Customer Reviews

Live in La: Death & Raw

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

There originally weren't plans to release a Death live CD at all. But due to the deterioration of the condition of mainman Chuck Schuldiner (after a mild recovery), and the need for very expensive surgery, it was decided to release the recordings of the TSOP tour to collect some money.
Live in L.A. belongs in every metalhead's collection and will hopefully contribute to Chuck's healing process.
The vanguard in technical death metal, bar none, Death-- setting the original standard for those who can appreciate an odd time signature-- always had the keen insight and ability to make songs listenable as well as complex. And translated live and well, raw, Death sounds just fine, if not admirable in all its intense 'n complex glory. The fact that Live in L.A. comes off as a veritable Best Of package doesn't hurt either, as all of the signature staples ("Pull The Plug", "Empty Words") and fan favorites ("The Philosopher", "Scavenger Of Human Sorrow") are here.
The production is crisp and clear, and thankfully not the murky bass-heavy monitor sound we've been hearing on live records as of late. Word is that not a note was changed from the original L.A. performance, and that this is the last Death album.

Death is a great band and one of my favorites.This live album is more of a greatist hits album and a live album at the same time which most live albums are not.This album has great sound quality they play every song perfectly and Chuck screams and squeals so well.The songs on here are amazing I mean you have ''Scavenger Of Human Sorrow'', ''Symbolic'', The Philosopher'', ''Pull The Plug'', I mean it doesn't get any better than this I recoomend this for any Death fan or any metal fan because this is truly a great album and a great band that will be miss.Chuck Schuldiner was a brilliant guitarist/songwriter/singer his work and his passion will be missed forever he is truly and inspiration to me with the music he makes.R.I.P. Chuck Schuldiner.

first off, the people who reviewed this below who said the drums sound bad are out of their minds. get rid of your 1980's boombox that has 2 inch tweeters in it. sure, its "raw" but thats the name of the album. its not some over-produced thing that sounds like a studio recording (with faded in "cheers"... woooo!) but it doesnt sound like a bootleg either.

second, richard christy shines when he plays with Death. just flat out beautiful brass work. you can listen to this thing just for the drumwork and be blown away. some of the fills he adds into the older songs like "suicide machine" with the double ride/double bass stuff is flat out disgusting.

third, this is chuck. hes a metal deity basically. all you have to say is "chuck" and everyone knows who youre talking about. if you cant enjoy this guys work, seriously, just stop listening to metal altogether.

First of all, the production on this album is extremely rough, as many have said. It's very loud, definitely, but the clarity and depth are often lacking. Still, you can readily make out what they're playing the vast majority of the time, though some of the fastest stuff can just degenerate into an ill-defined wall of noise. The mix is off too, as the drums are pushed way out in front. Finally, Chuck's voice doesn't sound nearly as good as it does on the studio versions, but that's about what you'd anticipate on most live albums. The setlist is good and bad. Good in the sense that Death were consistently brilliant enough that everything on here is excellent. Bad in the sense that it's still missing many of my very favorite Death tracks.(Flattening of Emotions, Overactive Imagination, Jealousy, In Human Form, 1000 Eyes, Moment of Clarity, Story to Tell) Still, the tracklisting of a live album is almost never going to be 100% ideal, but for me, anyway, Death & Raw doesn't even come very close. But, there's definitely no denying the excellence of the material that is here, so I can't complain too much

The performances are excellent and filled with passion and intensity. They're not completely flawless, but they're about as good as you could hope considering the complexity of much of the stuff they're playing. Richard Christy absolutely destroys his drumkit, giving one of the most intricate and devastating drum performances I've ever heard. Furthermore, they change up the solos quite a bit, frequently making them more shred oriented. I won't necessarily say I think the changed solos are better than the studio versions, but they're still awesome, and it's interesting to here some different work.

This album definitely isn't ideal, but it actually turned out fairly well considering the circumstances of it's creation and release. And,we're not gonna get anything better than this, obviously, so it'll have to do. People who don't like live albums certainly won't be converted by this, and relatively casual Death fans would probably either find a live album from them rather redundant, or consider the production to rough to be worth listening to. Personally, however, I think Death were as good a nominee for the title of 'Best Metal Band Ever' as any, and that makes this album more than worth owning and listening to, for me. So, I guess this all comes down to the same bottom line as pretty much all live albums: If you don't think live albums are always a waste of time, and really, really like the band, check it out. If no to either of those, don't bother.

This album is the best live album I've ever heard. I don't care much for live albums,but this one definitely stands out. The sound quality is awesome for a live album. You can hear every instrument very well. Richard Christy put some really intricate detail into those songs and made them even better. He did mess up pretty bad in the middle of Zero Tolerance, but he's such an awesome drummer you gotta forgive him. I've got all of Death's albums and Control Denied's album, needless to say I'm a fan. Simply put, this live album definitely does the band justice. Death was (IS) (at least in my opinion) the best metal band to have ever been recorded. If you like Death, or if you like metal, and you don't have any of their albums, buy them all inculding this one. I assure you, you will not be disappointed.

When Chuck Schuldiner tragically passed away, it was the end of one of, if not the, greatest death metal bands of all time. Death was one of the very, very few bands in the genre that combined the trademark death metal assault with actual thought provoking and intelligent lyrics that made the band a force to be reckoned with, and Chuck's lyrics, voice, and guitar playing are what highlighted every single Death album ever recorded. This live album captures Chuck and co. in Los Angeles, and even though the sound mix is very raw, it still showcases Death doing what they do best: playing blistering, intelligent death metal. The set list isn't going to be perfect for any Death fan, but the live renditions of "Trapped in a Corner", "Crystal Mountain", "Zero Tolerance", "Suicide Machine", "Symbolic", and "Pull the Plug" are pure death metal bliss. Though not all will dig it, this is essential listening for Death fans, and a time capsule of one of the greatest acts to ever grace the genre.

I don't know what it is about the Halloween theme playing in the background before the real music starts, but to me, it sets the energy and anticipation perfectly for the haughty musicians before the concert comes crashing in with the ever-classic song "The Philosopher." Ahh, what a perfect start for a live show. Chuck is on the ball with his new aged raspy screams and screeches goes above and beyond with an obvious vocally stressful performance (after all, it was singing all those years that transformed his deeper growls into his new demoniac wraith induced screams). A little look at the material: three songs from The Sound of Perseverance, four from Symbolic, one from Scream Bloody Gore, two from Individual Thought Patterns, two from Human, and one from Leprosy. Not a bad choice of material since it can be applied to any fans that find a particular interest in any era of Death.

Once again Chuck shows that if the line up isn't the best, it doesn't fly. Scott Clendenin (although no Steve DiGiorgio) does an excellent job at filling in the bass slots. I'm not sure what kind of equipment Scott was using, but his sound fits perfectly in this live performance. You can hear the click of his bass in the back, filling in the gaps and meshing the guitars with the heavy hitting drums. I'm sure a good amount of people are aware that it can be arduous to hear the bass during a live performance; well, those who are always searching for clear bass, look no further.

For you have found a live performance with stand out bass that actually kicks and amplifies the brinks of the overall tone. Chuck's wailing Stealth takes the stand to deliver the goods and does a fine job. The teeth gritting, screeching solos go overboard and make you feel as if your brain has just been pummeled by a wave of technical Hell. Shannon Hamm proves to be a good replacement for Andy LaRocque as he performs the hypnotic solo in Trapped In A Corner; immediately, all doubt is erased. Richard Christy also proves to be a meritorious selection to fill in for Gene Hoglan, as he performs Scavenger of Human Sorrow and everything else with ease.

Richard's drums have a heavy and meaty sound to them, especially the snare. You could go as far as to call this a best of compilation album, because almost all of the best Death songs are on here. The only problem is that some of the palm muting parts in Zombie Ritual can be a little scanty in volume, but if you're blasting this in your stereo you'll hear it just fine. I am a little confused as to what exactly the band was playing before they got to the actual song "Pull The Plug." The track starts, but what they are playing isn't Pull The Plug.

I have no idea what it is, but it sounds awesome, swift, and mesmerizing. A few times during the album Chuck states that they are running low on time and have to cut out a couple of songs. It peaks my interest to wonder what songs would have been added, given if they'd had the time to perform them. Personally, I would have liked to see at least one song performed off of Spiritual Healing, but beggars can't be choosers, I suppose. Either way, all the songs are performed perfectly - no mess-ups, no weird tempo changes...just pure raw Death.

Definitely not a live album to end all others, but it ranks fairly high. If you're interested in the CD you should also try to pick up the VHS or DVD of this; it's well worth the money.

First off I must say the quality of this CD is amazing. Who ever mixed this should be praised, but I guess the fact that there is so much talent in this band makes it easy to have a good mix. This was recorded December 5, 1998 at the Whiskey in LA. The whole specturm of songs is amazing since it covers all the different Death albums. The only thing bad I can say is that there aren't more songs, but hey a Death live album-- I never expected that. Hopefully a DVD with various videos spanning Chuck's career will be put out soon. By the way pick up the DVD companion to the CD, you won't be disappointed.

This product came much more quickly than expected. It was in great condition as well. My son was very happy with this gift.

This album contains most of Death's best songs. The production value could have been a little better, however, the music and musicianship more than make up for it. If you're not familiar with Death, shame on you, they are one of the best bands ever, cetainly within the metal genre. If you're just getting into Death this is a good starting point, and it is a great addition to any Death, or metal, fan's collection.