OBITUARY „Frozen In Time”

Music: Death Metal
Country: USA
Website: http://www.obituary.cc
Duration: 34:22
Cool Songs: On the Floor, Blindsided, Slow Death, Lockjaw.

The reunion renaissance continues to roll on. Eight years on since ‘Back from the Dead’ (a title that served as a precursor to their first reunion), Floridian Death Metal merchants rise from the grave it seems to release ‘Frozen In Time’. Always one of my favourite Death Metal bands, Obituary had a certain knack in being able to deal out some of the heaviest riffs around whilst capturing a wicked rhythmic groove that owed a massive debt to Tom.G.Warrior’s Celtic Frost. Obituary was like Tom’s bastard child. A heavier, nastier version with a vocalist who’s larynx was forged in the fires of hell. ‘Frozen in Time’ was certain to maintain the rage.

The most important thing to understand with ‘Frozen in Time’ is not to expect too much. I mean, for fucks sake, this is Obituary. If you’ve been a fan, still are a fan, then you know exactly what you are going to get with this new album. Nothing much has changed in their eight year hiatus. Obituary has a signature sound and whilst they peaked creatively years ago (around ‘The End Complete’ and ‘World Demise’ albums) Trevor Peres & Allen West deliver those heavy grooves accordingly. Nothing complex, nothing remotely progressive, just straight up, simple and effective Obituary standards; for the die hard fans in particular, ‘FIT’ delivers exactly what they want.

Recorded and produced at the famed Morrisound Studios with Scott Burns and Mark Prator, ‘FIT’ has that authentic thick, bottom heavy Obituary sound; Instantly recognisable. And whilst there is a certain touch of nostalgia associated with this album, its hard to be critical because really, Obituary doesn’t know any other way. This is what they do. If you liked it before, you’ll like it again. It is just like the old shit. Granted, it’s not as good as the old shit, but as far as I am concerned any Obituary is better than no Obituary at all. Furthermore, it’s great to hear John Tardy tortured screams tearing through on this one. Sure, he and his band are not as dangerous as they once were, but I can live with it.

There have been fairly mixed reactions to ‘Frozen in Time’ in the lead up to its release. Clearly, there are some writers who seem to be a tad jaded with this whole ‘reunion’ fad we are going through. In light of this, Obituary’s fate is almost sealed before they even hear a note. A pity really, because ‘FIT’ is a more than worthy addition to their discography. The bottom line with this album is your preconceived expectations. Did you really think this was going to be an exercise in Tribal African progressiveness with synthesisers? Surely not! Expect solid middle ground Obituary and you’ll get what you deserve.

note: 7.7/10

Tracklist

Redneck Stomp
On the Floor
Insane
Blindsided
Back Inside
Mindset
Stand Alone
Slow Death
Denied
Lockjaw

Line-up

Frank Watkins – bass
John Tardy – vocals
Donald Tardy – drums
Trevor Peres – guitars
Allen West – guitars