The Making of Blessed Are the Sick by Morbid Angel

Introduction

Released on May 2, 1991, Blessed Are the Sick by Morbid Angel stands as a monumental piece in the evolution of death metal. As their second studio album, it encapsulates the band’s early creative zenith, marked by an audacious blend of speed, brutality, and intricate compositions. Recorded at the famed Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, this album cemented Morbid Angel’s status as pioneers of the genre, influencing countless bands in the years to follow.

This article will explore the genesis of the album, its recording process, commercial performance, and its enduring legacy in music history. By the end, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of why Blessed Are the Sick remains a revered classic in the metal community.

The album’s impact was profound, with its slower tempos and classical influences offering a stark contrast to the speed-dominated landscape of its predecessor, Altars of Madness. As Trey Azagthoth, the band’s guitarist, once remarked, “This album was our tribute to the grandness of classical music within the confines of extreme metal.” Such statements underscore the album’s ambition and its significant role in expanding the horizons of death metal.

The Genesis of “Blessed Are the Sick”

As the 1990s dawned, the landscape of extreme metal was rapidly evolving. Bands were pushing boundaries, experimenting with speed, complexity, and lyrical depth. Morbid Angel, having already established themselves with their groundbreaking debut Altars of Madness, were poised to take their sound to new heights. The scene was vibrant, with the Tampa death metal scene particularly bustling, and Morrisound Recording was at its epicenter.

Prior to Blessed Are the Sick, Morbid Angel had built a formidable reputation with their intense live performances and the critical acclaim of their debut. The band, led by guitarist Trey Azagthoth and bassist/vocalist David Vincent, sought to expand their musical palette, drawing inspiration from classical music and the occult. The creative force behind the album also included guitarist Richard Brunelle and drummer Pete Sandoval, whose contributions were integral to the album’s unique sound.

Here’s a detailed list of the band members and their roles:

Financed by Earache Records, the album’s production was a testament to the label’s faith in the band’s vision. The album title, Blessed Are the Sick, was inspired by a desire to explore themes of decadence and spirituality, encapsulated visually by the cover art “Les Trésors de Satan” by Jean Delville. This iconic artwork was chosen for its dark, intricate imagery that perfectly matched the album’s thematic depth.

Recording Process

The recording of Blessed Are the Sick took place at the legendary Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, a studio renowned for its association with the burgeoning death metal scene. Known for its cutting-edge technology and expert engineers, Morrisound was the perfect environment for Morbid Angel to realize their ambitious vision. The sessions, which spanned from January to February 1991, were marked by a meticulous attention to detail, with the band pushing themselves to capture the complex dynamics of their compositions.

Key personnel in the recording process included engineers Tom Morris and Scott Burns, both of whom had extensive experience in the genre. Their expertise in capturing the raw intensity of death metal was invaluable, ensuring that the album’s sound was both polished and powerful.

Here’s an overview of the equipment likely used during the recording sessions at Morrisound:

The recording sessions were not without their challenges. Balancing the album’s diverse influences, from classical music to the raw aggression of death metal, required a delicate touch. However, the band and engineers worked tirelessly to achieve a sound that was both heavy and intricate, setting a new standard for the genre.

Below is a list of other albums produced at Morrisound Recording:

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, Blessed Are the Sick did not immediately dominate the charts, but it quickly garnered a cult following among metal enthusiasts. Its impact was more profound within the underground metal community, where it was hailed as a masterpiece of the genre. While the album did not make a significant mark on the Billboard 200, its influence was felt far and wide, solidifying Morbid Angel’s place in death metal history.

The competitive landscape of 1991 saw several notable releases. Other albums released in 1991 included:

• Nevermind by Nirvana [10 million]
• Metallica by Metallica [16 million]
• Use Your Illusion I by Guns N’ Roses [7 million]

The album’s critical reception has grown over the years, with numerous publications and retrospectives recognizing it as a seminal work in the death metal genre. It has received accolades for its innovative approach and remains a touchstone for aspiring metal musicians.

Singles and Track Analysis

Despite its complex and often abrasive sound, Blessed Are the Sick spawned several singles that showcased the band’s unique blend of aggression and melody. These singles played a crucial role in introducing the band’s music to a broader audience, further cementing their status in the metal community.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the album’s tracks and their significance:

Note: “Fall from Grace” was released as a single. However, specific chart data for the single is not available.

Influences and Legacy

The influences that shaped Blessed Are the Sick were as varied as they were profound. From the haunting compositions of classical music to the raw intensity of thrash metal, Morbid Angel drew upon a rich tapestry of sounds to create their distinctive style. This eclectic mix is evident in the album’s intricate arrangements and thematic depth.

Here’s a table detailing the influences on the album and the artists it subsequently influenced:

In 1991, the world witnessed several significant events that paralleled the album’s release. The year was marked by geopolitical shifts, such as the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the Gulf War, which contributed to a sense of global upheaval. Culturally, films like Terminator 2: Judgment Day dominated the box office, reflecting society’s fascination with futuristic themes and technological advancement.

Five Things about Blessed Are the Sick

Delving into the album’s history reveals fascinating insights into its creation and impact. Here are five intriguing facts about Blessed Are the Sick:

Media and Television Usage

While Blessed Are the Sick is celebrated for its musical achievements, its presence in mainstream media has been limited. Unfortunately, no known media uses of songs from this album have been documented.

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

Over the years, Blessed Are the Sick has been the subject of numerous critical reviews and retrospectives, each offering unique insights into its enduring appeal. Critics have lauded the album for its innovative approach to death metal, blending brutality with sophistication.

Here’s a table summarizing some of the critical reviews:

After Blessed Are the Sick

Following the release of Blessed Are the Sick, Morbid Angel continued to evolve, both musically and in terms of lineup. The band maintained their position as one of the leading forces in death metal, releasing subsequent albums that further solidified their legacy. Despite lineup changes and challenges, Morbid Angel’s influence remained strong, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of metal musicians.

As of October 2023, Morbid Angel remains active, with Trey Azagthoth leading the charge. The band continues to tour and release new material, keeping their legacy alive in the ever-evolving metal scene.

Remasters and Reissues

The enduring popularity of Blessed Are the Sick has led to several remasters and reissues over the years, ensuring that the album reaches new audiences while providing long-time fans with enhanced listening experiences.

Here’s a list of notable remasters and reissues:

These reissues often include remastered audio, bonus tracks, and additional content, providing fans with a deeper appreciation of the album’s legacy.

Conclusion

Blessed Are the Sick remains a landmark in the world of death metal, a testament to Morbid Angel’s innovative spirit and musical prowess. Its influence is felt not only within the genre but across the broader spectrum of heavy music. The album’s intricate compositions and thematic depth continue to resonate with listeners, ensuring its place as a classic in the metal canon.

Further Reading:

• Our Blog Article: The Making of Altars of Madness by Morbid Angel
• Our Blog Article: The Making of Clandestine by Entombed
• Our Blog Article: The Making of From Mars to Sirius by Gojira
• Wikipedia page for “Blessed Are the Sick”
• Official Morbid Angel website
• Earache Records website

Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on Blessed Are the Sick by Morbid Angel. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!