Chuck Schuldiner (R.I.P.) never contented to repeat those deeds, which brought him success. Every Death album presented something new into the band's sound and music. The music was originally ugly death metal with gory, shocking lyrics, raw energy and youthful enthusiasm. Debut 'Scream Bloody Gore' came out in 1987, which was eight years before 'Symbolic'. Chuck Schuldiner was one of the creators of death metal and a true guru as a composer. A lot of things fit between these two records. During eight years, Death released four studio records. Line-up changed to every album, partly at least, but that doesn't matter, because Death equals as Chuck Schuldiner. If you play 'Scream Bloody Gore' and 'Symbolic' one after the other to someone who doesn't know the band, he/she might think it's two different bands. But, we devotees know. And if someone of you actually doesn't, be ashamed and march into a record store now! Death belongs to the fundamental education of every metalhead.

Okay, let's continue with the review. 'Symbolic' ain't just a death metal record. This is METAL and it is impossible to categorize it any other way. The music is base on death metal, but it has been enlivened with thrash metal and heavy metal, and it also was given a progressive edge. This kind of record hasn't been made before or after 'Symbolic', this is truly one of its kind. On the next studio album ''The Sound of Perseverance' (1998) Death continued their work as a chameleon, but sadly it was also the last studio album from the band.

'Symbolic' is the most massive record from Death. There is just two guitars, a bassist and a drummer plus vocals, of course. Players are professionals, as Chuck used to hire as his teammates. Predecessor 'Individual Thought Patterns' (1993) is probably the band's weirdest record ever with all its jazz influences. Most of these are dropped on 'Symbolic'. I think it's a good thing, but otherwise this is a close relative to that album. Gene Hoglan plays drums (ex-Dark Angel and who knows what session works, e.g. Old Man's Child, Strapping Young Lad, Testament etc.). Hoglan is one of the best drummers in metal world and on this record, he presents his individual, genius drumming and odd tempo changes marvellously. It sounds like he has more than two arms. Weird stuff indeed... The guitars are also unbelievably splendid. Heavy riffing accompanied by melodic lead guitar. The non-candy melodies stick into a listener's mind. Sometimes the melodies sound Mid-Eastern. There isn't none of that "look I can play guitar very well" crap, but everything about this "look I can play guitar very well" thing is understandable, even for a guy like me who can't play guitar. The second guitar is played by unknown face, Bobby Koelble. 'Crystal Mountain' has some acoustic solos. The music is aggressive, intensive, melodic, progressive and sometimes even beautiful ('Sacred Serenity' is surely beautiful, but not saccharine!). Everything without any additional stuff, such as synths. Tempo of the music changes constantly, so this is quite a roller coaster ride, but still comprehensible, at least if listener let's the album grow on him/her.

The sound is clear and every instrument stays on their own spectrum, so everything is well audible. Soundscape breathes. Heaviness is provided by the rhythm section mostly. The guitars and the vocals are fittingly ripping, even though the sound is clear. Thanks go to Jim Morrison and Morrisound Recordings. Chuck's vocals are one again very raw and familiar. Guy's voice is highly individual and almost impossible to be described. Chuck doesn't growl low, but his voice if quite high-pitched and ripping. As I told, impossible to be described. One can understand the words, by the way. Lyrical themes are diverse, leaving space for everyone's own interpretations of them. These lyrics won't open easily, if at all... The cover art is perfect for this, because it's just as individual as the music itself in metal circles.

'Symbolic' the record itself won't open during the first listen, nor during the second one. The record needs time and now, after seven years, 'Symbolic' sounds refreshing. However, this is not one of those acclaimed technical death metal albums, that will never open for its listener, but this just shines in different parts every time I listen to this. Why? Because it offers fantastic bits and pieces during its whole duration. A great record, if impossible to picture with even a thousand words, but definitely my favourite one from Death. This is a perpetual bone of contention, but the works of Death offer anything for anyone who seek hard metal. As Chuck once said: "Let the metal flow".

Reviewed by Lane
08/14/2002 22:17

To me, 'Human' (1991) still is the best Death album, but 'Symbolic'" has some good songs. Chuck put together a strong quartet featuring him on vocals / guitars, Bobby Koelble on guitars, Kelly Conlon on bass and Gene Hoglan on drums. Not their best lineup, but still high quality musicians. When I first heard this album, I didn't like it. I still think that some songs I cannot get into. I think that 'Symbolic' is highly overrated. Yes, it has a strong production, mixing is good, though some tracks are just average to me.

Musically speaking, songs like 'Empty Words', '1000 Eyes', 'Crystal Mountain' and the title track, are the most melodic and memorable. The riffs are amazing on those songs. Those happen to be my favorite tracks. The other ones are just average. Death has always been a growing band and 'Symbolic' shows that and features a more progressive metal album. The rhythms are highly innovative and original, but the album as a whole is a disappointment to me. I can't see why people deem this to be their best album. The songwriting isn't at its greatest.

If Chuck would've designed the songs (all of them) to be more up to par, I would've given this one a higher rating. Sure there are those songs that I mentioned which are designed amazingly with riff structures that are very imaginative. I'd say out of 9 songs, 4 of them are good. The rest I don't really care for. That's just my personal opinion. I don't care for most of them because I just don't think that the music on those tracks are very good. There is variety though featuring some clean and acoustic guitars. It enhances the melodic distorted rhythms.

A less than aggressive and angry Death album, 'Symbolic' is their second most progressive metal output. 'The Sound of Perseverance' (1998) is probably their most progressive and last Death release. The music on 'Symbolic' is just not my favorite. The guitar solos, the riffs, the tempos, and the vocals didn't strike me the same way that 'Human' did. The mixing was good though like I previously mentioned. Everything can be heard well. The guitars, vocals, drums and bass are mixed in there good. The lead guitar is a little bit hard to hear however.

After repeated listens to, 'Symbolic' is still not my favorite Death album. Yes it is creative and progressive, but still is highly overrated. Again out of 9 tracks, 4 to me are good. The rest of the release just didn't interest me. Musically Death has always been a growing band like I said, but Chuck could've made the whole album worthy of praise. The music, guitar solos and vocals aren't at their best. I think that if you want a quality Death release, pick up 'Human' and you'll find that album to be musically their best. 'Symbolic' to me was a big disappointment.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Death8699
01/05/2012 20:17