LEFT TO DIE, a band featuring former DEATH members Rick Rozz and Terry Butler, has released a new single, 'Witch Of Hell', from their upcoming debut album, 'Initium Mortis'. The album, set for release on July 17 via Relapse Records, pays homage to the brutal beginnings of DEATH with newly recorded versions of songs from the band's early catalog. The band performs most of the songs from DEATH's classic 'Leprosy' album, along with cuts from DEATH's debut LP, 'Scream Bloody Gore'.
In an interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, Rozz discussed the band's formation and the honor of performing songs from DEATH's early period. He expressed trepidation about learning material he hadn't played since 1989, but ultimately found the experience 'chilled out' and 'cool'. Rozz also noted the increased fan support for DEATH's early records, attributing it to the band's passion and camaraderie.
The album 'Initium Mortis' features tracks like 'Archangel', 'Witch Of Hell', and 'Legion Of Doom', expertly executed in the now. It is a must-have for DEATH fans and collectors alike, celebrating a seminal band and the camaraderie of the genre's most extreme corner of music. The album will be released on CD, LP, cassette, and digital formats.
The band's formation was a result of Rick Rozz's call to Gus Rios, with Matt Harvey and Terry Butler joining shortly after. Rios, a solid DEATH fan, expressed his honor and blessing in playing the songs with Rick and Terry across the globe. He described the experience as living his 14-year-old self's death metal fantasy.
'Initium Mortis' is a testament to the birth of MANTAS/DEATH, with tracks recorded on a boom box and later tape-traded, often inaudible. The album showcases the evolution of the music and the band's dedication to paying homage to the brutal beginnings of DEATH. The band's performance of these early songs is a tribute to the fans who couldn't see the first albums in a live setting, introducing young fans to the foundation of DEATH's legacy.
In conclusion, 'Initium Mortis' is a must-listen for DEATH fans and collectors, offering a unique perspective on the band's early days. It is a celebration of the genre's extreme corner and a testament to the band's passion and dedication to their music.
