In a surprising revelation that bridges the worlds of pop and extreme metal, a previously unreleased instrumental cover of Madonna‘s 1998 hit “Frozen” by the late Chuck Schuldiner has surfaced online. The track, recorded during the early stages of Schuldiner’s battle with brain cancer, showcases the innovative guitarist’s eclectic musical tastes beyond the death metal genre he pioneered.
The cover was discovered and shared by Schuldiner’s nephew, Chris Steele, who unearthed the recording while sorting through personal items. Steele, reflecting on the find, shared: “Found this today going through some things. Chuck recorded this in the early stages of his battle with cancer, I remember it well. Chuck sitting in his bedroom with his stealth and a drum machine. I’m not sure how many people outside of the family and a few friends have heard this but it’s all yours. Chuck’s version of Madonna’s 1998 single ‘Frozen’.”
Schuldiner, often hailed as the “Father of Death Metal,” founded the seminal band Death in 1983 (initially under the name Mantas) and revolutionized the genre with groundbreaking albums like Scream Bloody Gore (1987), Leprosy (1988), and Symbolic (1995). His work pushed the boundaries of technical proficiency, lyrical depth, and progressive elements, influencing countless artists in metal and beyond. In 1999, Schuldiner expanded his vision with Control Denied, releasing *The Fragile Art of Existence*, which leaned into more melodic and progressive territory. Diagnosed with pontine glioma in May 1999, Schuldiner continued creating music amid his illness until his passing on December 13, 2001, at the age of 34. His legacy endures as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and artistic integrity, with fans and peers remembering him as a visionary who elevated death metal from its raw origins to a sophisticated art form.
“This discovery highlights Chuck’s boundless creativity and his willingness to explore music outside traditional metal confines,” said a representative from Relapse Records, Death‘s longtime label partner. “It’s a poignant reminder of his humanity and passion during one of the toughest periods of his life.”
While fans have long speculated about unreleased material from Schuldiner’s archives—including unfinished tracks for a second Control Denied album—no other covers of non-metal songs have been publicly identified or released to date. This “Frozen” rendition stands as a unique gem, blending Schuldiner’s signature guitar style with the atmospheric essence of Madonna’s original electronic ballad.
The track is now available for streaming on platforms like YouTube and has been shared via Death’s official social media channels. Fans are encouraged to revisit Schuldiner’s catalog to celebrate his enduring impact on music.
