back in business with some classic death vinyl. since this month was pretty low on new records, i was very delighted to stumble upon a coloured version of death's third full length entitled "spiritual healing" released in 1990. it was listed as "spiritual cleaning" and so i found the auction by a coincidence. it was one of that back on black re-pressings from 2007 on nice clear with red splatters vinyl. i missed one of those last year and was now determined to get my greedy hands on that copy.
that mistake in the description didn't hold others from recognising this auction and a few hours before its end the record was already at twenty-five bucks. my maximum bid was thirty-five and in the end i got it for thirty-three. not exactly a steal but ok for me as discogs copies start at thirty-eight excluding shipping. furthermore i was really excited to hear some new tunes on my turntable. i only listened a handful of times to "spiritual healing" but i love it already. one can definitely hear the evolution from "leprosy" to this one here.
the song writing on "spiritual healing" is one level above its predecessor, letting already shine through the technical monster which would become of death. especially the lovely melodic leads on the title track or the final song "killing spree" and all throughout the album could have been from "the sound of perseverance" as well. the lyrics are also remarkable. schuldiner dealt with topics like psychological mechanisms of self-protection (defensive personalities), wars in the name of religion (spiritual healing) or positivity from within one's self (within the mind). quite a change from the gore lyrics and unusal for death metal at the time.
the artwork is the last corner stone of the greatness that is "spiritual healing". ed repka outdone himself with this one. i love the evil and blinded looks on the faces of the believers. the reverend has a funny neck-tie with dollar sign buckle. looking closely the quality of the front and back cover pictures are a bit blurry, especially the death logo on the front. a shame back on black didn't go the extra mile here. the inside of the gatefold has a little band biography with some interesting facts in it to make up for the grainy cover. all in all a cool re-press which i am happy to call my own. 500 copies made, i believe. back on black. 2007.
