Darkest Day cover

Darkest Day

Obituary · 2009

52 min · 13 tracks · death metal

A relentless barrage of guttural growls and thunderous riffs, embodying the raw intensity of classic death metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    List of Dead Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Blood to Give — This track features a powerful mix of relentless guitar riffs and aggressive vocals, showcasing the band's signature sound and lyrical themes of struggle.
  • →
    Your Darkest Day — The title track stands out with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, reflecting on personal turmoil amidst heavy instrumentation.
  • →
    Left to Die — Closing the album, this track combines intricate solos with an emotional depth that encapsulates the overall essence of 'Darkest Day'.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album delivers solid death metal with strong production but lacks standout compositions that elevate it beyond the genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent tempo throughout, with most tracks maintaining a fast-paced rhythm that rarely dips below mid-tempo.
  • Guttural growls are layered over heavy guitar riffs, creating a dense wall of sound that characterizes the death metal genre.
  • Several tracks incorporate breakdowns that shift dynamics, allowing for brief moments of respite before returning to relentless aggression.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • unrelenting intensity for full immersion
  • cathartic release through aggressive sound
  • haunting melodies amidst brutal riffs
  • ideal for focused late-night sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer light, upbeat listening
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in their catalog that showcases their classic sound without being a standout.
Career context
By the time 'Darkest Day' was released in 2009, Obituary was well-established within the death metal scene, having formed in 1985 and gained prominence with albums like 'Cause of Death'. This album marked a significant return after a five-year hiatus since their previous release, 'Frozen in Time', showcasing their enduring legacy and influence on the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Cannibal Corpse· Deicide· Dying Fetus

Tracklist

  • 1 List of Dead Start here 3:34
  • 2 Blood to Give 3:34
  • 3 Lost Inside 3:55
  • 4 Outside My Head 3:52
  • 5 Payback 4:29
  • 6 Your Darkest Day 5:06
  • 7 This Life 3:45
  • 8 See Me Now 3:22
  • 9 Fields of Pain 3:17
  • 10 Violent Dreams 1:59
  • 11 Truth Be Told 4:49
  • 12 Forces Realign 4:37
  • 13 Left to Die 6:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata