LEFT TO DIE is a new band featuring classic DEATH members Terry Butler (also formerly of MASSACRE and currently in OBITUARY) and Rick Rozz (ex-MASSACRE) paired with GRUESOME founders Matt Harvey (EXHUMED) and Gus Rios (ex-MALEVOLENT CREATION). The Florida-based band is writing an EP and planning a summer U.S. tour, performing DEATH’s classic “Leprosy” album in its entirety, along with cuts from “Scream Bloody Gore”.
Butler had this to say about how the band came together: “After the recent Chuck [Schuldiner] tribute shows that Matt, Gus, and myself did, Rick posed the question, ‘Would anyone want to see some ‘Leprosy’ shows?’ With a resounding ‘yes!’, the masses had spoken. Matt and Gus threw their hats in immediately and, in my opinion, they were the only real choice to bring this thing to life. LEFT TO DIE coming your way soon!!”
Rozz added: “It’s going to be an absolute honor and pleasure to play these 34-plus-year-old songs on stage with Terry after all these years, along with the talents of Matt and Gus. It’s gonna be brutal!”
Harvey and Rios were both very excited about the project coming together. Harvey reflected: “When Gus and I started GRUESOME as a DEATH tribute, we never thought that it would lead to us playing some of our favorite songs alongside the guys that recorded them, but here we are — and I couldn’t be more stoked.” Rios added: “When Rick contacted me about his idea, I was immediately on board, since ‘Leprosy’ is not only my favorite DEATH album, but my favorite death metal album of all time! I’m very grateful and stoked that Terry and Matt were also on board. The metal will flow this summer.”
Back on December 11 and 12 of last year, a number of former DEATH members played two shows commemorating the 20th anniversary of the passing of the band’s mainman, Chuck Schuldiner, at the Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida.
Schuldiner died on December 13, 2001 from a brain tumor.
LEFT TO DIE is:
Terry Butler – bass guitar
Rick Rozz – guitar
Matt Harvey – guitar, vocals
