Artist: OBITUARY
Album: BACK FROM THE DEAD (CD)

Year: 1997
Media type: CD

Obituary are one of the pioneering bands of the death metal genre. The band hailed from Tampa, Florida, founded as Xecutioner in 1985. Shortly before the release of their debut album, they changed their name to Obituary. They still remain an influential band of the Florida death metal movement that arose in the late 1980s. Their 1990 release Cause of Death has been hailed as a seminal album in the genre, and vocalist John Tardy is recognized as one of the first vocalists to use an abnormally low growl (compared to the screechy growls used by predecessors Death and Possessed)[citation needed]. Obituary are listed by Nielsen Soundscan as the fifth best-selling death metal band of all time and their albums have sold 368,184 copies. Their 1992 release The End Complete has also more than 103,378 copies.

Obituary disbanded in 1997, reforming in 2003. During the hiatus, Donald Tardy played in Andrew W.K.'s touring band (during W.K.'s appearance on Saturday Night Live Tardy wore an Obituary shirt). Allen West focused on his two projects, Lowbrow and Six Feet Under while not playing in Obituary. Trevor Peres formed Catastrophic in 2001, which will continue to exist alongside the reformed Obituary. Their first reunion album, Frozen in Time, was released in 2005. The band's first live DVD, Frozen Alive, was released in January of 2007.

Obituary are currently signed with Candlelight Records for their seventh album album, entitled Xecutioner's Return, which is due for release on August 28, 2007.

Obituary's guitarist, Allen West, has been incarcerated for DUI (driving under influence), his release is set for February 2008. Ralph Santolla has been announced as a fill in for West while he is in unable to record and tour.

TRACKLIST:

"Threatening Skies" (Obituary) – 2:19
"By the Light" (Obituary) – 2:55
"Inverted" (Obituary) – 2:53
"Platonic Disease" (Obituary) – 4:06
"Download" (Obituary) – 2:45
"Rewind" (Obituary) – 4:03
"Feed on the Weak" (Obituary) – 4:15
"Lockdown" (Obituary) – 4:11
"Pressure Point" (Obituary) – 2:25
"Back from the Dead" (Obituary) – 5:12
"Bullituary" (Remix) - (featuring DJ's Diablo D and Skinner T) - (Obituary/Diablo D/Skinner T) – 3:43

LINE-UP:

John Tardy - Vocals (1985-1997, 2003-present)
Allen West - Lead guitar (see also Six Feet Under) (1985-1989, 1992-1997, 2003-2006)
Trevor Peres - Rhythm guitar (1985-1997, 2003-present)
Frank Watkins - Bass (1989-1997, 2003-present)
Donald Tardy - Drums (see also Andrew W.K.) (1985-1997, 2003-present)