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, death 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. The album features Steve DiGiorgio on bass.