Obituary, Xecutioner's Return
Xecutioner’s Return marks a new beginning of sorts for one of the most influential bands in death metal history. On a label other than Roadrunner Records for the first time ever, working with the first major line up change (however temporary) in 15 years, OBITUARY mark this series of events by revisiting their own origin. It’s only appropriate that the band resurrect the moniker they had originally formed under back in the late 80’s to commemorate this new era.
Using that name also serves another purpose, as only an executioner could deliver a death blow so amazingly lethal and ruthless as the music on this disc. The apocalyptic, bass heavy riffs that the band is known for seem to be even heavier, bringing visions of bleakness and gloom. Accompanying this sludgy, drone of catastrophe are guitars that have a sense of renewed urgency. Much like he did with DEICIDE’s The Stench of Redemption, Ralph Santolla has had a positive affect on OBITUARY as well — stepping in to fill the shoes of Allen West who is currently serving time until early 2008.
Santolla’s presence, as well as their new home on Candlelight Records, has helped create some of the heaviest, fastest and most aggressive material the band has ever recorded. John Tardy’s vocals are just as vicious and tormenting as they have ever been, if not more terrifying. Donald Tardy had to have beaten his drums to dust on several occasions during the recording of Xecutioner’s Return while Frank Watkins echoes his attack with thick, pummeling bass. Both Trevor Peres and Santolla have created a brutal landscape without leaving the band’s identity lost in the onslaught.
What OBITUARY have accomplished on this latest offering is nothing short of brilliant — maniacally precise solos mixed with the dooming chaos of maddening riffs and the pounding drums of Hell.
Face Your God
Within seconds of putting this disc into the player I knew that this album was going to be a classic. “Face Your God” sets the tone for the album with a quick paced attack, featuring crushing grooves like some rhythmic death machine. If you’re not spazzing out where you stand after this song is over, there’s something wrong with you.
Lasting Presence
I love the riff that starts this one off, leading into a song that is aggressive and violent. It’s got pulverizing bass and drums, as well as some of the excellent soloing.
Evil Ways
Available via iTunes back on July 3rd, this one was the first taste of the new OBITUARY material that we were able to get our grimy paws on. It’s easy to see why the band chose this to lead off their invasion. The guitars are beastly. Tardy’s vocals have never sounded better. Overall this track has a great groove and driving beat sure to keep your head bobbing as if controlled by some sadistic puppet master.
Drop Dead
The flow continues with this groove filled track.
Bloodshot
“Bloodshot” opens with riffs that bring visions of damnation and pestilence. Like methodical and deliberate swings of an executioner’s ax, OBITUARY cleave away at your skull with this one.
Seal Your Fate
Easily the fastest paced track on the album, “Seal Your Fate” is a thrash influenced bit of mastery. There’s a ferocity in Tardy’s vocals that we haven’t heard in quite some time. This is definitely my favorite track on the disc.
Feel The Pain
After a beating like that, we needed a bit of a respite. The band slows it down a bit with this next track.
Contrast The Dead
Sledgehammer blows to the head for everyone at the start of this one. There’s beefy riffing prior to Tardy begins is tortured screams.
Second Chance
I’ve surprised the band didn’t lead with this one as their first single. It’s got one hell of a catchy chorus and encompasses a great deal of the musical elements found on the disc. I highly recommend letting this one blow your speakers while sitting stagnate in rush hour traffic.
Lies
After the chugging, monolithic riffs for “Second Chance,” the band picks the pace back up a bit with more thrash goodness on this track. Tardy’s cadence on this one is pretty sweet as are the soul shredding solos from Peres and Santolla.
In Your Head
The final track on the disc is another big hitting song. There’s a great deal of power behind this one and the perfect way to end the album. The band has slowed it down enough to bring that “end complete” in full effect.
~ ~ ~
We’ve only just passed the halfway point of 2007. There’s still plenty of time for more music to hit the streets, but I believe it’s pretty safe to say that Xecutioner’s Return is a top contender to claim the crown of album of the year in the metal circles. The album has everything — unforgiving riffs announcing the coming of Armageddon in the vain of The End Complete, eviscerating solos akin to Slowly We Rot and Cause of Death, and Tardy’s memorable and unique vocals.
Favorite Tracks:
All of them!
Additional Notes:
N/A