Human

Death are one band nobody has anything bad to say about. They are just good. I can't get into their old shit as much, but anything Human and beyond is gold. Chuck knew his way around a song, and his ability really starts to show through on Human. There are no unnecessary notes here... just pure progressive death metal bliss, and some of the most talented individuals in recorded music.

Death were always a sort of travelling circus... Schulidner and whatever other guys he could pluck from Julliard. And he did some damn good pluckin, cos Reinert/Digiorgio = rhythm section from hell. Secret Face, Flattening of Emotions, Together as One... these songs are mind boggling when you consider exactly how nice the rhythms are. Not too fucked up (Scavenger of human Sorrow anyone?) or too accessible... somewhere in between. The bass ain't too pumpin, but i like that better than I like DiGiorgio's style on Swallowed in Black (all over the place and annoying)

Lack of Comprehension is probably my favorite Death metal song EVER... you can't beat that riff or solo. Some of the catchiness that was Symbolic begins to rear it's head around this point of the album, to much avail, since I prefer this approach. Cosmic Sea reveals Death's progressive tendencies and collective talent, leading the listener through astrails planes on the wings of a hypnotic bass line.

Death are the archetype for death metal, yet I have heard no band like them. They had an original and everchanging style that is hard to explain. I'll say this.... you =/ death metal fan if you don't have Human. Whoever got their panties in a bunch from that line, pick it up and get back to me later ;)