Full Breakdown
LEFT TO DIE Unveils “Initium Mortis”: A Tribute to DEATH’s Formative Years
7/7/2026, 1:48:32 PM
Album Announcement and Core Details
LEFT TO DIE will issue its debut full-length, “Initium Mortis,” on July 17 2024 through Relapse Records. The record arrives in CD, vinyl, cassette, and digital formats and is preceded by the third single, a cover of MANTAS’s “Legion Of Doom.” The band describes the release as a re-recording of early DEATH and pre-DEATH (MANTAS) material with modern production values.
Concept and Historical Context
“Initium Mortis” revisits songs from DEATH’s first two studio albums—*Scream Bloody Gore* (1987) and *Leprosy* (1988)—as well as unreleased demos from the 1984-87 MANTAS era. The project aims to present these foundational tracks, originally captured on low-fidelity boom-box recordings, with clean analog-style production. By doing so, LEFT TO DIE seeks to give newer listeners access to the “birth of MANTAS/DEATH” while offering longtime fans a high-quality reinterpretation.
Key Personnel and Their Roles
- Terry Butler – former DEATH bassist, also known for work with OBITUARY and MASSACRE.
- Rick Rozz (Frederick “Rick Rozz” DeLillo) – original DEATH guitarist and MANTAS member.
- Matt Harvey – guitarist from EXHUMED and GRUESOME, responsible for arranging the album’s track list.
- Gus Rios – drummer from GRUESOME and former Malevolent Creation member.
- Chris Reifert – guest drummer (AUTOPSY) who performed DEATH classics at a 2023 West Coast show.
Development Timeline
- 2021 – Tribute show to Chuck Schuldiner featuring “Spiritual Healing” performed by Butler, Harvey, and others.
- Late 2023 – West Coast tour dates, including a guest appearance by Chris Reifert in Oakland, California.
- Early 2024 – Finalization of track selection and recording sessions for “Initium Mortis.”
- July 17 2024 – Official album release.
Production Choices and Track Selection
Harvey noted that the band sifted through numerous DEATH/MANTAS demos, selecting songs that formed a cohesive album while excluding “Skill To Kill” and “Back From The Dead.” The aim was to avoid “topping ‘Leprosy’” and instead provide an “alternate-universe” version of the early DEATH catalog. Production focused on replacing the original boom-box recordings with “good production” to make the demos audible for contemporary audiences.
Official Statements & Responses
Band members emphasized the project’s fan-centric purpose. Butler highlighted the desire to deliver early material to audiences unable to experience the original albums live. Harvey described the album as a logical extension of the 2021 tribute performance and a curated collection of the most representative early tracks. Rozz expressed gratitude for the collaboration and noted the personal significance of revisiting songs that shaped his career. Rios recalled the spontaneous formation of LEFT TO DIE after Rozz’s invitation and stressed the group’s shared enthusiasm for the material. The production team also stressed that the re-recorded tracks aim to preserve the “controlled chaos” of the original demos while improving sonic clarity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “'Legion Of Doom' is heavy as hell. One of the best and earliest knuckle-dragging riffs out there. So heavy, in fact, that DEATH brought the main riff brought back out of retirement for the song 'Spiritual Healing'!” — Terry Butler, bassist (Obituary)
- “I look at 'Initium Mortis' as a kind of 'alternate-universe' version of the 'Scream Bloody Gore' track list, as so many of these tunes were circling around the many DEATH lineups and rehearsals from '83-'87.” — Matt Harvey, guitarist (Exhumed, Gruesome)
- “It was quite terrifying at first, especially when I saw we were doing a full tour,” — Rick Rozz, guitarist (ex-Death, MANTAS)
- “We wanted to play the early material for the fans that couldn't see the first albums in a live setting.” — Terry Butler, bassist
Impact and Reception Outlook
By delivering professionally produced versions of early DEATH songs, “Initium Mortis” provides a tangible link between the genre’s origins and its current audience. The project is positioned as a collectible for DEATH enthusiasts and a gateway for newer listeners to explore the formative period of death metal.
What’s Next
Following the July release, LEFT TO DIE plans additional tour dates across North America, Europe, and Asia to support the album. The band has indicated that future releases may continue to explore unreleased material from DEATH’s early archives.
