Death (metal band)

Death
Death in 1989. From left to right: Terry Butler, Paul Masvidal, manager Eric Greif, Bill Andrews, and Chuck Schuldiner.
Background information
Also known as	Mantas (1983–1984)
Origin	Altamonte Springs, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Death metal progressive metal technical death metal
Discography	Death discography
Years active	1983–1996 1998–2001
Labels	Combat Roadrunner Nuclear Blast Relativity Relapse UMG
Spinoffs	Control Denied
Past members	Final lineup Chuck Schuldiner Shannon Hamm Richard Christy Scott Clendenin
Website	emptywords.org

Death was an American death metal band formed in Altamonte Springs, Florida, in 1983 by guitarist Chuck Schuldiner (who later became the band's sole vocalist), drummer/vocalist Kam Lee and guitarist Rick Rozz. Formed out of what would become the Florida death metal scene, Death is considered to be among the most influential bands in heavy metal music and a pioneering force in death metal. The band's 1987 debut album, Scream Bloody Gore, has been widely regarded as one of the first death metal records, alongside the first records from Possessed and Necrophagia.

Death had a revolving lineup, with Schuldiner, aside from a European tour, being the sole consistent member.^[1] The group's style also progressed, from the raw sound on its first two albums to a more complex one in its later stage.^[2] The band disbanded after Schuldiner died of glioma and pneumonia in December 2001, but remains an enduring influence on heavy metal.^[3]