Retro-Review: ‘Symbolic’ by Death
By: Joseph R. Price
Tags: Album Review, Death Metal, Music, Heavy Metal, Metal Comunity

“Symbolic” album cover

Death’s 1995 album Symbolic is usually ranked among the band’s best records if you go by the internet.

It’s difficult to disagree. As opposed to the previously reviewed Spiritual Healing, which sounded somewhat lost and uncertain, Symbolic sounds focused and confident. Much like its two predecessors, this album continues to see Schuldiner push his boundaries both musically and lyrically.

Schuldiner and Bobby Koelble are the driving force of this album with their combinations of melody and heavy riffs. I’m not sure which solo belongs to who and who takes lead where, nor do I think it matters. The guitars on here are solid.

Gene Hoglan, Kelly Conlon, Chuck Schuldiner and Bobby Koelble

The other standout member of the band is Gene Hoglan. His drumming is both savage and precise. Upon hearing symbolic, you’ll see why Hoglan has been a hot commodity in the metal world, seeming to never have a shortage of employment or bands wanting his service.

Bassist Kelly Conlon isn’t as prominent in the mix, but you do hear him. His bass doesn’t stick out too much and that’s probably intentional. Many bands seem to think it’s obligatory to give the bassist their special spot on an album to shine, necessary or not. There’s none of that with Conlon and that’s fine.

The album

In some ways, it can be difficult to call this album “death metal.” Gone are the horror and gore themed lyrics. The music has drifted away from the down-tuned grind and stampeding drums (on the most part) and embraced a more progressive style. If it weren’t for Schuldiner’s snarls, Symbolic could fit comfortably in the thrash genre.

Schuldiner found the sweet spot in combining heaviness and melody on this album, with neither overtaking the other. The songwriting is tight, with individual songs staying focused on a few riffs. Some might call it selling out, but that focus makes many of these songs more memorable.

How memorable?

It’s difficult to forget the opening riff of the title song, “Symbolic,” which kicks off the album. This gives you a good taste of what’s to come. It’s a song that’s adventurous without being overly complicated. It’s guitar solos and melodies are just long enough to leave you wanting more, foregoing the typical (at least for the time) tendency for many bands to carry on these same things well past their welcome.

Most of the tracks follow this same vein, which makes for a very strong album. Schuldiner is on top of his game as far as tone, tempo and skill on this album. As far as metal goes, this is an almost perfect balance of those big three elements.

Schuldiner’s snarls are understandable, never crossing over into Cookie Monsterdom. While the lyrics are secondary to most people, his growth as a lyricist shines throughout.

All the songs on this album are good, with some standing out more than others. Aside from the title track, the must-listens on this album include “Zero Tolerance,” “Without Judgement” and “Crystal Mountains.” While they may not be the heaviest, they showcase an artist pushing the boundaries of a genre.

“Sacred Serenity” edges out the rest as being the best track on the album. This track’s haunting guitar melody and dark tone hit a melancholic chord within the listener. It’s a song that lingers after the album is finished and the one that they’ll be coming back to hear again and again. It might push the very boundaries of what you can call death metal, but without pushing boundaries you’ll never see how far you can go.

The verdict

There’s a good reason that Symbolic is often considered Death’s best album. It shows a band at its musical pinnacle. There are no throwaway tracks and people’s favorites may differ. But almost every lover of death metal will probably agree that there’s not any filler on this album.

Recommended buying, even at regular price.