OBITUARY — Obituary (review)

Album · 2017 · Death Metal

4.5/5 · 2017-03-25
Nightfly

I must admit that I don’t usually get excited at the prospect of a new Obituary album, interested yes but rarely more than that. Considering their importance in death metal, one of the originals etc, I find this strange to say the least. First of theirs I ever bought was Cause Of Death back in 1990 (didn’t hear Slowly We Rot until later as it happens), generally regarded as one of their best and my penchant for Celtic Frost style guitar riffs certainly helped me enjoy that but John Tardy’s strangled growl wasn’t an easy listen for me, though time has tempered that feeling and his voice for that matter. Since then I’ve heard good and not so good Obituary and there’s at least a couple of their albums I don’t recall hearing at all. Now don’t ask me why but some reason my interest was piqued by this eponymous new release and I even pre-ordered a vinyl copy. I’m really glad I did as it’s brilliant!

There’s no particular reason why this self-titled album should be better than the last few as they haven’t deviated from their formulaic no-nonsense traditional death metal with groove approach. It’s Obituary doing pretty much what they’ve always done. That Celtic Frost guitar sound is still present - not quite as obvious as in the past, though there are moments where it’s unmistakeable and Tardy’s vocals are less extreme these days too. Why it’s so good is for starters the production is spot on - Clear and powerful with everything sitting well in the mix. Mostly though it’s a killer collection of songs that make it. Ten songs at only thirty three minutes is a short album but fortunately they don’t waste any of it. Brave and Sentence Day make a strong start. Both pretty pacey, packing powerful and memorable riffs and the pair of them all done in less than five minutes. There’s also the slower groove based stuff the first being A Lesson In Vengeance and features some fine lead work from Kenny Andrews. End It Now is the best of both worlds with its fast rolling triplet kick drum pattern though slowing down for a more groove orientated section. Without going into every song individually the rest of the album maintains the high standards set early on making it one of, if the not the most consistent Obituary album since the early days.

If you’re looking for innovation look elsewhere, there’s no great leap in style from past Obituary but if you enjoy this band this is an essential album for you. Right now I’m enjoying this more than any Obituary album and put it up there with their best no problem. My only complaint is at the length of the album the bonus track No Hope on the CD could have easily fit on the vinyl version too.

more than 2 years ago
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UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Hmm...they are incredibly consistent both in quality and style, and when the quality occasionally drops it´s just minor details,but I guess my personal favorite is "The End Complete". I enjoy all their albums though. Just some more than others.

Nightfly wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Which would you say is their best Jonas?

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

While my review won´t be a negative one, I can´t help feel that it´s not their best release. Still pretty great though.

Nightfly wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Certainly is a good one and yet I've read a few negative reviews too.

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Just finished listening to it, what an album! Obituary's one of my favorite death metal bands, and this is one of their best yet. The grooves are so crushing.

Vim Fuego wrote:

more than 2 years ago

It is rather brilliant, isn't it. It seems to be slightly faster overall than most Obituary albums, and doesn't deviate too far from their winning formula. It seems to be getting a lot of love from a lot of people too.