In Memory of Chaos

12/13/2011…
On this day, a decade has passed since the departure of Death frontman Chuck Schuldiner. The band Death was a profound innovation, not only in Metal but in music as an entirety. Their impact on the Death Metal industry was so intense that it’s almost as if the genre owes their namesake to them. Chuck Shuldiner in particular played a significant role, serving the band not only as guitarist but also as lead vocalist. His status as a pioneer in indisputable. Heavy music has never been the same since this talented man hit the stage, and we have yet to be blessed with a musician of his caliber thereafter. Sure, the face of Metal has evolved between ’83 and today, but Shuldiner has still set a bar to which many of us still aspire. This is no small feat, especially considering the fact that he was trapped in a generation in which Metal was portrayed as long-haired blonde boys in neon spandex and blue lipstick. To reinvent music in such an aesthetic no-mans-land in nothing short of extaordinary. So let us propose a toast, and quite possibly drink, to this badass mother-fucker, the likes of which I doubt we’ll see again. Rest in pieces, and bring the party to heaven. m/

Still can’t get enough Chuck? Check out the kickass articles in Revolver, Terrorizer,and Decibel Magazines. They are indeed eulogies worthy of such an artist.