PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
@Planetmosh @AnybodyBC reviews ‘Leprosy’ reissue set by .@DeathOfficial released via .@RelapseRecords
This band needs no introduction. As death metal pioneers, they grew with each of their albums and formed a huge base of fans that endures even after their leader’s death. Yes, I am talking about Chuck Schuldiner and Death. That was a while ago but they have never been forgotten. Even more, to keep memory alive and to give something exciting to the faithful Death fans, the series of old album reissues began. So this time – it is the turn of ‘Leprosy‘.
Leprosy was the second full-length album from Death. Originally released in 1988, it still contained the gore themed lyrics as the guys were still discovering themselves in a new, death metal genre. Chuck’s mastermind later on went deeper in to the human mind and more complex progressive/technical death metal. But for now, after the ‘Scream Bloody Gore’ apocalypse, they returned with loads of blood and raw death metal with a hint of thrash metal.
This reissue is special mostly because if its additional, bonus material, which comes in two more discs or vinyls – whatever you prefer. 3 disc reissue seem to be limited edition up to 2000 numbered copies, deluxe coloured (oh, this is fancy!) vinyl box set – only up to 500 copies. If you get any of those – feel free to feel special. Jokes aside, these so-called exclusive and deluxe copies are for really die hard Death fans and collectors. It is nicely packed with high quality images, unseen pictures, box, booklets, etc – small additional things that are a real pleasure for the fans. There is nothing more disappointing than CD, DVD or vinyl without even a small booklet with few additional pictures and lyrics in it. Well, that is not the case with this release.
The very first CD contains 8 songs which were in the original ‘Leprosy’ release, so nothing new about that although with modern mastering, they sound punchier and crisp. The second disc is a set of 10 songs from two differently dated, although almost 27 years ago, Death rehearsals. First four tracks dated 23/9/1987, another six – 5/12/1987. ‘Left To die’ seemed to be quite a nut for the band – three actual tracks are featured under this song’s title. The third disc is all about the live music, which means, that 15 (or 18, counting digital deluxe only bonus tracks) were recorded during the actual Death concerts in USA. There are songs not only from the ‘Leprosy’ album but from the first one ‘Scream Bloody Gore’ as well, which makes the disc a little more interesting and exciting as well. Despite all of its rarity, listeners should pay attention, that this stuff is old enough not to be the top quality. So the second and third discs are really not for a top quality music hunter, who hates unexpected sounds, talking in the records or simply unpolished live sound. But for a Death fan who wants an insight into how the band sounded during it’s formative years, this release is a must have.
Death’s ‘Leprosy’ album reissue is a part of ‘Relapse records’ reissue campaign, which keeps memories alive and allows to enjoy Death’s second titanic studio album alongside Death at their fullest and rawest on stage. For true fans of Death and death metal.
‘Leprosy’ reissue set by Death is coming out on 28th of April, 2014 via ‘Relapse records’.
Track listing:
Disc 1
1. Leprosy
2. Born Dead
3. Forgotten Past
4. Left To Die
5. Pull The Plug
6. Open Casket
7. Primitive Ways
8. Choke On It
Disc 2
Leprosy – 9/23/87 Rehearsal
1. Open Casket
2. Choke On It
3. Left To Die
4. Left To Die – Take 2
Leprosy – 12/05/87 Rehearsals
5. Left To Die
6. Open Casket
7. Pull The Plug
8. Choke On It
9. Born Dead
10. Forgotten Past
Disc 3
Live at Backstreets, Rochester, NY – December 13th, 1988
1. Leprosy
2. Open Casket
3. Zombie Ritual
4. Pull The Plug
5. Left To Die
6. Mutilation
7. Forgotten Past
8. Born Dead
9. Denial Of Life
10. Primitive Ways
11. Infernal Death
Live at The Dirt Club, Bloomfield, NJ – December 11th, 1988
12. Leprosy
13. Pull The Plug
14. Forgotten Past
15. Primitive Ways
Digital Deluxe ONLY Bonus Tracks – Live at The Dirt Club, Bloomfield, NJ – December 11th, 1988
16. Open Casket
17. Mutilation
18. Infernal Death
Links:
www.facebook.com/DeathOfficial
twitter.com/DeathOfficial
deathband.bandcamp.com
www.instagram.com/deathofficial
