Death-Live in Japan 1995

XXL Media
DVD
2010


This concert was filmed in Tokyo for television back in 1995. Chuck Schuldiner's band was touring in support of their outstanding "Symbolic" album and they present 13 tracks. The visual quality isn't the greatest as the band often just wrapped in fuzzy hues of various colors. The camera angles are limited, but steady. I guess I have to take their word for it that this show is filmed in Tokyo because we never get to see the crowd except the backs of some heads in the dark. The sound quality however is quite decent and consistent. Schuldiner himself comes across as rather between songs and he keeps the banter to a minimum mostly just saying thank you and announcing song titles. Then when the songs begin he goes through a Jekyll and Hyde transformation as he becomes this seething, growling metal monster. The band as a whole are extremely tight, but Schuldiner is undoubtedly the center of attention as his hands are all over his guitar as he rips and tears out chunky riffs while belting out some beastly vocals. Death were not just one of the originators of the death metal sound because unlike a number of bands Death progressed over the years. They not only defined the death metal sound, but pushed the boundaries of the genre as well. This show is a testament to that fact as they knock out simple straight forward killers and more complex musical assaults as well. Just a few of the highlights include Crystal Mountain, Flattening of emotions, Empty Words and Open Casket. Really all the songs are tremendous. Definitely a DVD worth checking out.