Many things have changed since the late eighties. Parachute pants - out. Bluetooth - in. KISS’s make-up - out. Corpse paint - in. You get the picture. However, some thing never change. You’re broke, your job sucks, and your wife or girlfriend still hates you on Feb. 15th. One other thing that doesn’t change is OBITUARY’s uncanny ability to make great death metal. Their second record after their 8-year hiatus is a testament to all that is right about Florida death metal, and it rocks pretty hard too.

The defining aspect of their success is the vocal style of one John Tardy. He is to OBITUARY what Lemmy is to MOTÖRHEAD; without him, the band would wither, die, and cease to be. His vocals are not typical of the genre in that you can actually understand his lyrics, as he is without a doubt one of the best for this type of music. One change for this record is the lead guitar replacement of Alan West with Ralph Santolla (DEICIDE, ICED EARTH). It is not clear if West is permanently out as he is in the clink for DUI (Public service announcement from the dogsite - if you drink and drive, don’t drive near my house, unless you are dropping off a 12-pack). However, Santolla’s arrival adds new depth and dimension to the band. His solos are flashier than West’s, and he seems to go for a more technical angle without sacrificing what this band is all about. Not all of the 11 songs here are of typical OBITUARY speed; there actually are a few mid-paced beauties here as well. “Evil Ways” and “Feel the Pain” are examples of the slowing down, without turning off the evil and dark death-metal style. These songs have more of a groove, and are more accessible than past material. Along with these slower songs are several with fluid tempo switches from speeding to chugging. “Drop Dead”, “Bloodshot”, and “In Your Head” are examples of this, but don’t be alarmed, it is all OBITUARY here.

Lastly, there is a song here that is very different for the band. “Contrast the Dead” is the longest song the band has ever done, and reeks of SABBATH worship, starting out eerie and slow, and keeps the crawling pace, lending to a doomier vibe that Iommi and company would be proud of. Tardy screams and wails here like a man on fire; a fine performance overall. Santolla gets three solos in during this one - an incredible feat for a band whose average piece is two and a half minutes long.

Progression? Yeah. After 20 years of extreme metal, this could be their best work yet.

- Murtaugh

OFFICIAL SITE: www.obituary.cc

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