On May 23rd and 24th, The Gramercy Theatre in New York City became a haven for death metal as Death to All, alongside Cryptopsy, and Morbid Cross, delivered an unforgettable two-night performance. The Gramercy Theatre, with its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, proved to be the perfect venue for this historic event. The Scream of Perseverance Tour paid homage to the legacy of the late Chuck Schuldiner and his band Death, celebrating the first album Scream Bloody Gore and the band’s last The Sound of Perseverance.
**Night One: Scream Bloody Gore**
The first night opened with a band I wasn’t familiar with, Morbid Cross. Their raw thrash metal energy set the tone for the evening. These New Jersey boys skills and stage presence was a powerful appetizer, that prepared the crowd for the brutality that was to come.
Next, Cryptopsy took the stage and immediately dominated with their signature blend of technical death metal. Opening with “Slit Your Guts,” the band unleashed a relentless assault on the senses. Matt McGachy’s guttural vocals and Flo Mounier’s unparalleled drumming were highlights, particularly during “Phobophile” and “Cold Hate, Warm Blood.” The audience was digging the chaos, they responded with intense mosh pits and headbanging, creating an electric atmosphere.
When Death to All finally emerged, the energy in the room reached its peak. For those who don’t know, the band, featuring former members of Death, Drummer Gene Hoglan, bassist Steve DiGiorgio and guitarist Bobby Koelble along with Max Phelps of Exist and Cynic fame handling vocals and lead guitar. Before slamming into the entirety of their first album.. from Scream Bloody Gore. They book ended this night focusing on the rest of their earlier classics from their albums up to 1990. Leprosy and Spiritual Healing. Opening with the songs “Leprosy” and “Living Monstrosity.” Considering the musicianship, each song was performed with precision and reverence for every note.
**Night Two: The Sound of Perseverance**
The second night of the brought even more intensity. Morbid Cross and Cryptopsy once again delivered stellar performances.
This was the night I was really looking forward to. The Sound of Perseverance was the first album from Death I bought. I still kick myself for missing their show at the long-gone Coney Island High here in NY.
Opening with “Scavenger of Human Sorrow,” Death to All set the stage for a night dedicated to the later works of Death, particularly focusing on The Sound of Perseverance. The intricate guitar work and powerful vocals on tracks like “Bite the Pain” and “Spirit Crusher” were executed flawlessly. The emotional peak of the night was “Voice of the Soul,” an instrumental piece that showcased the band’s technical brilliance and deep emotional resonance. Their Judas Priest cover of Painkiller had the whole crowd screaming along. They ended the night with “Crystal Mountain.”
For those in attendance, it was more than just a concert; it was a powerful tribute and a shared experience of raw musical reverence and power. The Gramercy Theatre, with its intimate setting provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of death metal. Both nights were a tribute to the legacy of Chuck Schuldiner and the indelible mark he left on the genre. However, the real credit needs to go Max Phelps. Without his presence and abilities, this would not be a thing. He is the perfect choice to bring Death to life again.
Follow Death To All:
https://www.instagram.com/deathtoallofficial/
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY OMAR CORDY
Follow Omar’s work here:
https://reversedrecords.com/death-to-all/