Severed Survival is the debut album by Autopsy released in 1989. Continuing in the style of Reifert's former band Death, the album's lyrical themes draw heavily on horror, death and gore concepts, and is a pioneer of gore lyrics. Although the tracks are not inspired directly by horror films, the title track is based on Stephen King's short story "Survivor Type."

Severed Survival
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 24, 1989
RecordedJanuary 1989
StudioStarlight Sound, Richmond, California, USA
Genre
Length41:38
LabelPeaceville Records
ProducerJohn Marshall/Autopsy
Autopsy chronology
Severed Survival
(1989)
Retribution for the Dead
(1991)
Alternate cover
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic link

The album went on to be substantially influential future death metal acts such as Cannibal Corpse, Entombed, and Dismember.

Various re-releases exist with different bonus tracks and bonus CDs. Furthermore, a different cover exists for this album, which depicts the point of view of the person receiving the autopsy. To coincide with the album's 20th anniversary, Peaceville Records released a special two-disc edition of Severed Survival on February 23, 2009.[1] It includes rare rehearsal and live material for a bonus disc as well as demo versions of two songs — "Mauled to Death" and "Human Genocide" — which did not make the final cut on the original album. Also featured in the package is a booklet with notes by the band themselves, detailing the history of Autopsy's early years, with rare photos and images. The reissue also includes two new Autopsy tracks that were recorded in September 2008, and are included on the reissue's second disc.

Musical style

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The album is notable for its bass sound which was mixed much higher than all the other tracks.[citation needed]

Track listing

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All songs written by Chris Reifert, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Charred Remains" 3:40
2."Service for a Vacant Coffin"Eric Cutler, Reifert2:51
3."Disembowel"Cutler, Reifert4:05
4."Gasping for Air"Cutler3:20
5."Ridden with Disease" 4:53
6."Pagan Saviour" 4:10
7."Impending Dread"Cutler, Reifert4:46
8."Severed Survival" 3:28
9."Critical Madness" 4:32
10."Embalmed"Cutler, Reifert3:02
11."Stillborn" (Hidden Track) 2:48
Total length:41:38

Personnel

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Autopsy
Session musician
Production
  • Recorded in January 1989 at Starlight Sound
  • Produced by John Marshall and Autopsy
  • Engineered by John Marshall
  • Cover art by Kent Mathieu
  • Cover art by Kev Walker (Alternative cover)

References

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  1. ^ "Autopsy: 'Severed Survival' Special-Edition Two-Disc Set To Include New Tracks, Rare Material". Blabbermouth.net. 2008-11-26. Retrieved 2008-11-27.