Death – Leprosy (Coloured Vinyl)

Leprosy, released in August 1988, is the second studio album by American death metal pioneer Death and a major landmark in the early development of extreme metal. This album marks one of the earliest collaborations with producer/engineer Scott Burns at Morrisound Studios, whose work would heavily influence the sound of death metal for years to come. The lineup for this album includes Chuck Schuldiner (vocals, guitar, bass), Rick Rozz (guitar), and Bill Andrews (drums), making it the only Death studio album to feature Rozz. Leprosy builds on the raw intensity of *Scream Bloody Gore*, but adds sharper riffing, stronger production clarity, and a darker lyrical dimension rooted in themes of decay, mortality, and existential dread. 

The album opens with the brutal title track and advances through “Pull the Plug,” “Left to Die,” “Open Casket,” and “Choke on It,” each balancing visceral aggression with compositional ambition. The guitar work of Schuldiner and Rozz alternates between crushing riffs and tension-laden passages, while the drumming from Andrews reinforces the oppressive drive without relying on excessive technicality. *Leprosy* is often cited as the moment when death metal advanced into its mature form—its influence carried forward into the technical and progressive impulses that would define future extremes. Many of its elements—atmosphere, contrast, structural daring—can be heard echoed in the work of countless bands that followed.

"Chuck Schuldiner gets even darker and bleaker on Leprosy, the follow-up to Death's long-awaited 1987 debut, Scream Bloody Gore." – AllMusic

“Leprosy’s identity is one infinitely mimicked, rarely matched, and never bettered.” – Angry Metal Guy

“One of the most influential bands in Death Metal released this Masterpiece … wrapped in brutal powerful riffs … and the most powerful vocal style in music.” – Metal Storm