Obituary Albums Ranked: The Ultimate Tier List

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey guys! If you're anything like me, you're a total death metal fanatic, and when it comes to death metal royalty, Obituary definitely reigns supreme. These Florida legends have been churning out brutal riffs and guttural vocals for decades, and their discography is an absolute monster. So, naturally, the only reasonable thing to do is dive headfirst into the chaos and rank their albums from the absolute best to the ones that, well, maybe don't get as much love. Buckle up, because we're about to unleash the ultimate Obituary album tier list!

Why Obituary Still Matters

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of ranking albums, let's take a moment to appreciate why Obituary is such a crucial band in the death metal scene. Formed in Tampa, Florida, in the mid-80s, Obituary helped shape the sound of death metal with their raw, primal energy. Their incredibly distinctive sound, characterized by John Tardy's unmistakable vocals and the band's groove-laden, heavy-as-hell riffs, immediately set them apart. These guys weren't just playing fast; they were creating an atmosphere of dread and impending doom. Obituary has consistently delivered albums that are both relentlessly brutal and surprisingly catchy over the years. It's this blend of brutality and accessibility that has earned them a legion of loyal fans worldwide. They've influenced countless bands and continue to be a major force in the genre, and their live shows are legendary for their intensity. With a career spanning decades, Obituary has proven that they are more than just a band but are a cornerstone of death metal. Their dedication to their craft and their unwavering commitment to delivering quality music are why they still matter so much to this day. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of death metal, Obituary is a band that deserves your attention and respect.

The Tier List Criteria

Alright, so how are we going to tackle this monumental task? It's not just about personal preference (though that definitely plays a role!). Here's what I'm considering when ranking these albums:

  • Impact and Influence: How did this album affect the death metal scene? Did it introduce new elements or solidify Obituary's sound?
  • Songwriting Quality: Are the riffs memorable? Are the songs well-structured? Does the album have staying power?
  • Production Value: Does the album sound good? Does it capture the raw energy of the band?
  • Personal Preference: Okay, I can't completely ignore my own biases. Some albums just resonate more than others, right? We all have our favorites, and that's okay. But I'll try to keep it as objective as possible, I promise!

Keep in mind that this is all subjective, and your own rankings might be completely different. That's the beauty of music, right? There's no right or wrong answer, and everyone has their own taste. So, with that in mind, let's dive into the tiers!

The Tiers Explained

Before we get to the albums themselves, let's break down what each tier represents. This will give you a better understanding of my overall assessment.

  • S-Tier: Masterpiece: These are the albums that define Obituary. They're essential listening for any death metal fan and represent the band at their absolute peak.
  • A-Tier: Excellent: These are incredible albums that are just a hair below masterpiece status. They're still packed with killer riffs and memorable songs.
  • B-Tier: Great: These are solid albums that are definitely worth checking out. They might have a few flaws, but they still deliver the Obituary goods.
  • C-Tier: Good: These albums are decent but might not be essential listening. They have their moments, but they don't quite reach the heights of the higher tiers.
  • D-Tier: Okay: These albums are where things start to get a little shaky. They might have some redeeming qualities, but they're not the first albums I'd recommend to someone getting into Obituary.
  • F-Tier: Weak: These are the albums that I just don't connect with. They might have some merit, but they're generally considered the weakest in Obituary's discography.

The Ultimate Obituary Album Tier List

Alright, here we go! Prepare yourselves for some controversial opinions (maybe!)...

S-Tier: Masterpiece

  • Slowly We Rot (1989): Let's kick things off with Slowly We Rot, the debut album that started it all. This album is pure, unadulterated death metal mayhem. From the opening horror-movie intro to the relentless blast beats and John Tardy's guttural growls, Slowly We Rot is a landmark album that defined the sound of early death metal. The production is raw and gritty, perfectly capturing the band's primal energy. Tracks like "'Til Death," "Internal Bleeding," and the title track are death metal anthems that still sound as brutal and relevant today as they did back in '89. It's an essential album for any death metal fan and a testament to Obituary's enduring legacy. Slowly We Rot isn't just a great debut album, it's a statement of intent. It announced Obituary as a force to be reckoned with and set the stage for their future domination of the death metal scene. The sheer aggression and unrelenting brutality of this album are unmatched. This album stands as a testament to the band's early vision and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of extreme music. The impact of Slowly We Rot on the death metal genre cannot be overstated; it remains a cornerstone of the genre and a must-listen for anyone interested in the roots of death metal. The album's influence can be heard in countless bands that followed, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of metal musicians. It's a raw, visceral, and utterly unforgettable experience that solidifies Obituary's place at the top of the death metal hierarchy. The album's cover art, featuring a decaying zombie, perfectly encapsulates the album's morbid and macabre themes. It's a visual representation of the sonic assault contained within. Slowly We Rot is an album that demands to be heard, felt, and experienced in all its terrifying glory.

A-Tier: Excellent

  • Cause of Death (1990): Next up is Cause of Death, arguably Obituary's most iconic album. With the addition of guitarist James Murphy (ex-Death, Testament), the band's sound became even more refined and technically impressive. The album features some of Obituary's most memorable riffs, and John Tardy's vocals are at their absolute peak. Tracks like "Body Bag," "Chopped in Half," and the instrumental title track are death metal classics that have stood the test of time. The album's production is also a step up from Slowly We Rot, giving the songs a more polished and powerful sound. Cause of Death is a near-perfect death metal album that showcases Obituary's incredible talent and songwriting ability. The album's influence can be heard in countless bands that followed, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of metal musicians. The album's cover art, featuring a skeletal figure rising from the grave, is equally iconic and perfectly captures the album's dark and morbid themes. Cause of Death is an album that demands to be heard, felt, and experienced in all its terrifying glory. Its impact on the death metal genre is undeniable, and it remains a cornerstone of the genre to this day. This album is a must-have for any serious death metal fan and a testament to Obituary's enduring legacy as one of the genre's most important and influential bands. It is a sonic assault that will leave you breathless and craving more. The album's complex arrangements and intricate guitar work set a new standard for death metal, and its relentless aggression is unmatched.

  • The End Complete (1992): The End Complete represents Obituary at the height of their commercial success. This album saw them streamlining their sound slightly, resulting in shorter, more focused songs. While some fans criticized this approach, there's no denying the sheer catchiness of tracks like "I'm in Pain" and "Back to One." The production is also incredibly polished, making this one of Obituary's most accessible albums. The End Complete might not be as brutal as their earlier work, but it's still a fantastic death metal album that showcases the band's ability to write memorable and impactful songs. The album's success helped to bring death metal to a wider audience, and it remains a popular choice among fans of the genre. The album's cover art, featuring a grim reaper figure, is a classic representation of death metal imagery. The End Complete is an album that deserves to be recognized for its contributions to the genre and its ability to appeal to both seasoned death metal fans and newcomers alike. While it may not be as raw and visceral as their earlier work, it is still a powerful and impressive album that showcases Obituary's versatility and songwriting prowess. This album is a must-have for any fan of death metal and a testament to Obituary's enduring legacy as one of the genre's most important and influential bands.

B-Tier: Great

  • World Demise (1994): World Demise is a slightly underrated album in Obituary's discography. It's a heavier and more experimental album than The End Complete, with a stronger emphasis on groove and atmosphere. Tracks like "Don't Care" and "Kill for Me" are absolute bangers, and the album's overall sense of dread is palpable. The production is a bit muddy, but it adds to the album's overall intensity. World Demise is a solid album that showcases Obituary's willingness to experiment with their sound while still maintaining their signature brutality. The album's themes of environmental destruction and societal decay are particularly relevant today, and its message is as powerful as ever. World Demise is an album that deserves more recognition for its contributions to the death metal genre and its ability to tackle complex and important issues. It is a sonic assault that will leave you questioning the state of the world and your place in it. The album's cover art, featuring a decaying cityscape, is a stark reminder of the consequences of human actions.

  • Frozen in Time (2005): Marking their return after a hiatus, Frozen in Time showed that Obituary still had plenty of brutality left in the tank. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of their earlier work, it's a solid and consistent album with plenty of headbanging moments.

C-Tier: Good

  • Darkest Day (2009): Darkest Day is a decent album, but it doesn't quite stand out from the rest of Obituary's discography. It's a solid collection of death metal songs, but it lacks the memorable riffs and catchy hooks of their best work.
  • Obituary (2017): Their self-titled album is a solid effort, showcasing their classic sound, but it doesn't break any new ground.

D-Tier: Okay

  • Ten Thousand Ways to Die (2016): This live album/EP is okay for what it is, but it's not essential listening.
  • Inked in Blood (2014): Inked in Blood is an album that some fans enjoy, but it didn't quite click with me. It's not a bad album, but it's not one that I find myself returning to very often.

F-Tier: Weak

  • Xecutioner's Return (2007): This album is generally considered one of Obituary's weakest. While it has some redeeming qualities, it lacks the energy and intensity of their best work. It's not an awful album, but it's not one that I would recommend to someone getting into Obituary.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my ultimate Obituary album tier list! Remember, this is just my opinion, and your own rankings might be completely different. The most important thing is that you enjoy the music and appreciate Obituary's contribution to the death metal scene. Now, go blast some Obituary and bang your head until your neck hurts!