The Unbelievable Story of Chuck Schuldiner’s Final Project: Breaking Boundaries with Control Denied
Chuck Schuldiner, known as the godfather of death metal, made waves in the music industry with his band Death in the ’90s. After more than a decade of shaping the death metal genre, Schuldiner was ready for a change. He wanted to infuse traditional metal with death metal’s power and the melodic elements of prog, leading to the creation of Control Denied.
Control Denied was Schuldiner’s side project, where he aimed to explore a more melodic and straightforward heavy metal sound. The band’s sole album, The Fragile Art Of Existence, released 25 years ago, remains a majestic piece of art that showcases Schuldiner’s musical versatility.
In the late ’90s, as metal was still reeling from the impact of grunge and Metallica’s Black Album, Schuldiner was undeterred in his quest to celebrate old-school metal. He assembled a talented lineup for Control Denied, including vocalist Tim Aymar, guitarist Shannon Hamm, bassist Steve Di Giorgio, and drummer Richard Christy.
The album was completed in 1999, showcasing Aymar’s vocal range and clarity that stood in stark contrast to Death’s typical growls. Control Denied’s music featured progressive arrangements, technical prowess, and emotional depth, setting it apart from Death’s aggressive style.
Tragically, Schuldiner’s journey with Control Denied was cut short when he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1999. He passed away in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of musical innovation and evolution. The band had been working on a second album, but due to Schuldiner’s untimely death, it was never completed.
Despite the unfinished business of their second album, Control Denied’s importance in the music industry endures. The Fragile Art Of Existence remains a symbol of Schuldiner’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging norms. 25 years later, Control Denied stands as a testament to Schuldiner’s spirit and influence, solidifying his legacy in the world of metal music.
