Spirit Crusher
| "Spirit Crusher" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Death | |
| from the album The Sound of Perseverance | |
| Genre | Death metal, progressive metal[1] |
| Length | 6:47 |
| Label | Nuclear Blast |
| Songwriter | Chuck Schuldiner |
"Spirit Crusher" is a song by the American death metal band Death. It appeared on the band's final studio album The Sound of Perseverance. It is considered by some[who?] to be among the band's greatest songs.[citation needed]
Composition and style
[edit]Loudwire stated that the guitar work during the track's refrain "literally makes the listener feel like [they are] being crushed."[2] The guitar work has drawn comparisons to power metal. Metal Forces described the track as sounding like "a more progressive and scything Judas Priest." A staff writer wrote: "For the most part this is classic metal, delivered at a relatively slow pace but always remaining elusive with those juddering drums."[3] AllMusic said the track contained "ungodly solos and leads" as well as "one of the most terrifying, blood-curdling choruses ever."[4] Chronicles of Chaos described the chorus as "slow [and] simple."[5]
Cover versions
[edit]The song has been reimagined and performed by symphonic orchestras.[6] The song was used as a live encore by Death to All, a touring band formed in tribute to late Death frontman Chuck Schuldiner.[7]
References
[edit]- ↑ "DEATH – The Sound Of Perseverance (2011 Reissue) | Album / EP Reviews @ Metal Forces Magazine".
- ↑ DiVita, Joe (July 18, 2013). "10 Best Songs by the Band Death". Loudwire. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ "DEATH – The Sound Of Perseverance (2011 Reissue) | Album / EP Reviews @ Metal Forces Magazine". Retrieved July 20, 2026.
- ↑ Death: The Sound of Perseverance Tracks & Reviews | AllMusic, retrieved July 20, 2026
- ↑ "CoC : Death - The Sound of Perseverance : Review". www.chroniclesofchaos.com. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
- ↑ Shteamer, Hank (October 12, 2020). "Extreme Metal Goes Symphonic With DeathOrchestra's 'Spirit Crusher'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ "Watch: DEATH TO ALL Performs DEATH Classics In Las Vegas During 'Symbolic Healing' Fall 2025 Tour". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. November 28, 2025. Retrieved July 19, 2026.