List of Death (metal band) members

Death in 1989.

Death was an American death metal band from Altamonte Springs, Florida. Formed in 1983 under the name Mantas, the group originally consisted of guitarist Chuck Schuldiner, second guitarist Frederick "Rick Rozz" DeLillo, and drummer and vocalist Barney "Kam" Lee. The band went through many personnel changes during its tenure, before disbanding in December 2001 upon Schuldiner's death. The final lineup of Death featured Schuldiner on guitars and vocals, Shannon Hamm on guitars, Richard Christy on drums, (since 1997) and Scott Clendenin on bass (since 1998).

History

1983–1987

Guitarist Rick Rozz (left) and drummer Kam Lee (right) were founding members of Mantas alongside Chuck Schuldiner. Both performed on the band's first three official demos.

Chuck Schuldiner formed Mantas in 1983 with drummer/vocalist Kam Lee and guitarist Rick Rozz.[1] The band recorded its first rehearsal demo in early 1984, which is known unofficially as Emotional.[2] The recording featured a temporary bassist named Dave Tett, who left after just a few rehearsals and was the band's only bassist during its tenure as Mantas.[1] The group released its first official demo, Death by Metal, in the summer of 1984.[1] In September, the band briefly broke up for "two or three weeks", and returned in October under the new name of Death.[2] The Reign of Terror demo was recorded later that month.[3]

Shortly after the recording of the Infernal Death demo in March 1985, Rozz left Death; Schuldiner and Lee recorded the Rigor Mortis demo the next month.[4] Guitarist Matt Olivo and bassist Scott Carlson of the band Genocide joined the band that May.[1] However after Lee left and they struggled to find a replacement, the pair left after just a few months.[5] In September, Schuldiner relocated to San Francisco, California and built a new Death lineup with bassist Erik Meade and former D.R.I. drummer Eric Brecht. The trio released the Back from the Dead demo in October, before both new members left in December and Schuldiner returned to Florida.[6]

Death took a brief hiatus in early 1986, while Schuldiner briefly rehearsed with Canadian group Slaughter.[7] In March, the guitarist and vocalist moved to San Francisco again, where he formed a new incarnation of Death with drummer Chris Reifert.[1] Working as a two-piece, with Schuldiner handling bass duties, the group issued the demo Mutilation in April, which led to the band signing a deal with Combat Records.[8] The band briefly played with bassist Steve DiGiorgio of Sadus, with whom they shared practice space.[1] In November the band recorded its debut full-length album, Scream Bloody Gore, which was issued the following May. Before the album's release, the duo was briefly joined by second guitarist John Hand.[9]

1987–1992

Around the time of the release of Scream Bloody Gore, Schuldiner moved back to Florida without Reifert, who opted to stay in San Francisco. [10] He subsequently enlisted former guitarist Rick Rozz along with bassist Terry Butler and drummer Bill Andrews from Massacre for a new incarnation of Death.[11] The group issued Leprosy in 1988, however Butler did not feature on the album and bass was instead performed by Schuldiner.[12] During the subsequent touring cycle, Rozz was dismissed from Death and temporarily replaced by Cynic's Paul Masvidal for a handful of Mexican shows.[13]

After "a few weeks" with Mark Carter,[6] the band was joined by guitarist James Murphy in the summer of 1989.[10] Spiritual Healing was recorded at the end of the year and released the following February.[6] During the subsequent tour, Murphy was fired and the guitarist role changed a number of times – first, Masvidal returned to complete a run of shows in April 1990, before Evildead's Albert Gonzales took over for shows between August and October.[6] When Schuldiner refused to perform in Europe at the end of the year due to poor management and organization of the tour, the remaining members completed the tour without him, using members of the road crew as stand-ins.[10]

Paul Masvidal had two tenures as a touring guitarist for Death, followed by one as a permanent member.

Schuldiner parted ways with Butler and Andrews after their tour without him, and in April 1991 he returned to record Human with Masvidal, Sadus bassist Steve Di Giorgio, and Masvidal's Cynic bandmate Sean Reinert on drums.[3] Di Giorgio was unable to commit to the band full-time due to commitments with Sadus, so he was replaced on the subsequent touring cycle by Scott Carino.[6] In spring 1992, Death was forced to cancel a run of shows in the UK due to financial issues.[14]

1993–2001

In early 1993, Schuldiner reunited with bassist Steve Di Giorgio to record Individual Thought Patterns, which also featured King Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque and former Dark Angel drummer Gene Hoglan.[15] LaRocque was unable to commit full-time to Death, so he was replaced for European festivals in the spring and a US tour in the summer by Ralph Santolla.[16] For a European run later in the year, Forbidden's Craig Locicero took over when Santolla returned to his main band Eyewitness.[6]

By early 1995, Di Giorgio had left Death and LaRocque had confirmed his inability to return.[10] Schuldiner asked former Watchtower bassist Doug Keyser to join the band, but he declined,[6] which led Schuldiner to add bassist Kelly Conlon and guitarist Bobby Koelble in time for the recording of Symbolic.[17][18] After the album's release, the group performed at several European festivals, before Conlon was dismissed and replaced for subsequent tour dates by Brian Benson.[6][19]

Early the next year, Schuldiner announced the disbandment of Death and the formation of Control Denied,[20] following a disagreement with Roadrunner Records.[21] The new group initially featured vocalist B.C. Richards,[22] though he left the band in 1997.[23] An early lineup of the band included guitarist Shannon Hamm, bassist Benson and drummer Chris Williams.[10]

Death returned in the summer of 1997,[10] with Control Denied members Hamm, Scott Clendenin (who by that time had replaced Benson on bass) and Richard Christy (the replacement for drummer Williams) featuring in the new incarnation of the band.[24] This lineup issued The Sound of Perseverance, Death's final studio album, in 1998.[25] After a tour promoting the album, Schuldiner returned to focus on recording the second Control Denied album.[10] However, in 1999 he was diagnosed with pontine glioma, for which he underwent surgery in January 2000.[26] Despite initially improving, Schuldiner's condition worsened in 2001, and on December 13 he died.[27] Shortly before his death, the band issued its first two live albums.[28]

Members

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Chuck Schuldiner cropped.jpg
Chuck Schuldiner
  • 1983–1995
  • 1997–2001 (until his death)
  • guitars
  • bass (1983, 1983–1985, 1986–1987)
  • vocals
all Death releases
KamLeePhoto.jpg
Barney "Kam" Lee 1983–1985
  • drums
  • vocals
  • Death by Metal (1984)
  • Reign of Terror (1984)
  • Infernal Death (1985)
  • Rigor Mortis (1985)
Rick Rozz (54481574).jpeg
Rick Rozz
(Frederick DeLillo)
  • 1983–1985
  • 1987–1989
guitars
  • Death by Metal (1984)
  • Reign of Terror (1984)
  • Infernal Death (1985)
  • Leprosy (1988)
  • Chicago, IL 01.21.1988 (2020)
  • Tampa, FL 02.10.1989 (2020)
  • New Rochelle, NY 12.03.1988 (2020)
Dave Tett 1984 bass none (performed on the first Mantas rehearsal tape)
Repulsion at Party.San Open Air 2014 (24538136054).jpg
Scott Carlson 1985
  • bass
  • vocals
none (performed on Death rehearsal tapes 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11)
Repulsion at Party.San Open Air 2014 (25075569121).jpg
Matt Olivo guitars
Erik Meade bass Back from the Dead (1985)
Eric Brecht drums
Chris Reifert 1986–1987
20140608 Gelsenkirchen RockHard 0924.jpg
Steve Di Giorgio
  • 1986
  • 1991 (session)
  • 1993–1995
  • 1997-1998
bass
John Hand 1986 guitars none
Obituary - 7.12.2012 - Music Hall, Geiselwind 02.jpg
Terry Butler 1987–1990 bass
  • Spiritual Healing (1990)
  • Chicago, IL 01.21.1988 (2020)
  • Tijuana 10.06.1990 (2020)
  • Live 1990, 1991 Unknown (2020)
  • Tampa, FL 02.10.1989 (2020)
  • New Rochelle, NY 12.03.1988 (2020)
Death_Mexico_06-89_(Bill_Andrews).jpg
Bill Andrews drums
  • Leprosy (1988)
  • Spiritual Healing (1990)
  • Chicago, IL 01.21.1988 (2020)
  • Tijuana 10.06.1990 (2020)
  • Live 1990, 1991 Unknown (2020)
  • Tampa, FL 02.10.1989 (2020)
  • New Rochelle, NY 12.03.1988 (2020)
Paul Masvidal 11.jpg
Paul Masvidal
  • 1989 (touring)
  • 1990 (touring)
  • 1991–1992
guitars
  • Human (1991)
  • Live 1990, 1991 Unknown (2020)
  • Belgium 12.23.1991 (2020)
Mark Carter 1989 none
James_Murphy_in_the_dressing_room_at_the_Nokia_Theater.jpg
James Murphy 1989–1990 Spiritual Healing (1990)
Albert Gonzales 1990 (touring) Live 1990, 1991 Unknown (2020)
Louie Carrisalez vocals none
Walter Trachsler guitars
Sean Reinert 2.jpg
Sean Reinert 1991–1992 (died 2020) drums
  • Human (1991)
  • Live 1990, 1991 Unknown (2020)
  • Belgium 12.23.1991 (2020)
Scott Carino 1991–1992 (touring only)
  • Human (1991) – performed on one track only
  • Live 1990, 1991 Unknown (2020)
  • Belgium 12.23.1991 (2020)
Tuska 20130629 - Testament - 01.jpg
Gene Hoglan 1992–1995 drums
  • Individual Thought Patterns (1993)
  • Symbolic (1995)
  • Montreal 06.22.1995 (2020)
  • Showcase Theater, CA 07.14.1995 (2020)
  • Detroit, MI 1993 (2020)
Tuska 20130628 - King Diamond - 28.jpg
Andy LaRocque 1993 (session) guitars Individual Thought Patterns (1993)
Santolla.jpg
Ralph Santolla 1993 (touring) (died 2018) Detroit, MI 1993 (2020)
Craig Locicero 1993 (touring) none
Bobby Koelble 1994-1995
  • Symbolic (1995)
  • Montreal 06.22.1995 (2020)
  • Showcase Theater, CA 07.14.1995 (2020)
Kelly Conlon bass Symbolic (1995)
Brian Benson 1995 (touring)
  • Montreal 06.22.1995 (2020)
  • Showcase Theater, CA 07.14.1995 (2020)
Shannon Hamm 1997–2001 guitars all Death releases from The Sound of Perseverance (1998) to Vivus! (2012)
Sal, Leyla & Richard Christy (4902556102).jpg
Richard Christy drums
Scott Clendenin 1998–2001 (died 2015) bass

Timeline

Lineups

Period Members Releases
Early 1983
(known as Mantas)
none
Early – spring 1984
(known as Mantas)
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars
  • Kam Lee – drums, vocals
  • Rick Rozz – guitars
  • Dave Tett – bass
none (one rehearsal tape only)
Spring – September 1984
(known as Mantas)
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, bass, vocals
  • Kam Lee – drums, vocals
  • Rick Rozz – guitars
  • Death by Metal (1984)
Band inactive September – October 1984
October 1984 – March 1985
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, bass, vocals
  • Kam Lee – drums, vocals
  • Rick Rozz – guitars
March – April 1985
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, bass, vocals
  • Kam Lee – drums, vocals
  • Rigor Mortis (1985)
May[1] – summer 1985
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Kam Lee – drums, vocals
  • Scott Carlson – bass, vocals
  • Matt Olivo – guitars
none (rehearsal tapes only)
September – December 1985
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Erik Meade – bass
  • Eric Brecht – drums
  • Back from the Dead (1985)
Band inactive December 1985 – February 1986
March[1] – late 1986
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, bass, vocals
  • Chris Reifert – drums
1986 none (rehearsals only)[1]
November 1986
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, bass, vocals
  • Chris Reifert – drums
Early 1987[29]
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals, bass
  • Chris Reifert – drums
  • John Hand – guitars
none
Late 1986 – May 1987
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals, bass
  • Chris Reifert – drums
June 1987 – May 1989
  • Leprosy (1988) (does not feature Butler)
  • Chicago, IL 01.21.1988 (2020)
  • Tampa, FL 02.10.1989 (2020)
  • New Rochelle, NY 12.03.1988 (2020)
June 1989
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Terry Butler – bass
  • Bill Andrews – drums
  • Paul Masvidal – guitars (touring)
none
July 1989
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Terry Butler – bass
  • Bill Andrews – drums
  • Mark Carter – guitars
Summer 1989 – April 1990
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Terry Butler – bass
  • Bill Andrews – drums
  • James Murphy – guitars
April 1990
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Terry Butler – bass
  • Bill Andrews – drums
  • Paul Masvidal – guitars (touring)
none
August – October 1990
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Terry Butler – bass
  • Bill Andrews – drums
  • Albert Gonzales – guitars (touring)
  • Live 1990, 1991 Unknown (2020)
October 1990
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Terry Butler – bass
  • Bill Andrews – drums
  • Tijuana 10.06.1990 (2020)
October – December 1990
(temporary touring lineup)
  • Terry Butler – bass
  • Bill Andrews – drums
  • Louie Carrisalez – vocals (substitute)
  • Walter Trachsler – guitars (substitute)
none
Band inactive January – April 1991
April 1991
(temporary recording lineup)
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Paul Masvidal – guitars
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass
  • Sean Reinert – drums
October 1991 – March 1992
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Paul Masvidal – guitars
  • Sean Reinert – drums
  • Scott Carino – bass (touring)
  • Live 1990, 1991 Unknown (2020)
  • Belgium 12.23.1991 (2020)
Band inactive spring 1992
1992
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars
December 1992
Early 1993
(temporary recording lineup)
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass
  • Gene Hoglan – drums
  • Andy LaRocque – guitars
April – August 1993
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass
  • Gene Hoglan – drums
  • Ralph Santolla – guitars (touring)
  • Detroit, MI 1993 (2020)
September – October 1993
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Steve Di Giorgio – bass
  • Gene Hoglan – drums
  • Craig Locicero – guitars (touring)
none
Band inactive late 1993
January 1994[31]
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals, bass, drum programming
  • January 1994 demo (1994)
March 1994[31]
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitar
  • Gene Hoglan – drum programming
  • Bobby Koelble – guitars
  • Steve DiGiorgio – bass
  • March 1994 demo (1994)
January – May 1995
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Gene Hoglan – drums
  • Bobby Koelble – guitars
  • Kelly Conlon – bass
June – October 1995
  • Chuck Schuldiner – guitars, vocals
  • Gene Hoglan – drums
  • Bobby Koelble – guitars
  • Brian Benson – bass
  • Montreal 06.22.1995 (2020)
  • Showcase Theater, CA 07.14.1995 (2020)
Band inactive late 1995 – summer 1997
1997 – 1998
  • 1997 demo (1997)
  • 1998 demo (1998)
1998 – December 2001

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Grayson, Perry M. (April 27, 2002). "Precious Memories of Chuck Schuldiner". EmptyWords. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Ramadier, Laurent. "An Interview with Rick Rozz (Mantas/Death)". Voices from the Darkside. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Scapelliti, Christopher (May 13, 2019). "Chuck Schuldiner: Lust for Life". Guitar World. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  4. ^ Stöver, Frank. "An Interview with Kam Lee (Mantas/Death)". Voices from the Darkside. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  5. ^ Cras, Gunther. "An Interview with Scott Carlson (Repulsion)". Voices from the Darkside. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h "A Tribute to Chuck Schuldiner". Voices from the Darkside. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
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  8. ^ Wiederhorn, Jon (May 25, 2019). "32 Years Ago: Death Start a Revolution with 'Scream Bloody Gore'". Loudwire. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
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  11. ^ Willems, Steven. "An Interview with Rick Rozz (Mantas/Death)". Voices from the Darkside. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  12. ^ Folgar, Abel (February 18, 2010). "Blast From the Past: Death - Leprosy". Miami New Times. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  13. ^ "Interview with Paul Masvidal (Cynic/ex-Death): "Chuck was always looking for ways to expand his artistry"". Agoraphobic News. December 11, 2017. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  14. ^ Krgin, Borivoj (October 1993). "Individual Thought Patterns". Terrorizer. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  15. ^ Ayers, Chris (October 25, 2011). "Death: Individual Thought Patterns". Exclaim!. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  16. ^ "Ralph Santolla: Former Death, Iced Earth, Deicide And Obituary Guitarist Dies Aged 51". Metal Forces. June 6, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  17. ^ Clymo, Rob (1995). "Symbol of Salvation". Terrorizer. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  18. ^ Marini, Leslie R. (1995). "Symbolically Speaking". Rock Out Censorship. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
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  22. ^ Jeff Kitts (April 1996). "Fuzz Box". Guitar School. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  23. ^ Dennis Gulbey (Spring 1997). "Death No More! Control Denied is Here!!". Sentinel Steel. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  24. ^ Haagsma, Robert (August 1998). "Death = Alive!". Aardschok. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  25. ^ Hundey, Jason. "The Sound of Perseverance - Death: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  26. ^ Mancini, Rob (March 9, 2000). "Death Frontman Recovering Well After Surgery". MTV. Archived from the original on May 12, 2017. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  27. ^ Mancini, Rob (December 18, 2001). "Death Frontman Chuck Schuldiner Dies". MTV. Archived from the original on October 12, 2014. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  28. ^ O'Neill, Brian. "Live in L.A.: Death & Raw - Death: Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  29. ^ Ramses II (1987). "Corpse Grinding Death Metal". D.O.D. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  30. ^ a b "DEATH: Video For Remixed Version Of 'The Philosopher' Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. October 31, 2011. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - DEATH: 'Symbolic' Reissue Track Listing Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. January 16, 2008. Retrieved May 19, 2024.