Symbolic (1995) - Death

 

Tracklist -

1. Symbolic (6:33)

2. Zero Tolerance (4:49)

3. Empty Words (6:23)

4. Sacred Serenity (4:28)

5. 1,000 Eyes (4:29)

6. Without Judgement (5:29)

7. Crystal Mountain (5:08)

8. Misanthrope (5:04)

9. Perennial Quest (8:22)

Album Duration - 50:40

Genres - Death Metal / Old School Death Metal / Technical Death Metal / Progressive Death Metal

Album Lineup - 

Chuck Schuldiner – Vocals, Guitar

Gene Hoglan – Drums

Bobby Koelble – Guitar

Kelly Conlon – Bass

"Symbolic" is the sixth studio album by the pioneering death metal band Death, released in 1995. It’s often hailed as one of the most influential albums in the death metal and technical metal genres, showcasing a balance between ferocious intensity and intricate musicality. This album is a masterpiece in the death metal world, but it's more than just blast beats and growls. It’s an album that explores deep, human themes and wraps them in technical, precise, and passionate musicianship. Chuck Schuldiner and his bandmates made an album that’s intense, but if you look closer, it's filled with introspective thought and moments of beauty. Chuck Schuldiner took death metal and made it more than just speed and aggression. He made it introspective, emotional, and, in many ways, timeless. The album is filled with mesmerizing guitar solos along with relatively good production for a death metal album. My favourite tracks from this album would have to be Symbolic, Empty Words, Sacred Serenity, Crystal Mountain , Misanthrope and Perennial Quest mostly because all these songs have phenomenal guitar solos and I'm a whore for guitar solos.

Let's take a deeper dive into the album track by track:

Symbolic -  Symbolic is all about memories-how they shape us and how they linger. Chuck’s voice is harsh, but the message is almost poetic: memories aren’t just things that fade away; they define who we are. As you listen, the song makes you feel like you’re holding onto the past while still struggling to understand it.

Zero Tolerance - This track hits harder, faster. It’s a battle cry against narrow-mindedness and those who try to impose their beliefs on others. Musically, it’s aggressive, with Gene Hoglan’s drumming going full-throttle, perfectly matching the defiance in the lyrics.

Empty Words - Empty Words is where the album slows down a bit, but don’t mistake that for losing intensity. This track is about the emptiness in promises and words that people throw around without meaning. There’s a haunting sadness to it, but it’s wrapped in this driving rhythm and beautiful melodic lines. It’s a reminder that sometimes, things sound meaningful, but when you dig deeper, they’re just hollow. The guitar work is particularly stunning here, almost like it’s echoing the feelings of frustration and disappointment in the lyrics.

Sacred Serenity - This song is a bit of a shift, turning more inward. This track feels like a meditation, exploring the search for peace and understanding within oneself. There’s a calmer vibe here, even though the riffs are still technical and tight. It’s not a typical death metal theme, and that’s what makes it so interesting. The melodies in the guitars have a soothing quality, almost as if they’re trying to offer the serenity that the lyrics talk about. It’s a song that reminds you that even in the chaos, there’s a need to find your own space of calm.

1,000 Eyes - Back into the more aggressive side of things, “1,000 Eyes” is all about surveillance and how society is always being watched-pretty relevant even today, right? Chuck taps into that feeling of paranoia, but it’s not just about Big Brother; it’s about the pressure to conform when you know everyone’s looking. Musically, it’s relentless, with driving riffs that almost feel like they’re chasing you. The solos cut through with precision, like they’re emphasizing the unease and the sense of being trapped in a world that’s constantly under a microscope.

Without Judgement - This song is a plea for understanding and acceptance. Chuck's lyrics touch on how we’re so quick to judge others without knowing their struggles. The song is slower and more deliberate in its pace, giving it a contemplative feel. It’s a powerful reminder that we all have our own battles, and sometimes, the harshest criticism comes without any real understanding.

Crystal Mountain -  It’s probably the catchiest song on the album, but it's also got this biting edge. It’s about hypocrisy, especially within religious and spiritual circles-those who preach one thing but act another way. The lyrics are loaded with vivid imagery, painting this metaphor of a cold, hollow mountain that looks beautiful on the outside but is empty on the inside. 

Misanthrope - Misanthrope is one of the angriest tracks on the album, and it doesn’t hold back. It’s about feeling disillusioned with humanity, the frustration of seeing selfishness and cruelty everywhere. Chuck’s vocal delivery is as raw as it gets here, perfectly matching the chaotic riffs and relentless drumming. It’s one of those songs that makes you want to scream along because it taps into that universal feeling of frustration when you see the world around you and it just doesn’t make sense.

Perennial Quest - This song is long, almost like a journey within the journey of the album. It’s about the search for meaning-about coming to terms with life’s struggles and trying to find a deeper purpose. There’s a sense of acceptance here, even as the music moves through different emotions. It starts with those heavy, intricate riffs, but then there’s a shift to a more reflective section, almost like the song is catching its breath. The final moments are filled with these beautiful, clean guitar lines that feel like a peaceful resolution, even if the answers to life’s questions remain elusive.

The passion in this record is palpable, from the intricate solos to the lyrical themes that dig deep into what it means to be human. Whether you're headbanging to the riffs or contemplating the words, Symbolic offers something for everyone willing to dive in. It’s an album that grows with you, revealing more layers each time you listen. Symbolic is often considered to be Death's best work along with "The Sound of Perseverance". I wish everyone could set aside their preconceived notions about death metal and just listen to Death's discography and understand how the band changed throughout the years. Chuck also is probably among my favourite guitarists of all time, I know for a fact that Death Metal wouldn't be what it is today unless it was Chuck's vision to push the boundaries of music. It's funny how I used to skip any death song that Spotify would recommend now I can't get enough of their albums. I can't help but wonder if there are people out there who'd be willing to give Death a listen putting aside all of their preconceived notions about music and just enjoy it for what it really is, great fucking music you would never hear otherwise. Symbolic is among my favourite Death Metal works till date but that's a long list. I'm probably going to talk about Domination by Morbid Angel tomorrow :P. Adios.