Alright, I am more than thrilled at this new Obituary album, “Darkest Day”, I am enthralled with Metal jubilation. Death Metal jubilation. I am also reminded as to why I am lured into the heaviest, most Metal bludgeoning genre there is… it is Obituary. These guys are not about making nice with the trend setters… forget about it. Obituary is Old School Death Metal lathered with extreme. Understand, however, that Obituary delivers grooves by the Death Metal bushels. From it’s deadly beginning track – “List of Dead” to it’s deadly ending “Left To Die”, I am going out on a Metal limb here by stating… “Darkest Day” is one of 2009’s best Metal albums period. Being one of the true forefathers of the Death Metal genre, Obituary lays their Death Metal cards out on the table here, you either are with them or with them. This is not a Death Metal band that you just want to try out, if you buy an Obituary album, you are either a fan or your about to become one.
“Outside My Head” is like a Death Metal march to take over the Metal Universe, Donald Tardy on drums is as decidedly relentless as a yellow jacket wasp, stinging it’s prey. “Your Darkest Day” has it’s vintage nod to Doom with riffs that will either scare the hell out of you or make you beg for more… I beg for more, please. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath should feel so proud, that a Death Metal band of the caliber like Obituary, can incorporate the early Metal years – feel and vibe to their music… without straying away from the Death Metal manuscript of today. Obviously, this is my Metal opinion, what one Metalhead hears within “Darkest Day” can severely differ from another. “See Me Now” is extremely heavy – underscored, my choice pick as favorite track. John Tardy on vocals only enhances the seething heaviness of “See Me Now”. For that matter, John Tardy just flat out enhances this entire album with his vintage and aggressive vocals, this is all about vocal confidence and not being over the top.
By the time I hear “Truth Be Told”, it feels like “Darkest Day” has only lasted five minutes… it is that unreal good. Ordinarily, with an average Death Metal up and coming band, “Truth Be Told” would be their greatest song – with Obituary, every song here can be considered as great. What can be said about Trevor Peres and Ralph Santolla on guitars? They are damn good, no, damn unreal good. Lest not forget Frank Watkins on bass, he keeps the Death Metal rhythm moving at a fiery pace, giving me every reason to suffer from whiplash. Cool. Acknowledgment of Metal greatness is priority number one whenever I discuss the Metal genres with anyone or post on Metal Odyssey. My Metal goal is to get the word out about unreal heavy bands and/or albums… the word on “Darkest Day” is this – real, extreme and forged with Death Metal integrity. “Darkest Day”… Metal ownership of this album is a must, (what am I thinking), it is required. Obituary… Death Metal legends.
I still have my ability to hear, thank goodness, especially after I listened to the new release from the Death Metellars from Atlanta, Georgia, – DAATH. This is my kind of Metal cup of tea – a full blown onslaught of Death Metal, that rages through all eleven new songs like an out of control meteor, ready to strike the desolate and cold planet Mars. The new lead singer for DAATH is Sean Z., one listen to “The Concealers” and I am very convinced that he is up to the task to be a standout Death Metal front man. Sean Z. on vocals just seems to engulf the attitude and strength of the lyrics, belting out with the desire and hunger that the entire Metal world should find captivating.
If there is one band that I can identify the entire Death Metal genre with, it is Cannibal Corpse. Why do I adore Death Metal? I easily embrace the straight up approach and punishing sound that comes from this music. I really do not care in the least if I cannot make out the lyrics coming from lead vocalist George Fisher. Are the vocals still important? Of course, the cookie monster vocals are the trademark identity of what Death Metal is supposed to sound like! Therefore, if I was to choose my favorite Death Metal band, it is Cannibal Corpse. (Arch Enemy comes in a very, very, close second). Cannibal Corpse and the entire Death Metal genre will probably never receive mainstream media acclaim – who cares. Any Death Metal band could never expect any gratitude from anyone except their fans. That is what makes all Metal so special.
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