Charles Michael "Chuck" Schuldiner (May 13, 1967 – Dec 13, 2001) was an American musician and genre innovator. He is best known for being the founder, singer, rhythm/lead guitar player and main songwriter of Death, which he founded in 1983 as Mantas, and was one of the first bands of the death metal genre. He played an important role in the development of death metal with his band Death, which later evolved into more of a progressive metal sound. In 1998, he disbanded Death and founded another band, Control Denied.

C h u c k

I was rather saddened by the passing of "evil" Chuck. Death was the reason why I took such a great love of the music. Scream Bloody Gore was the album, Zombie Ritual was the song that started it all for me. As if it wasn't noticeable, Chuck's music was the inspiration of almost all North American Death metal. Unfortunately the industry became saturated with "clones" all trying to copy the sound of Death.

Only the true fans of the music were able to differ between the shit and the Wall of noise Chuck and co. pumped out. Death spawned numerous talents into the industry. Just to name one in particular, James Murphy, who himself has acancerous tumor. We can trace the roots of death metal to Black Sabbath, Venom ect. But Death will be the true founders of death metal. I think the Loss of Chuck is comparable to Randy Rhodes. Even though the genres are different, the loss of innovation is apparent.

I must bid you adieu Chuck, and I wish you well on your new endeavors. Keep Shredding!

By Greg <Darigaaz58@hotmail.com>

I n   M e m o r y   o f   C h u c k

December 13th is a day none of us will ever forget as one of the biggest legends in metal history past on to a better place. From the early 80's to now, Chuck has endlessly continued to wow us all with his brilliant musicianship in Death and Control Denied. His music touched each and every one of us in each our own special way. For me personally when I first heard Death, I thought that the music was absolutely incredible and so precise that as a musician, I couldn't help but to be mesmerized by the greatness in his music and it changed my playing abilities greatly.

Because of Chuck and his brilliants, it helped me become better as a musician gaining more speed and more love for playing guitar and music itself! Even the first solo I ever learned was a Death solo! Chuck's music had definitely changed my life greatly and for the better. I can honestly say, I don't think I'd be as good of a musician as I am now if it wasn't for the need to learn Death songs. Now with him being gone forever, his music will still live on for eternity going down as one of the best bands ever to be put together. Unfortunately I have not been a Death fan since "Scream Bloody Gore" but with me being a fan for almost 8 years, it still hurts greatly to hear such a great man has left this world.

I was just in as much shock as the next guy and I never even got to see him perform! I will still however, continue to listen to the greatness that Chuck has create for us, the fans, friends and family. Chuck, may your mind, body and soul rest in eternal peace. You will never be forgotten cause we won't let that happen. See you on the other side bro!

R.I.P. Chuck Shuldiner December 13th, 2001

By Bobby Rafuse <metal_music69@hotmail.com>

"R e c o r d e . .   A   M o r t e   É   P a r a   S e m p r e"

This title "Remember. . Death Is Forever" I saw in 1993 upon the release of Death's "Individual Thought Patterns". Let me just say that when I purchased the tape that year I had worn it out quickly worshipping sounds in awe. Death captivated me upon hearing "Spiritual Healing" in 1990 which then I'd become quickly attached to the dark/evil tone of Chuck's vocals plus James Murphy giving a brilliant addition to the album on lead guitar.

In this brief summation, Death I'd say was most striking in 2 main departments: lyrically and musically. Chuck displayed a more primitive songwriting approach on the first 2 Death releases but gradually sprung out of lyrics which revolved around only that - death, not to mention harsh ways to die. "Individual Thought Patterns" had described my life at the time which is a big reason I'd grown to such liking to it. Chuck's music kept evolving into more melodic/complex structures but the thickness and heavy sounding guitar of Death never really changed only the application not to mention creativity.

It has taken me quite a while to be able to write this because knowing that another Death or Control Denied release will never take place in justice without Chuck's presence guiding it's absolution. I thank Chuck for his musical inspiration, creative genius in songwriting capabilities, and the fact he was the innovator almost entirely to what is known today as "Death Metal". But as Chuck's music talents became more evident with each successive release his style would more be touted as "Melodic Death Metal" [check out ITP, Symbolic and TSOP if you're not convinced].

Upon first hearing about Chuck's illness in earlier 2000, I grew grim to knowing for whatever reason imaginable he was stricken with a benign tumor in his brain, first heard actually this sad news from John of Vehement then. The fact that Chuck did not have much finances after the first surgery his reoccurrence of this horrible illness left me weary to thinking Chuck's legacy would only be carried on if he had gotten all the necessary funds for a second surgical operation.

As we know the second surgery didn't take place plus the hospital and doctor treatments for his illness were not enough to ward off the manifestation. December 13, 2001 was one of the most saddest occurrences the Metal community had ever witnessed - Chuck passed away at the mere age of 33 and to me this was odd he had been taken then [Christ was 33 also]. So maybe just coincidence but I doubt it a legacy of Death had not ended only Chuck's mastermind in music was forever gone. I only knew Chuck in lyrics and music but not the man himself aside from music.

I am saying farewell to the Godfather of Death Metal, a lyrical genius and songwriter and an inspiration for younger minds who wish to pursue music or to just admire sounds "so vivid, yet at the same time we're invisible". Thank you Chuck for inspiring me with your music as well as keeping me to loving it now and thereafter.

O descanso no mandril da paz, na sua música e na mente reinará para sempre na mais melhor música criada sempre - METAL, viverá sobre para sempre.

By death8699 <MethylinInfo@aol.com>