Human

Well.. I'm ashamed to say, this is actually the first full Death album I have ever heard. Sure, I've heard bits and pieces from their early career, but I disregarded it without paying my full attention. Believe me now, I am slapping myself. Death manages to capture every aspect of death metal that I enjoy; technicality, brutality and decent lyrics (something I believe many death metal bands overlook).

From the beginning riff of 'Flattering Emotions' to the closing outro to 'Vacant Planets' this album is nothing short of a masterpiece. Chuck's guitar work is spectacular through out, but are especially breath-taking during 'Vacant Planets' & 'Cosmic Sea'

The vocals remind me a lot of John Tardy (Obituary) but are easier to understand and sharper in my opinion. This kind of vocal style is far from idealistic for me, but still very enjoyable and fits in well with the kind of music that Death play.

The drums and bass are slightly less memorable, possibly due to the listeners attention constantly being directed at Chuck's nifty guitar work. There are a few exceptions however, including the brief bass fill at around 2:45 in 'Cosmic Sea' before Chuck's solo. I also particuarly enjoyed the drum work in the opening song, 'Flattering of Emotions'. On the whole however, the drumming is tight and fast and the bass guitar work seems fine.

As far as production goes, I only have one very small bone to pick. Personally I would have liked to have heard the bass a little higher in the mix.

It's pretty hard to sum this album up using words, because I honestly feel that some of it can only be explained by listening to it. I put off listening to Death for so many years and in some ways I regret it when I think of how many hours I could have spent headbanging along. But to be completely honest, if I had heard this before anything else, it would have totally destroyed my first impressions of almost every other death metal band out there. Definately a must have in your CD collection!

Standout Tracks: 'Flattering of Emotions', 'Suicide Machine', 'See Through Dreams', 'Cosmic Sea', 'Vacant Planets' are my favourites, but the entire album is fantastic.