Back in 2012 Metal fans were given an unforeseen treat when surviving members of legendary band Death reassembled for a tribute tour in memory of the life and music of their founder Chuck Shuldiner, entitling the run as Death to All, a benefit for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. Uniting former Death members, Eric Grief, Schuldiner’s uncle, ignited the one of a kind tour idea to celebrate his nephew’s music and life, as well as keeping his memory alive. The line up symbolically representing Death is Cynic’s Max Phelps (vocals/guitar) and Sean Reinert (drums), along with Sadus’ Steve Di Giorgio (bass), and Bobby Koelble (guitar). A massive success, selling out venues throughout North America, Death to All returned for a second edition in 2013 continuing with additional dates in Europe. Now in 2014, after months of rumors swirling, Death for All returns for round three, this time bringing Obituary, Massacre, and Rivers of Nihil along for the ride. On Sunday November 30th, fans from the entire tri-state area of New York gathered at Times Square’s Best Buy Theater to celebrate Schuldiner and the music of Death.
First up were Pennsylvanians Rivers of Nihil delivering a warming and brutal opening set. Mounting a good run since their formation in 2009 with two EPs and a highly praised debut album, The Conscious Seed of Light (2013), this band provides a twist to old school Death Metal by displaying numerous talents in the form of technical music. Their debut full-length received great praise for a debut album. Marking their second consecutive Death to All, they already had a sizable fan base waiting to mosh and scream along. Performing songs like “Rain Eater,” “Mechanical Trees,” and “Soil & Seed” was not only brilliant and pleasing to the ears, but also brutal enough to start the first pits of the night. Keep a look out for new tour dates in 2015 from Rivers of Nihil.
Next up were Death Metal veterans hailing from Florida known as Massacre. Celebrating their thirtieth anniversary in 2014, Massacre returned with their third full-length album Back from Beyond. With the lineup of guitarist Rick Rozz, drummer Mike Mazzonetto, bassist Terry Butler (Obituary), and vocalist Ed Webb, the band took their fans back on a trip to the mighty ’80s and ’90s when the Florida Death metal scene reigned supreme. With a song selection of older and newer material such as “Biohazard,” “Dawn of Eternity,” and “Defeat Remains” from their 1991’s From Beyond as well as “Remnants of Hatred” along with “False Revelation” from their latest album, not only did they sound as great as ever, but mosh pits were intense and nothing short of mind blowing. Switching from mid tempos, to sporadic faster segments, to heavy riffs and battering bass; they tore down Best Buy Theater and the audience loved it. Putting the cherry on the top, they finished their brutal set with a cover of Death’s “Mutilation.” With the departure of Butler and Webb shortly after their time on this tour, Massacre seemingly has ended, but fans hope for another reunion at some point in the future again.
After two pulverizing openers, it was time for another legendary Death Metal band everyone knows as Obituary. Also celebrating three decades together in 2014, Obituary has become one of the most dominating and recognized bands in Death Metal. Led by John Tardy (vocals), Donald Tardy, as well as Trevor Peres (guitar), along with newer members Terry Butler (bass), and Kenny Andrews (guitar), fans were rabidly screaming for their arrival on stage.
Recently returning with their new album Inked in Blood, the band rattle off a balanced attack of new songs as well as their classics throughout the years. Not only did the mosh pits intensify as they played, but everyone was headbanging their heads off throughout Best Buy Theater with sheer force. With guitars that crushed with thick original atmospheric Death Metal, they played tracks such as “Slowly We Rot” and “Blood Soaked” from their iconic 1989 debut album as well as “Chopped in Half” and “Inside Out” from another landmark album, Cause of Death (1990) followed by new song “Visions in My Head.” As John captured the audience’s attention with his distinct delivery, it was easy to see why Obituary still is one of the most vital American Death Metal bands around. Do not miss them on tour in Europe in the earlier part of 2015.
With sweat practically dripping from the ceiling and walls of Best Buy Theater, the main attraction was ready to take over this room of eager fans. Ready to pay respects to the great Schuldiner, a man many consider to be the godfather of the Death Metal, the swell of energy was so immense even before the band began. Throughout their career, Death went through constant lineup changes, despite this, Schuldiner always found suitable members for each album. Their 1987 debut, Scream Bloody Gore, is considered the standard for other Death Metal bands that latter followed. Their sound was raw and old school, yet Schuldiner created explosive fast-paced riffs that many guitarists are still trying to live up to. After his unfortunate passing in 2001, after a long battle with cancer, fans keep his music and legacy alive, while some even try to accomplish a product of their own, similar to what Schuldiner had created. Now it was time to pay respect to the master once again, and New York City’s metalheads were united as one.
As the lights began to flicker, the set kicked off with “The Philosopher” sending the crowd into a frenzy. With the massive Death symbol draped behind the band, fans let out their inner rage and respect during an iconic set that featured songs covering Death’s entire discography. With Phelps doing a fine job of handling vocals/guitar, along with Reinert, Di Giorgio, and Koelble recreating the instrumentation of each Death song so precisely, there were no dips in the energy level from start to finish. Songs like “Suicide Machine,” “Lack of Comprehension,” “Symbolic,” and “Zero Tolerance” were just a few of the highlights that kept the rush flowing and fans’ necks loose and Metal horns in the air. Seamlessly flying through eleven songs in the blink of an eye, perhaps one of the most riveting moments was their rendition of 1998 track “Bite the Pain.” Screaming for more, an encore of “Crystal Mountain” and fan-favorite “Pull the Plug” rounded out the evening in grand fashion.
This was a mighty display of Death’s evolution throughout the years that evoked an array of emotions in the audience, but left them with fond memories of one of their favorite bands. Death is more than just another Death Metal band to their followers; they are a level above everything else and highly cherished to the utmost degree. Thankfully, Death to All continues to keep the spirit of Schuldiner and his band going strong, and now many wonder if it will continue for years to come.
No comment