THE SOUND OF PERSEVERANCE

track 1: Scavenger of Human Sorrow - The song starts off with a polyrhythmic drum solo in 24/8 and leads up to a Death signature guitar lead, then continues to dazzle with spiraling melodies and odd choice of notes (good thing). 5/5

track 2: Bite The Pain - Great song, some great drumming by Christy and some great guitar lines by Hamm and Schuldiner. 5/5

track 3: Spirit Crusher - Actually I'm not too much of a fan of this song, it's generally a bass oriented song. Christy does well on this. 4/5

track 4: Story to Tell - Great solo's, great song structure, very powerful song. 5/5

track 5: Flesh And The Power It Holds - Great song, begins with a with a weaving arpeggio and transitions into some groovy guitar lines, and melodies. The solo is great as well, gives great contrast to the song. 5/5

track 6: Voice of The Soul - A very good instrumental, great choice in acoustic tone, the counterpoint soloing adds great atmosphere to this song. It is epic and heartfelt. 5/5

track 7: To Forgive Is To Suffer - Begins with a drum solo that leads up to the intense guitar work, the lead work is nothing short of spectacular. The main solo is full of emotion, Chuck Schuldiner could make his guitar speak, and in this particular song the guitar cries and bursts with emotion. 5/5

track 8: A Moment Of Clarity - Amazing song, excellent structure and melodies, good harmonies as well. A emotive song, the first solo leads up and climaxes towards the second, very melodic song. Full of twists and turns, and dynamics. 5/5

track 9: Painkiller - Cover of Judas Priest's Painkiller, the drums are spicier than the original, and the guitar lines have more edge to them, the solo is more coherent than the original. 5/5

Summary: A very good album, a must for any progressive metal fan that is has a open mind. Very unique album. This album sits upon the apex of the metal genre, few bands can hope to reach something of this magnitude and very few will ever reach it.

Everything about this album is top notch. From the precise, technical attack of the bass, to the precise, technically proficient, melodic, and harmonious guitar lines, to the odd, syncopated drum beats, this album has it all. All the songs on this album are very unique and emotive.

Highly reccommend progressive/technical classic. Very original, as are all of Death's albums.