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'''Charles Michael Schuldiner''' (May 13, 1967 – December 13, 2001) was an American musician. He founded the pioneering ] band ] in 1983, in which he was the lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter and only continuous member until his death in 2001. His obituary in the January 5, 2002, issue of '']'' described him as "one of the most significant figures in the history of metal."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/memorial2.htm|title=Sympathies|website=Emptywords.org|access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref> Schuldiner was ranked No. 10 in ]'s book ''The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists'' in 2009 and No. 20 in March 2004 ''Guitar World''{{'}}s "The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=18446|title=GUITAR WORLD's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902145402/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=18446|archivedate=September 2, 2011|work=]}}</ref> In 1987, Schuldiner founded the publishing company Mutilation Music, affiliated with performance rights organization ]. Schuldiner died in 2001 of a ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2011/12/12/143518038/death-is-never-finished-remembering-death-metal-pioneer-chuck-schuldiner/|title=Heavy Metal Articles: Death Is Never Finished: Remembering Death Metal Pioneer Chuck Schuldiner|website=]|date=December 12, 2011|last1=Gotrich|first1=Lars|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}</ref> '''Charles Michael Schuldiner''' (May 13, 1967 – December 13, 2001) was an American musician. He founded the pioneering ] band ] in 1983, in which he was the lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter and only continuous member until his death in 2001. His obituary in the January 5, 2002, issue of '']'' described him as "one of the most significant figures in the history of metal."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/memorial2.htm|title=Sympathies|website=Emptywords.org|access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref> Schuldiner was ranked No. 10 in ]'s book ''The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists'' in 2009 and No. 20 in March 2004 ''Guitar World''{{'}}s "The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=18446|title=GUITAR WORLD's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902145402/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=18446|archivedate=September 2, 2011|work=]}}</ref> In 1987, Schuldiner founded the publishing company Mutilation Music, affiliated with performance rights organization ]. Schuldiner died in 2001 of a ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2011/12/12/143518038/death-is-never-finished-remembering-death-metal-pioneer-chuck-schuldiner/|title=Heavy Metal Articles: Death Is Never Finished: Remembering Death Metal Pioneer Chuck Schuldiner|website=]|date=December 12, 2011|last1=Gotrich|first1=Lars|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}</ref>


Schuldiner is often referred to as "]",<ref></ref><ref name=metalrules>{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/metalnews/1999/08/22/chuck-schuldiner-the-pain-of-a-genius/|title=Chuck Schuldiner – The pain of a genius|date=August 22, 1999|access-date=October 10, 2023|work=Metal Rules}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/industry_news/the_best_of_namm_2008_jimmy_page_satriani_models_among_the_highlights.html|title=The Best Of NAMM 2008: Jimmy Page, Satriani Models Among The Highlights|accessdate=October 10, 2023|work=]}}</ref> though he was not fond of the nickname,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gene-hoglan-says-chuck-schuldiner-was-always-uncomfortable-with-being-called-godfather-of-death-metal/|title=GENE HOGLAN Says CHUCK SCHULDINER Was 'Always Uncomfortable' With Being Called 'Godfather Of Death Metal'|date=April 12, 2018|publisher=]|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}</ref> remarking that "I don't think I should take the credits for this death metal stuff. I'm just a guy from a band, and I think Death is a metal band."<ref name=metalrules/> Schuldiner is often referred to as "]",<ref name=am>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/chuck-schuldiner-mn0000125675#biography|title=Chuck Schuldiner Biography|work=AllMusic|accessdate=December 18, 2024|author=Bradley Torreano}}</ref><ref name=metalrules>{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/metalnews/1999/08/22/chuck-schuldiner-the-pain-of-a-genius/|title=Chuck Schuldiner – The pain of a genius|date=August 22, 1999|access-date=October 10, 2023|work=Metal Rules}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/industry_news/the_best_of_namm_2008_jimmy_page_satriani_models_among_the_highlights.html|title=The Best Of NAMM 2008: Jimmy Page, Satriani Models Among The Highlights|accessdate=October 10, 2023|work=]}}</ref> though he was not fond of the title,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gene-hoglan-says-chuck-schuldiner-was-always-uncomfortable-with-being-called-godfather-of-death-metal/|title=GENE HOGLAN Says CHUCK SCHULDINER Was 'Always Uncomfortable' With Being Called 'Godfather Of Death Metal'|date=April 12, 2018|publisher=]|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}</ref> remarking that "I don't think I should take the credits for this death metal stuff. I'm just a guy from a band, and I think Death is a metal band."<ref name=metalrules/>


==Biography== ==Biography==
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He started playing guitar at the age of nine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/article/jane_schuldiner_the_unpublished_interview |title=Jane Schuldiner: The Unpublished Interview|work=]|date=September 11, 2008|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}</ref> He started playing guitar at the age of nine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/article/jane_schuldiner_the_unpublished_interview |title=Jane Schuldiner: The Unpublished Interview|work=]|date=September 11, 2008|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}</ref>


Schuldiner was originally inspired by ], ], ], ] and ], among others. He was particularly interested in the metal movement known as ] – New Wave of British Heavy Metal – and cited bands of that genre among his favorites. He frequently cited French band ] as his personal favorite metal group. ], ], ], ]/] and ] were later influences he would apply more to his own songwriting. Later in his career, Schuldiner frequently cited ] bands such as ], ] and ] as influences.{{cn|date=April 2024}} The official Schuldiner website, Empty Words, quotes Schuldiner's mother making the claim that he enjoyed all forms of music except ] and rap.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/perennial.htm|title=Perennial Questions|work=Empty Words|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}</ref> Schuldiner was originally inspired by ], ], and ], among others. He was particularly interested in the metal movement known as ] – New Wave of British Heavy Metal – and cited bands of that genre among his favorites. He frequently cited French band ] as his personal favorite metal group.{{cn|date=May 2024}} Schuldiner cited ] bands such as ], and ] as influences in a 1991 interview, as well as Kiss<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/MetalManiavideoshow-1991.htm|title=Metal Mania Video Show|work=Metal Mania|date=November 1991|accessdate=May 31, 2024}}</ref> and ].{{cn|date=May 2024}} ], ], ], ] and ] were among the bands that he claimed as influences in a 1993 interview.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/GuitarSchool09-1993.htm|title=Dead Again|author=Jeff Kitts|work=Guitar School|date=September 1993|accessdate=May 31, 2024}}</ref> The official Schuldiner website, Empty Words, quotes Schuldiner's mother making the claim that he enjoyed all forms of music except ] and rap.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/perennial.htm|title=Perennial Questions|work=Empty Words|accessdate=October 10, 2023}}</ref>


Schuldiner performed well in school before becoming bored with education and eventually dropping out. He later regretted this decision. He has stated that if he had not become a musician, he would have liked to have become a veterinarian or a cook.<ref name=spark>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/SparkMagazine07-95.htm |title=Deep Look Inside |publisher=Emptywords.org |date=February 22, 2003 |access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref> Schuldiner performed well in school before becoming bored with education and eventually dropping out. He later regretted this decision. He has stated that if he had not become a musician, he would have liked to have become a veterinarian or a cook.<ref name=spark>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/SparkMagazine07-95.htm |title=Deep Look Inside |publisher=Emptywords.org |date=February 22, 2003 |access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref>
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] ]
After ''Spiritual Healing'', Schuldiner stopped working with full-time band members, preferring to work with studio and live venue musicians, due to bad relationships with Death's previous rhythm section and guitarists. This earned Schuldiner something of a 'perfectionist' reputation in the metal community. Schuldiner had also fired his manager ] but settled and re-hired him before the recording of his next, influential release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/Thrash'nBurn02-1992.htm|work=Thrash 'n Burn|title=Keeping Death On The Road|last1=Clymo|first1=Rob|date=February 1992|access-date=January 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/BANDPerryGrayson.htm|title=BAND-Precious Memories of Chuck Schuldiner by Perry M. Grayson|website=Emptywords.org|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> After ''Spiritual Healing'', Schuldiner stopped working with full-time band members, preferring to work with studio and live venue musicians, due to bad relationships with Death's previous rhythm section and guitarists. This earned Schuldiner something of a 'perfectionist' reputation in the metal community. Schuldiner had also fired his manager ] but settled and re-hired him before the recording of his next, influential release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/Thrash'nBurn02-1992.htm|work=Thrash 'n Burn|title=Keeping Death On The Road|last1=Clymo|first1=Rob|date=February 1992|access-date=January 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/BANDPerryGrayson.htm|title=BAND-Precious Memories of Chuck Schuldiner by Perry M. Grayson|website=Emptywords.org|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref>
]

Death's breakthrough album, '']'' saw the band evolving to a more technical and progressive style, in which Schuldiner displayed his guitar skills more than ever. He continued in this style (and continued the success of the band) with 1993's '']'', 1995's ''].'' He announced the following year that he had broken up Death and would focus on his new progressive metal band, ].<ref>{{cite journal|date=April 1996 |title=Fuzz Box |journal=Guitar School|url=http://www.emptywords.org/GuitarSchool_FuzzBox.htm|accessdate=January 27, 2024|last1=Kitts|first1=Jeff}}</ref> Death's breakthrough album, '']'' saw the band evolving to a more technical and progressive style, in which Schuldiner displayed his guitar skills more than ever. He continued in this style (and continued the success of the band) with 1993's '']'', 1995's ''].'' He announced the following year that he had broken up Death and would focus on his new progressive metal band, ].<ref>{{cite journal|date=April 1996 |title=Fuzz Box |journal=Guitar School|url=http://www.emptywords.org/GuitarSchool_FuzzBox.htm|accessdate=January 27, 2024|last1=Kitts|first1=Jeff}}</ref>


Schuldiner also played guitar in the ] ] on the album '']'' in 1994 and played a guest solo on Naphobia's 1995 release, ''Of Hell'' on the track "As Ancients Evolve" as a favor to the band's bassist at the time who was a friend of Schuldiner's.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aom.dead-inside.org/inter/death/index.htm|work=Altars of Metal|title=Altars of Metal Interviews Death|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303025227/http://aom.dead-inside.org/inter/death/index.htm|archivedate=March 3, 2008|accessdate=January 27, 2024}}</ref> Schuldiner played lead guitar on a tribute track to ] called Hardly A Day Goes By with his Control Denied bandmates ] on drums, and ] on bass, as well as Craig Sease on vocals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/chuck-schuldiner-a-day-of-remembrance|title=CHUCK SCHULDINER - A Day Of Remembrance|date=December 12, 2006|accessdate=February 8, 2024|work=]}}</ref> Schuldiner also played guitar in the ] ] on the album '']'' in 1994 and played a guest solo on Naphobia's 1995 release, ''Of Hell'' on the track "As Ancients Evolve" as a favor to the band's bassist at the time who was a friend of Schuldiner's.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aom.dead-inside.org/inter/death/index.htm|work=Altars of Metal|title=Altars of Metal Interviews Death|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303025227/http://aom.dead-inside.org/inter/death/index.htm|archivedate=March 3, 2008|accessdate=January 27, 2024}}</ref> Schuldiner played lead guitar on a tribute track to ] called Hardly A Day Goes By with his Control Denied bandmates ] on drums, and ] on bass, as well as Craig Sease on vocals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/chuck-schuldiner-a-day-of-remembrance|title=CHUCK SCHULDINER - A Day Of Remembrance|date=December 12, 2006|accessdate=February 8, 2024|work=]}}</ref>


He secured a record deal with ] in 1997, but the label required that he release another Death album before Control Denied. As a result, '']'' was released in 1998, followed by the Control Denied album '']'' the next year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/BAND.htm|title=Empty Words - Bands|accessdate=January 27, 2024}}</ref> Control Denied also had other players from the latest Death album but featured ], a melodic metal vocalist. In a 1999 interview, Schuldiner spoke about why he didn't sing on the Control Denied album '']'' "...these vocals are all I ever wanted to do in Death but couldn't. I've had this dream of recording like that for years, and it seems like a dream come true. Tim Aymar is an amazing singer and this is the main difference. I think people will be surprised at the violence and strength of the album. Many people are expecting something like Iron Maiden, but, despite being one of my favorite bands, I didn't want to make an Iron Maiden-like album. I wanted to make an unpredictable album, just like I did in Death, I guess. I don't like to make predictable albums."<ref name=metalrules/> He secured a record deal with ] in 1997, but the label required that he release another Death album before Control Denied. As a result, '']'' was released in 1998, followed by the Control Denied album '']'' the next year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/BAND.htm|title=Empty Words - Bands|accessdate=January 27, 2024}}</ref> Control Denied also had other players from the latest Death album but featured ], a melodic metal vocalist, as well as DiGiorgio. In a 1999 interview, Schuldiner spoke about why he didn't sing on the Control Denied album '']'' "...these vocals are all I ever wanted to do in Death but couldn't. I've had this dream of recording like that for years, and it seems like a dream come true. Tim Aymar is an amazing singer and this is the main difference."<ref name=metalrules/>


Schuldiner was also asked to be one of the many guest vocalists on ]'s 2001 ]. Grohl, ], ], and ] all increased efforts to raise funds for Schuldiner's medical bills.<ref>{{dead link|date=April 2021}}, (retrieved February 18, 2011)</ref> Schuldiner was also asked to be one of the many guest vocalists on ]'s 2001 ]. Grohl, ], ], and ] all increased efforts to raise funds for Schuldiner's medical bills.<ref>{{dead link|date=April 2021}}, (retrieved February 18, 2011)</ref>


===Illness and death=== ===Illness and death===
Schuldiner had experienced "extreme neck pain" in 1999<ref>{{cite web|title=After Death: Chuck Schuldiner's Life and Legacy|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/after-death-chuck-schuldiners-life-and-legacy|date=December 13, 2021|accessdate=January 27, 2024|work=]|last1=Angle|first1=Brad}}</ref> and was diagnosed with ] that May, on his 32nd birthday. He had surgery in New York City in January 2000, which successfully removed the tumor.<ref>{{cite web|title=How Chuck Schuldiner pioneered the sound of death metal and became its spiritual guide|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/chuck-schuldiner-death-metal|date=December 13, 2021|accessdate=January 27, 2024|work=]|last1=Scapelliti|first1=Christopher}}</ref> He continued his work with ]. In May 2001, it was announced that Schuldiner's cancer had reappeared.<ref>{{cite web|date=December 20, 2018 |title=Chuck Schuldiner: the blazing life and tragic death of the godfather of extremity|work=]|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/remembering-chuck-schuldiner-the-godfather-of-death-metal|accessdate=January 27, 2024|last1=Everly|first1=Dave}}</ref> He was at first unable to afford the surgery that he needed immediately. A press release called for support from everyone, including fellow artists. Jane Schuldiner urged all who read the statements about Schuldiner and his illness to go out and get insurance, stating her frustration in the American healthcare system. Schuldiner had taken out medical insurance after his first surgery, but the insurer had refused to pay because the cancer ] being taken out. Many artists, including ], ] and ], got together during the summer of 2001 to auction off personal items, with the funds assisting Schuldiner's medical expenses, an effort covered by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444243/20010604/death.jhtml|title=Korn, Kid Rock, Slipknot Reach Out To Ailing Death Frontman|date=June 4, 2001|last1=Wiederhorn|first1=Jon|website=]|access-date=January 27, 2024|archivedate=February 15, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215231403/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1444243/20010604/death.jhtml}}</ref> The auction was poorly managed and only a small amount of money was received by the Schuldiners.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/g018jj/charity-auction-for-death-frontman-turns-ugly|title=Charity Auction For Death Frontman Turns Ugly|last1=Wiederhorn|first1=Jon|work=]|date=January 23, 2002|accessdate=January 27, 2024}}</ref> ], vocalist and guitarist for ], has stated that at the age of 15 his band had played a benefit show for Schuldiner while he was in the hospital in their days as a local band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRjbDrctsUg|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/wRjbDrctsUg| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Trivium – Matt Heafy interview 2008 (1/2) |publisher=YouTube |date=July 22, 2011 |access-date=January 27, 2024}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Schuldiner had experienced "extreme neck pain" in 1999<ref>{{cite web|title=After Death: Chuck Schuldiner's Life and Legacy|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/after-death-chuck-schuldiners-life-and-legacy|date=December 13, 2021|accessdate=January 27, 2024|work=]|last1=Angle|first1=Brad}}</ref> and was diagnosed with ] that May, on his 32nd birthday. He had surgery in New York City in January 2000, which successfully removed the tumor.<ref>{{cite web|title=How Chuck Schuldiner pioneered the sound of death metal and became its spiritual guide|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/chuck-schuldiner-death-metal|date=December 13, 2021|accessdate=January 27, 2024|work=]|last1=Scapelliti|first1=Christopher}}</ref> He continued his work with ]. In May 2001, it was announced that Schuldiner's cancer had reappeared.<ref>{{cite web|date=December 20, 2018 |title=Chuck Schuldiner: the blazing life and tragic death of the godfather of extremity|work=]|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/remembering-chuck-schuldiner-the-godfather-of-death-metal|accessdate=January 27, 2024|last1=Everly|first1=Dave}}</ref> He was at first unable to afford the surgery that he needed immediately. A press release called for support from everyone, including fellow artists. Jane Schuldiner urged all who read the statements about Schuldiner and his illness to go out and get insurance, stating her frustration in the American healthcare system. Schuldiner had taken out medical insurance after his first surgery, but the insurer had refused to pay because the cancer ] being taken out. Many artists, including ], ] and ], got together during the summer of 2001 to auction off personal items, with the funds assisting Schuldiner's medical expenses, an effort covered by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/6rjq0t/korn-kid-rock-slipknot-reach-out-to-ailing-death-frontman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519001817/https://www.mtv.com/news/6rjq0t/korn-kid-rock-slipknot-reach-out-to-ailing-death-frontman|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2024|title=Korn, Kid Rock, Slipknot Reach Out To Ailing Death Frontman|date=June 4, 2001|last1=Wiederhorn|first1=Jon|website=]|access-date=May 18, 2024}}</ref> The auction was poorly managed and only a small amount of money was received by the Schuldiners.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/g018jj/charity-auction-for-death-frontman-turns-ugly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606101223/https://www.mtv.com/news/g018jj/charity-auction-for-death-frontman-turns-ugly|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 6, 2023|title=Charity Auction For Death Frontman Turns Ugly|last1=Wiederhorn|first1=Jon|work=]|date=January 23, 2002|accessdate=January 27, 2024}}</ref> ], vocalist and guitarist for ], has stated that at the age of 15 his band had played a benefit show for Schuldiner while he was in the hospital in their days as a local band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRjbDrctsUg|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/wRjbDrctsUg| archive-date=December 12, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Trivium – Matt Heafy interview 2008 (1/2) |publisher=YouTube |date=July 22, 2011 |access-date=January 27, 2024}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


By December 2001, Tim Aymar stated that "Chuck is in very bad shape."<ref name=tm>{{cite journal |date=December 2001 |title=Tim Aymar On His Mettle|journal=True Metal/Mettle|url=http://www.emptywords.org/MettleinterviewTimAymar12-2001.htm|accessdate=January 27, 2024|last1=Smoklo|first1=Damian}}</ref> On December 13, 2001, Schuldiner died at the age of 34<ref name=mtv_death>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451543/20011218/death.jhtml|title=Death Frontman Chuck Schuldiner Dies|website=]|date=December 18, 2001|access-date=January 27, 2024|archivedate=October 7, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007140714/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451543/20011218/death.jhtml}}</ref> and was ].<ref>, (retrieved April 25, 2011)</ref> By December 2001, Tim Aymar stated that "Chuck is in very bad shape."<ref name=tm>{{cite journal |date=December 2001 |title=Tim Aymar On His Mettle|journal=True Metal/Mettle|url=http://www.emptywords.org/MettleinterviewTimAymar12-2001.htm|accessdate=January 27, 2024|last1=Smoklo|first1=Damian}}</ref> On December 13, 2001, Schuldiner died at the age of 34<ref name=mtv_death>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451543/20011218/death.jhtml|title=Death Frontman Chuck Schuldiner Dies|website=]|date=December 18, 2001|access-date=January 27, 2024|archivedate=October 7, 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007140714/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451543/20011218/death.jhtml}}</ref> and was ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQZYxnSwTQM&start=546|title=Eric Greif Interview – "Chuck Schuldiner" Part 3 of 6|accessdate=July 8, 2024|work=]|date=April 21, 2011 }}</ref>


===Legacy=== ===Legacy===
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Tribute concerts have been coordinated or funded by Schuldiner's mother and family and various Death tribute groups internationally. Former ] frontman, ], who considers Schuldiner an idol of his, got the idea, while working on various projects with former Death guitarist (and pituitary tumor survivor) ], to do a tribute album.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}} Murphy announced he would release a Chuck Schuldiner tribute album to commemorate his lasting mark on the metal community and Schuldiner's family publicly offered support for Murphy's effort, though it has never materialized. In December 2022, Murphy talked about the reasoning why the project was placed on hold.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ex-death-guitarist-james-murphy-explains-why-he-isnt-involved-in-death-to-all-project|title=Ex-DEATH Guitarist JAMES MURPHY Explains Why He Isn't Involved In DEATH TO ALL Project|date=January 6, 2024|website=]|access-date=January 29, 2024}}</ref> Schuldiner's sister Beth confirmed via her YouTube channel that ''Death: Live in Japan'', a behind the scenes Death video, as well as a potential boxset containing all of Schuldiner's works including some exclusive copies of handwritten notes by Schuldiner are in the works via ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/bethlevine1 |title=Chuck/Death/Control Denied |publisher=YouTube |date=April 18, 2012 |access-date=May 19, 2014}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2024}} The Live in Japan release was cancelled as it was planned without the "knowledge" of Chuck's estate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Updated: DEATH's 'Live In Japan' DVD Release Canceled|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/updated-death-s-live-in-japan-dvd-release-canceled|date=October 27, 2010|accessdate=January 29, 2024|work=]}}</ref> Schuldiner estate lawyer Eric Greif held a charity Chuck Schuldiner Birthday Bash in Calgary, Alberta, May 13, 2011, featuring speeches by Greif and former Death guitarist ], as well as bands performing Schuldiner's music.<ref>{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, (retrieved June 14, 2011)</ref> Tribute concerts have been coordinated or funded by Schuldiner's mother and family and various Death tribute groups internationally. Former ] frontman, ], who considers Schuldiner an idol of his, got the idea, while working on various projects with former Death guitarist (and pituitary tumor survivor) ], to do a tribute album.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}} Murphy announced he would release a Chuck Schuldiner tribute album to commemorate his lasting mark on the metal community and Schuldiner's family publicly offered support for Murphy's effort, though it has never materialized. In December 2022, Murphy talked about the reasoning why the project was placed on hold.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ex-death-guitarist-james-murphy-explains-why-he-isnt-involved-in-death-to-all-project|title=Ex-DEATH Guitarist JAMES MURPHY Explains Why He Isn't Involved In DEATH TO ALL Project|date=January 6, 2024|website=]|access-date=January 29, 2024}}</ref> Schuldiner's sister Beth confirmed via her YouTube channel that ''Death: Live in Japan'', a behind the scenes Death video, as well as a potential boxset containing all of Schuldiner's works including some exclusive copies of handwritten notes by Schuldiner are in the works via ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/bethlevine1 |title=Chuck/Death/Control Denied |publisher=YouTube |date=April 18, 2012 |access-date=May 19, 2014}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2024}} The Live in Japan release was cancelled as it was planned without the "knowledge" of Chuck's estate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Updated: DEATH's 'Live In Japan' DVD Release Canceled|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/updated-death-s-live-in-japan-dvd-release-canceled|date=October 27, 2010|accessdate=January 29, 2024|work=]}}</ref> Schuldiner estate lawyer Eric Greif held a charity Chuck Schuldiner Birthday Bash in Calgary, Alberta, May 13, 2011, featuring speeches by Greif and former Death guitarist ], as well as bands performing Schuldiner's music.<ref>{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, (retrieved June 14, 2011)</ref>

] said "Extreme music, more specifically the death metal sub-genre, would cease to exist without the musical brilliance of Chuck Schuldiner" and "Within metal, there are few musicians who’ve shown such a profound prowess for technical and melodic guitar playing, all while playing music as extreme as death metal."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/entertainment/article/heavy-metal-guitarists/ | title=10 of the Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Ever | website=] }}</ref>

Bradley Torreano of ] said "Chuck Schuldiner's brand of heavy metal opened the doors for a genre that had only been hinted at by efforts from ] and ]."<ref name=am/>


===Book=== ===Book===
In January 2001, ], an Iranian metal guitarist/musician, wrote '']'', a book about Death and Schuldiner's poems. The book includes bilingual lyrics and many articles about the band. The book was sent through the site keepers of emptywords.org to Schuldiner, who in his words was "truly blown away and honored by the obvious work and devotion he put into bringing the book to life".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Voices from Iran|url=http://www.emptywords.org/VoicesFromIran.htm|access-date=October 10, 2023|website=Empty Words}}</ref> In January 2001, ], an Iranian metal guitarist/musician, wrote '']'', a book about Death and Schuldiner's poems. The book includes bilingual lyrics and many articles about the band. The book was sent through the site keepers of emptywords.org to Schuldiner, who in his words was "truly blown away and honored by the obvious work and devotion he put into bringing the book to life".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Voices from Iran|url=http://www.emptywords.org/VoicesFromIran.htm|access-date=October 10, 2023|website=Empty Words}}</ref>


==Beliefs== ==Artistry==
⚫ Schuldiner was mostly self-taught as a guitarist. In 1993, he expressed a disinterest in ]: "I know enough about what I'm playing to memorize the ] and things, but I have no idea how you would label them. As long as I can play it, memorize it and apply it, I don't need to know what you call it."<ref name=Kitts1993>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/GuitarSchool09-1993.htm|author=Kitts, Jeff|date=September 1993|title=Dead Again|work= Guitar School|access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref>
⚫ Schuldiner designed the Death logo and its various incarnations during the length of his career. In 1991, before the release of '']'', he cleaned up the logo taking out more intricate details and the "T" in the logo was swapped from an inverted cross to a more regular looking "T", one reason being to quash any implication of religion.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303025227/http://aom.dead-inside.org/inter/death/index.htm |date=March 3, 2008 }}, (accessed August 26, 2008)</ref>


⚫ In the early days of Death, Schuldiner used a "deep, raspy" ] vocal technique, which his mother claims "just came naturally" with playing aggressive music. Sam Sodomsky of ] described Schuldiner's vocal tone as "less guttural than what ] vocals would become and more abrasive than the ] that inspired him like fire tearing through piles of leaves."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sodomsky |first=Sam |title=Death: Symbolic |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/death-symbolic/ |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref> Schuldiner said in 1993 that "it takes a lot of energy and a lot of throat abuse to get through a show."<ref name=Kitts1993/> By 1999, he emphasized that he would retire Death if ] "took off", stating that "I hate screaming. I just don't like it any more."<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.emptywords.org/LotFP_2.htm|title=Chuck Schuldiner: guitar player first|journal=Lamentations of the Flame Princess|accessdate=May 18, 2024|date=March 1999|author=Jim Raggi}}</ref>
⚫ Schuldiner was also openly against hard drugs; he is quoted as saying, "I've ] several times. That's all because I don't like the hard drugs. And my only drugs are alcohol and ]."<ref name=spark/>


⚫ Death's original logo was designed by the original vocalist and drummer, ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Death Logo Through the Years |url=https://www.heavychronicle.com/articles/death-logo-design-history/ |access-date=July 28, 2024 |website=Heavy Chronicle |language=en}}</ref> Schuldiner adjusted its various incarnations during the length of his career. In 1991, before the release of '']'', he cleaned up the logo, taking out more intricate details. The "T" in the logo was also swapped from an inverted cross to a more regular looking "T", one reason being to quash any implication of religion.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303025227/http://aom.dead-inside.org/inter/death/index.htm|date=March 3, 2008}}, (accessed August 26, 2008)</ref>
⚫ Schuldiner was revered in the metal community for his talents but also his positive attitude towards fans and culture. Despite the grim nature of his band, Schuldiner has been quoted as saying he's "a lover of life{{nbsp}}... friendship, and animals" and that "I would like to live forever if it were possible".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartmann |first=Graham|date=December 13, 2022 |title=10 Unforgettable Chuck Schuldiner Moments|url=https://loudwire.com/10-unforgettable-chuck-schuldiner-moments/ |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>

==Musical style==
⚫ Schuldiner was mostly self-taught as a guitarist. In 1993, he expressed a disinterest in music theory: "I know enough about what I'm playing to memorize the scales and things, but I have no idea how you would label them. As long as I can play it, memorize it and apply it, I don't need to know what you call it."<ref name=Kitts1993>{{cite web|url=http://www.emptywords.org/GuitarSchool09-1993.htm|author=Kitts, Jeff|date=September 1993|title=Dead Again|work= Guitar School|access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref>

⚫ In the early days of Death, Schuldiner used a "deep, raspy" ] vocal technique. He said in 1993 that "it takes a lot of energy and a lot of throat abuse to get through a show."<ref name=Kitts1993/> By 1999, he emphasized that he would retire Death if Control Denied "took off", stating that "I hate screaming. I just don't like it anymore. It's very hard. I started playing guitar. I never intended on singing this way. I never did!"<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.emptywords.org/LotFP_2.htm|title=Chuck Schuldiner: guitar player first|journal=Lamentations of the Flame Princess|accessdate=January 27, 2024|date=March 1999|author=Jim Raggi}}</ref>


== Equipment == == Equipment ==
Schuldiner used a simple setup. For most of his career, his main guitar was a ] Stealth fitted with a single ] X2N bridge pickup. For his amplification, Schuldiner used a ] Valvestate 8100 head played through a Marshall Valvestate VS412 cabinet. He used 10-46 gauge ] Boomers strings, and ] Standard .88mm picks. Schuldiner used very little effects except for a chorus effect during his solos.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Everitt |first=Brook |date=June 1999 |title=Guitar Corner: Death|url=http://www.emptywords.org/Pit06-99.htm |magazine=PIT Magazine|access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=August 31, 2020 |title=Rig Diagram: Chuck Schuldiner, Death (1993)|url=https://guitar.com/rig-diagrams/rig-diagram-chuck-schuldiner-death-1993/ |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref> Schuldiner used a simple setup. For most of his career, his main guitar was a ] Stealth fitted with a single ] X2N bridge pickup. For his amplification, Schuldiner used a ] Valvestate 8100 head played through a Marshall Valvestate VS412 cabinet. He used 10-46 gauge ] Boomers strings, and ] Standard .88mm picks. Schuldiner used very little effects except for a chorus effect during his solos.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Everitt |first=Brook |date=June 1999 |title=Guitar Corner: Death|url=http://www.emptywords.org/Pit06-99.htm |magazine=PIT Magazine|access-date=October 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=August 31, 2020 |title=Rig Diagram: Chuck Schuldiner, Death (1993)|url=https://guitar.com/rig-diagrams/rig-diagram-chuck-schuldiner-death-1993/ |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Personal life==
⚫ Schuldiner was also openly against hard drugs; he is quoted as saying, "I've ] several times. That's all because I don't like the hard drugs. And my only drugs are alcohol and ]."<ref name="spark" />

⚫ Despite the grim nature of his band, Schuldiner has been quoted as saying he's "a lover of life{{nbsp}}... friendship, and animals" and that "I would like to live forever if it were possible".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hartmann |first=Graham |date=December 13, 2022 |title=10 Unforgettable Chuck Schuldiner Moments |url=https://loudwire.com/10-unforgettable-chuck-schuldiner-moments/ |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>


==Discography== ==Discography==
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{{Control Denied}}
{{Voodoocult}}
{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 05:06, 25 December 2024

American musician (1967–2001)

Chuck Schuldiner
Schuldiner circa 1992Schuldiner circa 1992
Background information
Birth nameCharles Michael Schuldiner
Also known as
  • The Godfather of death metal
  • Evil Chuck (early career)
Born(1967-05-13)May 13, 1967
Long Island, New York, U.S.
DiedDecember 13, 2001(2001-12-13) (aged 34)
Altamonte Springs, Florida, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • bass
Years active1983–2001
Formerly of
Websiteemptywords.org
Musical artist

Charles Michael Schuldiner (May 13, 1967 – December 13, 2001) was an American musician. He founded the pioneering Florida death metal band Death in 1983, in which he was the lead vocalist, guitarist, primary songwriter and only continuous member until his death in 2001. His obituary in the January 5, 2002, issue of Kerrang! described him as "one of the most significant figures in the history of metal." Schuldiner was ranked No. 10 in Joel McIver's book The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists in 2009 and No. 20 in March 2004 Guitar World's "The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists". In 1987, Schuldiner founded the publishing company Mutilation Music, affiliated with performance rights organization BMI. Schuldiner died in 2001 of a brain tumor.

Schuldiner is often referred to as "The Godfather of death metal", though he was not fond of the title, remarking that "I don't think I should take the credits for this death metal stuff. I'm just a guy from a band, and I think Death is a metal band."

Biography

Early life

Charles Michael Schuldiner was born on May 13, 1967, on Long Island, New York. His father Mal Schuldiner was Jewish and the son of Austrian immigrants, and his mother Jane Schuldiner was from the American South and had converted to Judaism. In 1968, his family moved to Florida. He started playing guitar at the age of nine.

Schuldiner was originally inspired by Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and classical jazz, among others. He was particularly interested in the metal movement known as NWOBHM – New Wave of British Heavy Metal – and cited bands of that genre among his favorites. He frequently cited French band Sortilège as his personal favorite metal group. Schuldiner cited progressive metal bands such as Watchtower, and Queensrÿche as influences in a 1991 interview, as well as Kiss and Coroner. Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate and Raven were among the bands that he claimed as influences in a 1993 interview. The official Schuldiner website, Empty Words, quotes Schuldiner's mother making the claim that he enjoyed all forms of music except country and rap.

Schuldiner performed well in school before becoming bored with education and eventually dropping out. He later regretted this decision. He has stated that if he had not become a musician, he would have liked to have become a veterinarian or a cook.

Career

Taking inspiration from Nasty Savage, Schuldiner formed Mantas (which he later renamed Death) in 1983 when he was 16 years old. He played guitar in the band, while Rick Rozz was on guitar and Kam Lee played the drums and performed the vocals. In January 1986, Schuldiner moved to Toronto and temporarily joined the Canadian band Slaughter. However, he quickly returned to continue the formation of Death.

Death underwent many lineup changes. With Chris Reifert, Schuldiner eventually released the first Death album, titled Scream Bloody Gore, in 1987. He continued with 1988's Leprosy with the line-up of former Mantas guitarist Rick Rozz and rhythm section Terry Butler on bass and Bill Andrews on drums, and 1990's Spiritual Healing, where guitarist James Murphy had replaced the fired Rozz in 1989.

Schuldiner in 1989

After Spiritual Healing, Schuldiner stopped working with full-time band members, preferring to work with studio and live venue musicians, due to bad relationships with Death's previous rhythm section and guitarists. This earned Schuldiner something of a 'perfectionist' reputation in the metal community. Schuldiner had also fired his manager Eric Greif but settled and re-hired him before the recording of his next, influential release.

Chuck Schuldiner in an interview for German Public Radio in 1991

Death's breakthrough album, Human saw the band evolving to a more technical and progressive style, in which Schuldiner displayed his guitar skills more than ever. He continued in this style (and continued the success of the band) with 1993's Individual Thought Patterns, 1995's Symbolic. He announced the following year that he had broken up Death and would focus on his new progressive metal band, Control Denied.

Schuldiner also played guitar in the supergroup Voodoocult on the album Jesus Killing Machine in 1994 and played a guest solo on Naphobia's 1995 release, Of Hell on the track "As Ancients Evolve" as a favor to the band's bassist at the time who was a friend of Schuldiner's. Schuldiner played lead guitar on a tribute track to Randy Rhoads called Hardly A Day Goes By with his Control Denied bandmates Chris Williams on drums, and Scott Clendenin on bass, as well as Craig Sease on vocals.

He secured a record deal with Nuclear Blast in 1997, but the label required that he release another Death album before Control Denied. As a result, The Sound of Perseverance was released in 1998, followed by the Control Denied album The Fragile Art of Existence the next year. Control Denied also had other players from the latest Death album but featured Tim Aymar, a melodic metal vocalist, as well as DiGiorgio. In a 1999 interview, Schuldiner spoke about why he didn't sing on the Control Denied album The Fragile Art of Existence "...these vocals are all I ever wanted to do in Death but couldn't. I've had this dream of recording like that for years, and it seems like a dream come true. Tim Aymar is an amazing singer and this is the main difference."

Schuldiner was also asked to be one of the many guest vocalists on Dave Grohl's 2001 Probot. Grohl, Napalm Death, Ozzy Osbourne, and Anthrax all increased efforts to raise funds for Schuldiner's medical bills.

Illness and death

Schuldiner had experienced "extreme neck pain" in 1999 and was diagnosed with pontine glioma that May, on his 32nd birthday. He had surgery in New York City in January 2000, which successfully removed the tumor. He continued his work with Control Denied. In May 2001, it was announced that Schuldiner's cancer had reappeared. He was at first unable to afford the surgery that he needed immediately. A press release called for support from everyone, including fellow artists. Jane Schuldiner urged all who read the statements about Schuldiner and his illness to go out and get insurance, stating her frustration in the American healthcare system. Schuldiner had taken out medical insurance after his first surgery, but the insurer had refused to pay because the cancer pre-dated insurance being taken out. Many artists, including Kid Rock, Korn and Red Hot Chili Peppers, got together during the summer of 2001 to auction off personal items, with the funds assisting Schuldiner's medical expenses, an effort covered by MTV. The auction was poorly managed and only a small amount of money was received by the Schuldiners. Matt Heafy, vocalist and guitarist for Trivium, has stated that at the age of 15 his band had played a benefit show for Schuldiner while he was in the hospital in their days as a local band.

By December 2001, Tim Aymar stated that "Chuck is in very bad shape." On December 13, 2001, Schuldiner died at the age of 34 and was cremated.

Legacy

With the assistance of Schuldiner's family, former manager Eric Greif handled his legacy as President of Perseverance Holdings Ltd. Schuldiner's mother Jane and sister Beth Schuldiner frequently interact with his fans and both have stated many times that they enjoy his music. Greif kept track of his recordings and handled Schuldiner's intellectual property. Beth Schuldiner has a son named Christopher Steele, who also plays guitar and has all of Schuldiner's guitars. BC Rich also released a statement in their 2008 catalog stating that Schuldiner's signature model Stealth will be available for purchase, and that endorsement is overseen by Steele.

A legal battle began from the time of Schuldiner's death on the settlement of the rights to the partially completed second Control Denied album, When Man and Machine Collide, which was recorded in 2000–2001. Demos of these unreleased Control Denied songs, as well as early Death demos and live Death recordings from 1990, were released in the Zero Tolerance two-part compilation bootlegs by the Dutch Hammerheart Holdings company. The matter was settled in November 2009. There was a meeting held by guitarist Shannon Hamm and producer Jim Morris at Morrisound in 2012. By 2016, former Death manager Eric Greif indicated that the album would not be completed.

Tribute concerts have been coordinated or funded by Schuldiner's mother and family and various Death tribute groups internationally. Former CKY frontman, Deron Miller, who considers Schuldiner an idol of his, got the idea, while working on various projects with former Death guitarist (and pituitary tumor survivor) James Murphy, to do a tribute album. Murphy announced he would release a Chuck Schuldiner tribute album to commemorate his lasting mark on the metal community and Schuldiner's family publicly offered support for Murphy's effort, though it has never materialized. In December 2022, Murphy talked about the reasoning why the project was placed on hold. Schuldiner's sister Beth confirmed via her YouTube channel that Death: Live in Japan, a behind the scenes Death video, as well as a potential boxset containing all of Schuldiner's works including some exclusive copies of handwritten notes by Schuldiner are in the works via Relapse Records. The Live in Japan release was cancelled as it was planned without the "knowledge" of Chuck's estate. Schuldiner estate lawyer Eric Greif held a charity Chuck Schuldiner Birthday Bash in Calgary, Alberta, May 13, 2011, featuring speeches by Greif and former Death guitarist Paul Masvidal, as well as bands performing Schuldiner's music.

Forbes said "Extreme music, more specifically the death metal sub-genre, would cease to exist without the musical brilliance of Chuck Schuldiner" and "Within metal, there are few musicians who’ve shown such a profound prowess for technical and melodic guitar playing, all while playing music as extreme as death metal."

Bradley Torreano of AllMusic said "Chuck Schuldiner's brand of heavy metal opened the doors for a genre that had only been hinted at by efforts from Slayer and Venom."

Book

In January 2001, Mahyar Dean, an Iranian metal guitarist/musician, wrote Death, a book about Death and Schuldiner's poems. The book includes bilingual lyrics and many articles about the band. The book was sent through the site keepers of emptywords.org to Schuldiner, who in his words was "truly blown away and honored by the obvious work and devotion he put into bringing the book to life".

Artistry

Schuldiner was mostly self-taught as a guitarist. In 1993, he expressed a disinterest in music theory: "I know enough about what I'm playing to memorize the scales and things, but I have no idea how you would label them. As long as I can play it, memorize it and apply it, I don't need to know what you call it."

In the early days of Death, Schuldiner used a "deep, raspy" death growl vocal technique, which his mother claims "just came naturally" with playing aggressive music. Sam Sodomsky of Pitchfork described Schuldiner's vocal tone as "less guttural than what death metal vocals would become and more abrasive than the thrash metal that inspired him like fire tearing through piles of leaves." Schuldiner said in 1993 that "it takes a lot of energy and a lot of throat abuse to get through a show." By 1999, he emphasized that he would retire Death if Control Denied "took off", stating that "I hate screaming. I just don't like it any more."

Death's original logo was designed by the original vocalist and drummer, Kam Lee. Schuldiner adjusted its various incarnations during the length of his career. In 1991, before the release of Human, he cleaned up the logo, taking out more intricate details. The "T" in the logo was also swapped from an inverted cross to a more regular looking "T", one reason being to quash any implication of religion.

Equipment

Schuldiner used a simple setup. For most of his career, his main guitar was a B.C. Rich Stealth fitted with a single DiMarzio X2N bridge pickup. For his amplification, Schuldiner used a Marshall Valvestate 8100 head played through a Marshall Valvestate VS412 cabinet. He used 10-46 gauge GHS Boomers strings, and Dunlop Tortex Standard .88mm picks. Schuldiner used very little effects except for a chorus effect during his solos.

Personal life

Schuldiner was also openly against hard drugs; he is quoted as saying, "I've tripped several times. That's all because I don't like the hard drugs. And my only drugs are alcohol and grass."

Despite the grim nature of his band, Schuldiner has been quoted as saying he's "a lover of life ... friendship, and animals" and that "I would like to live forever if it were possible".

Discography

with Death

For a more comprehensive list, see Death discography.

with Voodoocult

with Control Denied

See also

References

  1. "Sympathies". Emptywords.org. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  2. "GUITAR WORLD's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on September 2, 2011.
  3. Gotrich, Lars (December 12, 2011). "Heavy Metal Articles: Death Is Never Finished: Remembering Death Metal Pioneer Chuck Schuldiner". NPR. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  4. ^ Bradley Torreano. "Chuck Schuldiner Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
  5. ^ "Chuck Schuldiner – The pain of a genius". Metal Rules. August 22, 1999. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  6. "The Best Of NAMM 2008: Jimmy Page, Satriani Models Among The Highlights". Ultimate Guitar. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  7. "GENE HOGLAN Says CHUCK SCHULDINER Was 'Always Uncomfortable' With Being Called 'Godfather Of Death Metal'". Blabbermouth.net. April 12, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  8. "The man who let the Metal flow". Rock Hard (in German). November 16, 2011. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  9. Chuck Schuldiner Special, Voices from the Darkside Archived December 1, 2018, at the Wayback Machine, (retrieved October 22, 2011) – Chuck's folks are both Jewish, but Chuck's mother is of a Christian background.
  10. "Jane Schuldiner: The Unpublished Interview". Guitar World. September 11, 2008. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  11. "Metal Mania Video Show". Metal Mania. November 1991. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  12. Jeff Kitts (September 1993). "Dead Again". Guitar School. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  13. "Perennial Questions". Empty Words. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  14. ^ "Deep Look Inside". Emptywords.org. February 22, 2003. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  15. Stevenson, Arielle (October 22, 2009). "The way the music died: The earliest days of Tampa Death Metal". Tampa Bay Times. Times Publishing Company. Archived from the original on October 27, 2009. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  16. Krgin, Borivoj. Liner notes to Death's Scream Bloody Gore
  17. Clymo, Rob (February 1992). "Keeping Death On The Road". Thrash 'n Burn. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  18. "BAND-Precious Memories of Chuck Schuldiner by Perry M. Grayson". Emptywords.org. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  19. Kitts, Jeff (April 1996). "Fuzz Box". Guitar School. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  20. "Altars of Metal Interviews Death". Altars of Metal. Archived from the original on March 3, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  21. "CHUCK SCHULDINER - A Day Of Remembrance". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. December 12, 2006. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  22. "Empty Words - Bands". Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  23. Chuck Schuldiner: Biography, Billboard.com, (retrieved February 18, 2011)
  24. Angle, Brad (December 13, 2021). "After Death: Chuck Schuldiner's Life and Legacy". Revolver. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  25. Scapelliti, Christopher (December 13, 2021). "How Chuck Schuldiner pioneered the sound of death metal and became its spiritual guide". Guitar World. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  26. Everly, Dave (December 20, 2018). "Chuck Schuldiner: the blazing life and tragic death of the godfather of extremity". Metal Hammer. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  27. Wiederhorn, Jon (June 4, 2001). "Korn, Kid Rock, Slipknot Reach Out To Ailing Death Frontman". MTV. Archived from the original on May 19, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  28. Wiederhorn, Jon (January 23, 2002). "Charity Auction For Death Frontman Turns Ugly". MTV. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  29. "Trivium – Matt Heafy interview 2008 (1/2)". YouTube. July 22, 2011. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  30. Smoklo, Damian (December 2001). "Tim Aymar On His Mettle". True Metal/Mettle. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  31. "Death Frontman Chuck Schuldiner Dies". MTV. December 18, 2001. Archived from the original on October 7, 2010. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
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