10 Death Metal Guitarists
Death metal is a genre that boasts some of the heaviest, darkest, and most technical sounds in the vast universe of metal. The frantic double bass drumming, the guttural growls, and the atmospheric keyboards are all iconic elements, but the real heroes?
They’re the guitarists, laying down thick riffs, showcasing blistering solos, and crafting the sonic tapestry that makes death metal… well, death metal.
Let’s deep dive into the world of death metal guitarists and shed some light on these unsung heroes.
1. Chuck Schuldiner
No conversation about death metal guitarists can begin without a bow to Chuck Schuldiner of Death. Often referred to as the “Godfather of Death Metal”, Chuck was not just an extraordinary guitarist but also a phenomenal songwriter. His playing evolved over the years, starting from raw, aggressive riffs in albums like “Scream Bloody Gore” to more technical and melodic compositions in “The Sound of Perseverance”. Tragically, the world lost Chuck at the young age of 34, but his legacy is immortal.
2. Trey Azagthoth
Trey Azagthoth, the mastermind behind Morbid Angel, has given the world some of the most iconic death metal riffs. His solos, often chaotic and otherworldly, sound like they’re channeled from another dimension. Albums like “Altars of Madness” and “Blessed are the Sick” are testaments to his genius.
3. Muhammed Suiçmez
When it comes to technical death metal, few can match the prowess of Muhammed Suiçmez of Necrophagist. His guitar work is both intricate and blazing fast, blending classical influences with sheer metal aggression. “Epitaph”, for instance, showcases his ability to weave complex melodies and solos that would make even classical composers nod in approval.
4. Karl Sanders
Nile, the band that mixes ancient Egyptian themes with brutal death metal, owes much of its sound to Karl Sanders. His riffs are heavy, his solos are exotic, and he often incorporates unique instruments like the baglama and the glissentar. Tracks like “Annihilation of the Wicked” perfectly capture his multi-faceted approach to guitar playing.
5. Terrance Hobbs
Terrance Hobbs of Suffocation has crafted some of the most recognizable riffs in the brutal death metal subgenre. With tracks like “Pierced from Within”, he demonstrates his ability to create brutal breakdowns, lightning-fast solos, and atmospheric passages, sometimes all within the span of a single song.
Alright, let’s catch our breath for a moment. We’ve ventured through some legendary guitarists, but the list doesn’t stop here. These players have undoubtedly shaped the genre, but there’s a whole slew of shredders who’ve taken the torch and are pushing the boundaries even further.
6. Erik Rutan
Erik Rutan might be most known for his role in Hate Eternal, but his influence stretches far and wide in the death metal scene, including his tenure with Morbid Angel. Whether it’s the relentless fury of “King of All Kings” or the layered complexity of “I, Monarch”, Erik’s playing is both visceral and technically masterful. Beyond playing, he’s also a celebrated producer, giving a sonic edge to many death metal records.
7. Paul Masvidal
Cynic, with Paul Masvidal at the helm, introduced a breath of fresh air to the death metal scene in the early ’90s. Melding jazz fusion elements with death metal’s ferocity on their debut “Focus”, Paul showcased a different perspective of what death metal guitar playing could sound like — melodic, ethereal, and extraordinarily complex.
8. Ola Englund
Perhaps best known for his work with Feared and The Haunted, Ola Englund represents the modern era of death metal guitarists. With a penchant for downtuned riffs and a unique melodic touch, his YouTube demos and playthroughs have become the stuff of legend. His ability to blend melody with sheer heaviness makes him stand out in the contemporary scene.
9. Michael Amott
Arch Enemy’s rise in the melodic death metal subgenre can be largely attributed to Michael Amott’s songwriting and guitar prowess. With an ear for catchy melodies and scorching solos, tracks like “Nemesis” and “We Will Rise” stand testament to his contributions to the world of death metal. Not to forget his work with Carcass, which helped shape the early death metal landscape.
10. Bill Steer
Another mastermind behind Carcass, Bill Steer’s contribution to the genre is monumental. From the grindcore-infused early records to the more melodic ventures in “Heartwork”, his riffs and solos have been a guiding light for many upcoming guitarists. The blend of raw aggression with technical skill set him apart in the early days of death metal.