Severed Survival

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Severed Survival is the debut album by Autopsy released in 1989. This album somewhat continues in the style of Reifert's former band Death. Lyrically the band thrives heavily on horror and gore concepts; nevertheless these are not inspired directly by horror movies, although the title track is based on Stephen King's short story "Survivor Type." The album was very influential for future death metal acts such as Cannibal Corpse, Entombed and Dismember. It was also a pioneer of gore lyrics and one of the first examples of the death/doom genre. (although it is more death metal than death/doom). The album features Steve DiGiorgio on bass.

Various re-releases exist with different bonus tracks and bonus CDs. Also a different cover exists for this album, which depicts the point of view of the person receiving the autopsy.

The album is notable for its bass sound which was mixed much higher than all the other tracks. The drumming was also poorly recorded, with the kick drum almost inaudible.

To coincide with the album's 20th anniversary, Peaceville Records released a special two-disc edition of Severed Survival on February 23, 2009. 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.

Track listing

All songs written by Chris Reifert, except where noted.

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

Personnel

Autopsy

• Chris Reifert - Vocals, Drums
• Danny Coralles - Guitar
• Eric Cutler - Guitar

Session musician

• Steve DiGiorgio - Bass

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)