guitar riffs and drum patterns. It also featured a level of musicianship that was relatively unheard of in the genre at the time. The band employed tempo changes, intricate solos, and even jazz-inspired segments, which were a far cry from the more brutal and straightforward compositions of their previous albums like “Scream Bloody Gore” and “Leprosy”.

Lyrically, the album took a sharp turn as well. Gone were the gore-based, horror-inspired lyrics that characterized much of early death metal. In their place, Chuck Schuldiner penned more introspective and thought-provoking lyrics that dealt with themes of human emotion, philosophical quandaries, and social issues. This shift in lyrical focus was not a one-off experiment but rather a new direction that would continue to be explored in Death’s subsequent releases, such as “Individual Thought Patterns” and “Symbolic”.

“Human” was instrumental in shaping the subgenre of technical death metal, inspiring a new generation of bands to push the boundaries of what was possible within the confines of death metal. The album’s influence can be heard in the works of later bands like Obscura, Necrophagist, and even Cynic, whose members Paul Masvidal and Sean Reinert contributed to “Human”.

It set the stage for the more complex and introspective direction the band—and the genre at large—would take in the years to come.

It was a groundbreaking album that redefined the capabilities of death metal, both musically and lyrically. It marked a significant departure from Death’s earlier work and set the stage for the more complex and introspective direction the band—and the genre at large—would take in the years to come.

A Fusion of Talent

The album’s lineup was not just unique but also groundbreaking in terms of the talent it assembled. Featuring members from the progressive metal band Cynic—Paul Masvidal on guitars and Sean Reinert on drums—the album had a youthful energy, as both musicians were just 20 years old at the time. Their inclusion in the lineup was not merely a guest appearance; it was a collaborative effort that significantly influenced the album’s technical and progressive elements. Masvidal and Reinert brought a level of musicianship that was more commonly associated with jazz fusion than death metal, adding layers of complexity to the album’s sound.

Steve DiGiorgio, another standout musician known for his fretless bass work, also made significant contributions to “Human”. DiGiorgio, who had previously played with bands like Sadus and Autopsy, brought a unique texture to the album with his fretless bass, which was quite rare in metal music at the time. However, DiGiorgio left the band after the album’s recording and was replaced by Scott Carino for the subsequent touring. Carino wasn’t just a stand-in; he made his own mark by recording additional bass overdubs on the track “Cosmic Sea”. These overdubs were added to address some tonal issues discovered during the mixing stage, ensuring that the album’s sonic quality was up to par.

The lineup’s collective talent didn’t just stop at their instrumental prowess. They also contributed to the songwriting process, making “Human” a collaborative effort that went beyond the vision of frontman Chuck Schuldiner. For instance, Reinert and Masvidal co-wrote the track “Cosmic Sea”, showcasing their influence on the album’s musical direction.

This unique blend of musicians from different backgrounds and styles resulted in an album that was both cohesive and innovative. It set a new standard for what could be achieved when musicians from various sub-genres collaborated, and it laid the groundwork for future projects that would blend technical skill with creative songwriting.

Critical Acclaim and Mainstream Success

The critical reception of “Human” wasn’t just favorable; it was transformative for the genre. The album received widespread acclaim from critics who recognized its groundbreaking approach to death metal, elevating it from a niche genre to something more universally respected. This wasn’t just a collection of songs; it was a pivotal release that played a significant role in the development of the technical death metal subgenre.

The album’s impact wasn’t just felt within the metal community; it also received mainstream recognition. In 2017, Rolling Stone magazine, a publication not typically focused on extreme forms of metal, ranked “Human” as the 70th greatest metal album of all time. This ranking wasn’t just a nod to the album’s quality but also an acknowledgment of its influence on the broader spectrum of metal music. It was a rare moment where a death metal album received recognition from a mainstream publication, further solidifying its status as a seminal work.

One of the standout tracks from the album, “Lack of Comprehension”, went beyond just audio and ventured into the visual medium with a music video. This wasn’t a common practice for death metal bands at the time, making it a bold move. The video received airplay on MTV, a channel that was a cultural tastemaker during the ’90s. This exposure on a mainstream platform significantly boosted the album’s sales and broadened its audience, breaking barriers that were often difficult for death metal bands to overcome.

From Initial Release to 20th-Anniversary Reissue

By 1995, just four years after its initial release, “Human” had already sold an impressive 100,000 copies in the United States alone. These sales figures were not just a commercial milestone but also a testament to the album’s enduring appeal and its ability to reach a wider audience beyond the typical death metal fanbase. The album’s commercial success was further amplified by its exposure on MTV and its critical acclaim, factors that contributed to its impressive sales numbers.

Sony, the parent company of Relativity Records, had lost the master tapes of the original mixes by Scott Burns, the album’s initial producer. To address this, Relapse Records and Perseverance Holdings Ltd. took on the task of reissuing the album.

Two decades after its original release, “Human” received a special 20th-anniversary reissue in 2011. This reissue was not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it was a necessary endeavor due to an unfortunate circumstance. Sony, the parent company of Relativity Records, had lost the master tapes of the original mixes by Scott Burns, the album’s initial producer. To address this, Relapse Records and Perseverance Holdings Ltd. took on the task of reissuing the album. They enlisted the help of Jim Morris of Morrisound Recording Studios, a facility renowned for its work with death metal bands, to remix the tracks. Morrisound Studios itself has a storied history in the genre, having worked with iconic bands like Obituary, Morbid Angel, and Cannibal Corpse, making it a fitting choice for the reissue.

The 20th-anniversary reissue did more than just offer a remixed version of the album; it also included additional content that provided fans with a deeper look into the album’s creation. This included demo versions of tracks, providing a raw glimpse into the band’s creative process. The reissue served as both a celebration of the album’s legacy and a restoration project, ensuring that new generations of metal fans could experience “Human” in the best quality possible.

The reissue also received its own wave of critical acclaim, further cementing the album’s status as a seminal work in the genre. It allowed both old fans to revisit the classic in a new light and new fans to discover it for the first time, ensuring that the album’s influence would continue to be felt for years to come.

From “Flattening of Emotions” to “Vacant Planets”

The album is a masterful compilation of eight tracks, each contributing its own flavor to the overall experience. The opening track, “Flattening of Emotions”, serves as a gateway into the album’s intricate world, setting the tone with complex riffs and drum patterns. Following this, “Suicide Machine” dives into the ethical complexities of euthanasia, supported by solos that are as intense as the subject matter.

“Together as One” takes a different route, exploring themes of unity and togetherness while maintaining the album’s technical musicality. “Secret Face” adds a melodic touch to the album, offering a softer yet equally complex counterpoint to the other tracks. “Lack of Comprehension”, perhaps the most well-known song on the album, not only received a music video that aired on MTV but also stands out for its introspective lyrics.

“See Through Dreams” delves into the abstract, touching on the blurred lines between dreams and reality, and is a showcase for some of the album’s most intricate guitar work. The instrumental “Cosmic Sea” serves as a sonic interlude, offering listeners a moment to catch their breath before plunging back into the album’s thematic depths. Finally, “Vacant Planets” closes the album on an apocalyptic note, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the music has stopped.

The 2011 reissue added even more depth to this already complex album, featuring a bonus disc with basic instrumental studio tracks and demos. These extras offer fans an unfiltered look into the creative process behind “Human”, capturing the raw energy of the recording sessions and providing insights into the evolution of each track.

A Genre-Defying Legacy

The album “Human” has not just stood the test of time; it has thrived, leaving an indelible mark on the metal community. As Death’s best-selling album, it’s a testament to the band’s ability to break through the often insular world of death metal and reach a broader audience. Its commercial success is not just a feather in the cap for the band but also a milestone for the technical death metal subgenre, proving that complexity and commercial viability are not mutually exclusive.

The album’s influence extends beyond sales figures and fan acclaim; it has also received critical recognition from industry experts. It was ranked number 82 on Guitar World magazine’s list of the greatest 100 guitar albums of all time, a list that includes iconic albums across various genres. This ranking is not just an acknowledgment of Chuck Schuldiner’s guitar prowess but also a nod to the intricate work of Paul Masvidal and the other musicians involved. It’s a rare honor for a death metal album to be included in such a list, further solidifying its status as a seminal work in the genre.

Beyond the music world, the album’s reach has even extended into the realm of video games. The track “Cosmic Sea” is featured in the computer game “Damage Incorporated”, a first-person shooter released in 1997. While it may seem like a small detail, the inclusion of a death metal track in a video game during a time when the genre was far from mainstream is noteworthy. It’s another example of how “Human” has transcended its genre, finding its way into various aspects of popular culture.

In summary, the lasting impact of “Human” is multi-faceted, influencing not just the metal community but also gaining recognition in mainstream media and even making its way into the world of video gaming. Its commercial success, critical acclaim, and cultural reach make it not just Death’s most impactful album but also one of the most influential albums in the history of technical death metal.