DEATH

A logical continuation of "Leprosy." Musically remaining within the same thrash-death framework, on "Spiritual Healing" Chuck tackled a far more serious subject than death, decomposition, and other slimy little white worms — namely, the influence of the church industry (or rather, the church-market) on the minds of an obedient flock. According to a well-known legend, the very idea for "Spiritual Healing" came to the Master while watching a televised sermon (yes, one of those where a frenzied devil runs around the stage with arms raised to the heavens, screaming "halleluuuujaaaaah!!!!"). It is extremely difficult for me to evaluate this album objectively, as I am only vaguely acquainted with DEATH's early work. And the brief rendezvous with rose petals and complimentary calvados that FONO offers as part of their ongoing retrospective, alas, does not greatly impress me. Either the music has aged, or I have. The cover art, for some reason, sharply reminded me of old Soviet propaganda posters: "The Motherland Calls!", "Have You Enlisted as a Volunteer?!" and others. Why? I have no idea... In any case, I will leave it to others to rate "Spiritual Healing." After all, some individuals consider it the pinnacle of metal music...