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Twenty years ago today, death metal icon and Death visionary Chuck Schuldiner passed. Chuck was a leading light, a talisman. He was only 34. To commemorate and commiserate Chuck’s untimely and unfortunate demise, members of Contrarian and Witherfall/Sanctuary teamed up to cover Death’s “The Philosopher,” the closing track off 1993’s stunning Individual Thought Patterns album. The brainchild of Contrarian guitarist Jim Tasikas and Witherfall/Sanctuary vocalist Joseph Michael, this stunning rendition also features Contrarian/Shadow Of Intent drummer Bryce Bulter and Flotsam and Jetsam/Contrarian bassist Bill Bodily. The group pulled out all the stops instrumentally, compositionally — check out Michael’s vocals at the song’s chorus — and administratively, with custom art (see below). Indeed, Tasikas brought on esteemed studio maven Neil Kernon (Queensrÿche/Nevermore/Cannibal Corpse) to mix and master.
Says Tasikas: “Today is the 20th anniversary of death of Chuck Schuldiner. The premature passing away of frontman Chuck Schuldiner left the metal community and Death fans wanting more. The last years of Chuck’s life were spent writing songs with many variations of vocal styles. Taking that into consideration, check this cover and tribute by Contrarian featuring Joseph Michael (Witherfall/Sanctuary) on vocals!”
With Chuck’s memory in mind and music blazing in our hearts, here’s Contrarian’s ripping cover of Death’s “The Philosopher.” Behold!
** Witherfall’s new album, Curse of Autumn, is out now on Century Media Records. CD and LP are out now (HERE).
** Visit Sanctuary on Facebook (HERE)
** Flotsam and Jetsam ‘s new album, Blood in the Water, is out now on AFM Records. CD and LP are out now (HERE).
The post Track Premiere: Contrarian “The Philosopher” (feat. Joseph Michael) (Death) appeared first on Decibel Magazine.
