Back from the Dead
Obituary · 1997
38 min · 11 tracks · death metal
A relentless barrage of guttural growls and thunderous riffs defines this aggressive return to form for the death metal pioneers.
Top tracks — play these first
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Threatening Skies Start here — Opening with visceral intensity, this track sets the tone for the album with its blistering pace and dark thematic elements reflecting paranoia and despair.
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Back From the Dead — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of resurrection and defiance, featuring crushing guitar riffs that exemplify Obituary's hallmark sound.
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Feed on the Weak — With its complex song structure and dynamic shifts, this track showcases the band's ability to blend brutality with intricate musicianship, pushing their sonic boundaries.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, marking a solid return for Obituary within the death metal genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a relentless tempo, which is maintained through the first five songs before slowing slightly in the second half.
- Guttural growls dominate the vocal delivery, often layered over complex guitar riffs and rapid drumming that create a dense sound texture.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, creating a jarring effect that enhances the aggressive tone of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady relentless energy throughout
- short bursts of aggression
- for high-intensity workouts
- engaging headbanging anthems
- unfiltered raw emotional release
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow or slow music
- seek extended meditative pieces
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Marked a resurgence in Obituary's career and solidified their legacy in death metal.
- Career context
- When 'Back from the Dead' was released in 1997, Obituary was navigating a comeback after several years of lineup changes and waning commercial success. This album marked their return to Roadrunner Records following a brief hiatus, and it showcased their signature sound while integrating fresh elements that appealed to both old fans and new listeners.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cannibal Corpse· Deicide· Dying Fetus
Tracklist
- 1 Threatening Skies Start here 2:19
- 2 By the Light 2:55
- 3 Inverted 2:53
- 4 Platonic Disease 4:06
- 5 Download 2:45
- 6 Rewind 4:03
- 7 Feed on the Weak 4:15
- 8 Lockdown 4:11
- 9 Pressure Point 2:25
- 10 Back From the Dead 5:12
- 11 Bullituary (remix) 3:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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