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 to be among the band's greatest songs.
Composition and style
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
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
- ↑ "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.