With its history of eviscerating eardrums and melting faces, death metal is a force to be reckoned with.  Blast beat drumming, vocal growls, and above all face melting guitar work combine to form a blistering sonic assault.  These masters of shredding are the very souls that top our list of greatest death metal guitarists.  Join us as we count them down.

5. James Murphy (Death, Testament, Disincarnate) – James Murphy was born in Virginia in 1967.  Throughout his career he has played for several bands including Death, Testament, and Disincarnate.  Many other artists sought him out for guest appearances on their albums, especially during the 1990s.  Murphy also has worked as producer in addition to his guitar playing.  In 2001 he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and recovered after surgery.  As a result he had to gradually work back up his playing to its former level.  He has played several guitars during his career including Caparison, Ibanez, B.C. Rich, and a Gibson Flying V.  For insight into his playing style listen to Testament’s “Alone in the Dark.”

4. Anders Bjorler (At the Gates) – A native of Sweden, Anders Bjorler was born in Gothenburg in 1973.  At the age of 16, Bjorler was introduced to the guitar while visiting a friend.  Through the next year he spent extensive time practicing when at his friend’s home, and eventually received his own guitar for his 17th birthday.  Bjorler’s career has included time shredding with At the Gates, The Haunted, and has since moved into a solo career.  He pulls inspiration from genres like classical music, jazz, and progressive rock.  In addition to music, he has his own production company and has been successfully making films.  He has been nominated for several Grammy awards in Sweden and won two.  To hear an award-winning guitarist at work, listen to At the Gates’ “Slaughter of the Soul.”

3. Bill Steer (Carcass, Napalm Death) – Growing up in England, Bill Steer was immersed in the hard rock and heavy metal scene.  It was hearing bands like Motorhead, Deep Purple, UFO, Iron Maiden, and Led Zeppelin that led to Steer picking up the guitar.  He has shown his musical prowess in bands such as Carcass and Napalm Death.  Along the way, he also developed an appreciation for blues music, teaching himself slide guitar and harmonica.  Steer has mostly used Gibson Les Paul guitars, but has also played Ibanez.  Heralded as a pioneer in grindcore and death metal, Steer has made his mark on the genre.  Listen to him in action in Carcass’ “Corporal Jigsore Quandary.”

2. Trey Azagthoth (Morbid Angel) – Getting his start in Florida, Trey Azagthoth began playing guitar at the age of 16 on a B.C. Rich Ironbird.  While influenced primarily by Eddie Van Halen, he also was impacted by Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, UFO, and Black Sabbath.  He is the founding member of Morbid Angel bringing a complex combination of whammy bar, finger tapping, and wah-wah pedal to his playing style.  Azagthoth has used both Ibanez and Jackson guitars throughout his career.  His soaring guitar solos have become a signature and expected by his fans.  Hear a facing melting solo when listening to Morbid Angel’s “Dawn of the Angry.”

1. Chuck Schuldiner (Death) – While born in New York in 1967, Chuck Schuldiner grew up in Florida.  At the age of 9 his parents bought him a guitar.  However classical lessons didn’t hold his interest long and he was given an electric guitar, and taught himself his craft.  In addition to playing guitar, he also wrote and sang.  Schuldiner had a variety of musical influences.  These include Iron Maiden, Kiss, Billy Idol, Slayer, Metallica, and Queensryche.  At only 16 years old, he formed the band Death for which he is well-known.  His guitar of choice was the B.C. Rich Stealth.  He passed from this life in 2001 after a battle with brain cancer.  He is remembered and thought of as a pioneer and tremendous influence on the death metal genre.  Hear the master in action in Death’s “Crystal Mountain.”

Seeing you survived the countdown of top death metal guitar greats, we’d love to hear what you think.  Let us know your picks if they weren’t captured in our top five.

Keep Rockin’!!!