OBITUARY „“Xecutioner’s Return””

Music: Death Metal
Country: U.S.A.
Web site: www.myspace.com/obituary
Cool Songs: Face your God, Seal Your Fate, Feel the Pain, Second Chance

OBITUARY was one of the names that spearheaded the Florida death metal movement in the beginning of the 90s. This group and other early death outfits such as DEATH, DEICIDE, GORGUTS, CYNIC and many other acclaimed groups helped establish what would become one of the top selling labels metal labels of our time, Roadrunner Records.

In the later part of the decade, the death metal fad began to fade and nu metal became the in thing. One by one, all the death metal groups that helped push Roadrunner to the forefront were dropped in favor of a more modernized, trendy sound. After a remarkable sixteen years on the label, OBITUARY released its final album in 2005, “Frozen in Time.” Now in 2007, twenty-three years after their formation, OBITUARY is back with a new label, Candlelight Records, and a new album, “Xecutioner’s Return.”

Those expecting an OBITUARY album consistent with the style they’ve been churning out for the last three decades will not be disappointed. “Xecutioner’s Return” includes all the aspects of an OBITUARY album that led fans to the band in the first place, although more up tempo in some places. Tracks like “Face your God” and “Seal your Fate” show the group picking up the pace for slightly fast, CELTIC FROST-like rhythms. The later track shows lead growler, John Tardy assuming a punkish velocity to his vocals. Sure, these tracks are a bit faster than their prior material. Also, the face of the band has changed with ex-ICED EARTH and ex-DEICIDE guitarist Ralph Santolla filling in for Allen West who is incarcerated until 2008.

The addition of Santolla did little to change the group’s style. While tracks like the above push the pace a couple beats faster, the group maintains a medium to slow tempo. Santolla adds a different type of solo to the mix, though, concentrating more on scale work than eerily ringing whammys and string bends. “Feel the Pain” and “Contrast the Dead” move with the measured steps of a homicidal stalker. “Second Chance” features a groove and repeating vocal lines that are sure to rattle around in the listener’s brain. Although the faster tracks are good for variety and infuse the album with energy, these slower tracks are where Tardy’s vocals really excel. Drawn-out, ringing chords find more opportunity for Tardy to exercise his savage growl.

Even in death metal’s early stages, OBITUARY was never the fastest or most technical death metal band. They made up for it with ear-catching riffs, a heavy, down-tuned sound, and Tardy’s remarkable snarls. Those looking for bewildering speed and mathematical technicality won’t find it on “Xecutioner’s Return.” If you enjoy the sound this group has consistently maintained, “Xecutioner’s Return” should be a welcome addition to your album collection.

note: 7.5/10

Tracklist

1. Face Your God
2. Lasting Presence
3. Evil Ways
4. Drop Dead
5. Bloodshot
6. Seal Your Fate
7. Feel The Pain
8. Contrast The Dead
9. Second Chance
10. Lies
11. In Your Head
Total playing time 40:38

Line-up

John Tardy – Vocals
Trevor Peres – Guitars
Ralph Santolla – Guitars
Frank Watkins – Bass
Donald Tardy – Drums