Human

I can't tell what is more difficult; trying to find flaws in this album or trying to find the words to describe how perfect it is.

Chuck Schuldiner has always been one to push the boundaries of music. From delivering the earliest prototypes of gory metal to enhancing extreme metal with progressive touches, Chuck was always thinking outside the box. On Human, Chuck and his brand new lineup of metal masters introduce a bold new direction that would carve the way for all subsequent Death albums. Human is filled with incredibly heavy riffs, technical rhythms, dark growls, and well written lyrics that stimulate the listener's mind. From the outright heavy "Flattening of Emotions", to the critical perspective of "Lack of Comprehension", to the strangely upbeat "See Through Dreams", Chuck and co. write a new blueprint for death metal.

Chuck has always been one to write great riffs. Death's early days spawned lethal riffs in the form of "Mutilation", "Leprosy", "Choke On It" and many others. But on Human, Chuck dials up the intensity. The aforementioned "Flattening of Emotions" is probably the heaviest riff Chuck has ever written. Combined with Sean Reinert's intense drumming, the main riff pounds the listener's ear drums with extremity and a newfound technicality unseen in previous Death efforts. What makes "Flattening of Emotions" an immediate standout is how well it links the old Death sound with a new twist. The songs on Human feel less rigid. The riffs are more creative, the instrumentation is more precise, and the solos are impressive as always. Anyone who is easily impressed by the one-two punch and powerful riffs and solos should listen to "See Through Dreams" and "Vacant Planets". The combination of riffs and solos feel more unique compared to those of previous Death albums.

While Chuck uses some old lyrical themes on this album, he experiments with newer themes that eventually take over the remainder of the discography. Some songs like "Suicide Machine" and "Together as One" improve on past horror-based themes present on the Leprosy and Spiritual Healing records, while "See Through Dreams" and "Vacant Planets" introduce a new focus. "See Through Dreams" is an inspiring, positive take on a blind man's life, and how his dreams help him shape the world that surrounds him. "Vacant Planets" describes some odd theory only Chuck would write about, comparing humans to barren wastelands devoid of life. If there is one word any could use to describe Chuck Schuldiner, that word would be visionary. His new approach to his lyricism is also evident on "Lack of Comprehension", where he criticizes haters of metal.

Behind these thought-provoking lyrics, the technical instrumentation of Chuck and Cynic guitarist Paul Masvidal fill the listener's ears with impressive riffs and melodies to draw in their attention. Steve Di Giorgio's bass occasionally stands out to enhance the darkness presented on each track. The best example of this atmospheric effect is present on Death's first ever instrumental, "Cosmic Sea". Although it is considerably less technical than the seven other beasts on this album, "Cosmic Sea" is a prime example of how much depth there is to Chuck's songwriting. The nightmarish tones of the guitars and bass combined with other effects prove that sometimes simplicity can write a good song.

Overall, Human is the hands down the best album I have ever listened to. All 8 songs are nearly flawless with an effecitive combination of great riffs, solos, rhythms, and vocal work. It is a true death metal masterpiece that I recommend to anyone who wants to explore the realm of metal.

Fioridz's favourites: "Flattening of Emotions", "Lack of Comprehension", "See Through Dreams"

RIP Chuck