Scream

Now that we've established what is the greatest American Punk record of all time, let's discuss the greatest American Death Metal record of all time. My vote is for this little masterpiece, Death's 1987 debut Scream Bloody Gore. Death's history of moving from city to city, changing line-ups, the John Hand thing, and infighting, is thoroughly confusing, and really not that important in the bigger picture. What IS important is that Scream Bloody Gore is a part of your life, and an integral one at that. Every greasy, gooey riff and ruddy drum fill from the duo of Chris Reifert and Chuck Schuldiner is a blunt instrument to the skull. I have used this album as a sort of litmus test. If you aren't on board for this one, you are most likely a square or my dad. My dad hated Death Metal.

Scream

Legends of Metal: John Hand

Who is John Hand you ask? Well, he was a young guy from L.A. who just sorta lucked his way into having his picture on one of the greatest albums of all time, Death's "Scream Bloody Gore." Apparently after the album was recorded (by Chuck Schuldiner and Chris Riefert) they met a dude named John who was pretty cool and liked to smoke weed and listen to metal too. Turns out he plays guitar and Chris and Chuck invite him to join Death. The art and layout for "Scream Bloody Gore" hadn't been made yet so they included his photo when it was. However,Chris and Chuck soon found out that John was not a very good guitarist and he was out of the band before the following album, "Leprosy", was recorded. There is nothing I can find of John Hand ever being in another band. Who is this guy and what has he been up to? How does he feel about this? Without ever playing a note his skinny denim-clad image graces one of the most influential pieces of work in death metal. His indo-baked eyes peer out at us seeming to say "'sup, dude" For this, John Hand, is a legend of metal.