Morrisound Recording: The Birthplace of Death Metal Honored with Historical Marker
The hallowed halls of **Morrisound Recording**, the Tampa, Florida-based studio that shaped the sound of death metal, have received a well-deserved honor. This legendary studio, known for birthing some of the most iconic albums in the genre, has been recognized with a historical marker by the Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council.
From **Death** and **Cannibal Corpse** to **Sepultura** and **Obituary**, Morrisound Recording played a pivotal role in the rise of extreme metal. According to SoundScan, 20 of the 25 best-selling death metal albums of all time were recorded within its walls. This recognition cements its place in music history.
"I will say this is the only time I’ve written a marker with the word 'death' so many times," said Rodney Kite-Powell of the Tampa Bay History Center, highlighting the studio's unique contribution to the extreme metal scene. The dedication ceremony brought together fans, musicians, and former employees, all eager to celebrate Morrisound's legacy.
Brothers Tom and Jim Morris, who founded the studio in 1981, were initially driven by their passion for music and engineering. "We opened it because we were just music fans, musicians ourselves, and also engineers, and the studio seemed like the best combination of all those things," Jim Morris explained. "The idea that we would be recognized for it 44 years later is absurd and really cool."
Musicians like Ron Galletti of **Nasty Savage** and Jon Oliva of **Savatage** emphasized the importance of Morrisound within the metal community. "If it said Morrissound Recording on your album, it really meant a lot to the metal community worldwide," Galletti stated. Oliva added, "Those guys were willing to stick their necks out and support us. They were very instrumental in bringing the heavy metal stuff out to the public.”
The studio's dedication to the artists' vision set it apart. "We actually cared about what their music sounded like, and I think they’ve been getting written off—studios that just thought it was not good music and didn’t want to record it—and we cared,” said Tom Morris.
Even after relocating to Sulphur Springs in 2014, the original Morrisound Recording site remains a landmark, now operated by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The historical marker ensures that its significance will continue to be recognized.
The recognition extends beyond the marker, with Morrisound also releasing a special edition t-shirt celebrating the studio's influence. With the Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council maintaining over 150 culturally significant sites throughout the region, Morrisound now proudly stands among them.
The acknowledgment of Morrisound Recording’s profound impact on death metal is more than just a historical footnote; it's a testament to the dedication, passion, and artistry that fueled a global music phenomenon. It serves as a reminder that Tampa Bay played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of extreme music.
What are your favorite Morrisound-recorded albums? Share your thoughts and recollections in the comments below.
