Left To Die Set to Reanimate Death's Legacy with 'Initium Mortis'

In a thunderous announcement that has sent tremors through the metal underground, Left To Die is primed to unleash their highly anticipated debut full-length, Initium Mortis, on July 17 via Relapse Records. This isn't just another release; it's a resurrection of the very spirit that defined death metal. Today, the band has dropped the second single, 'Witch of Hell,' a track that hearkens back to Death's primal demos, showcasing their dedication to authenticity and raw power. Stream the track below and prepare to have your skull cracked wide open.

Terry Butler, the bass-wielding warrior from Obituary and a founding member of Death, has thrown his weight behind 'Witch of Hell', declaring it a “straight up banger.” He emphasizes the track's no-frills approach, a testament to the old school death metal ethos. “This is how it’s done,” he proclaims, hinting at its potential to serve as a blueprint for future generations of death and thrash bands. This is not just music; it's a manifesto for the genre.

Left To Die is not merely a supergroup; it’s a gathering of legends. With original Death members Butler and Rick Rozz (Massacre) joining forces with Matt Harvey (Exhumed, Gruesome) and Gus Rios (Gruesome), they’ve crafted an album that delves deep into the morbid caverns of Death’s early catalog. It’s a journey through the annals of death metal history, one that fans have been clamoring for since the birth of the genre.

Speaking on the album, Harvey reflects on how the idea evolved from a mere thought to a full-fledged tour in the blink of an eye. “We wanted to play the early material for the fans that couldn’t see the first albums live,” he explains. The overwhelming response from fans across continents ignited the spark to record new material, allowing them to resurrect lost tracks with a clarity that old demos could never achieve.

Butler echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of presenting these songs with the production they deserve. “Most of these early demos were recorded on a boom box,” he laments, “almost inaudible by the time they were traded.” Now, with Initium Mortis, they offer a crystal-clear homage to the genesis of Mantas/Death—a place where three 15-year-old kids laid the groundwork for a genre that would redefine metal.

As the release date looms closer, excitement builds. With tracks like 'Archangel,' 'Witch of Hell,' and 'Legion of Doom' on the horizon, fans are about to witness the rebirth of classic death metal through a modern lens. This is more than just nostalgia; it’s a celebration of the raw, primal energy that ignited the fire of death metal and continues to blaze today.