What is the best Obituary album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Cause of Death" (1990). It's the most representative of what makes Obituary worth hearing.

What are the best Obituary albums?

The essential Obituary albums include "Slowly We Rot" (1989), "Cause of Death" (1990), "The End Complete" (1992), "World Demise" (1994) and "Back from the Dead" (1997).

How many albums does Obituary have?

Obituary has 20 releases in their discography, including 12 albums and 1 EP.

Photo: Selbymay · CC BY-SA 4.0

Obituary

Q: Who is Obituary for?

If you're into death metal, Obituary is worth your time. The music thrashes with dense, churning riffs that oscillate between furious velocity and deliberate grooves, creating a palpable tension that invites cathartic release.

The music thrashes with dense, churning riffs that oscillate between furious velocity and deliberate grooves, creating a palpable tension that invites cathartic release.

death metal

United States Est. 1984

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Start here

The album

Cause of Death (1990)

Presents a solid mix of aggressive riffs and grooves, encapsulating the band's signature death metal sound in a cohesive experience.

The song

“Don't Care” from Don't Care

An immediate hook with raw energy that showcases Obituary's style, making it a compelling introduction to their music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Redneck Stomp" — from Frozen Alive (2007)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"'Til Death" — from Anthology (2001)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Face Your God" — from Xecutioner's Return (2007)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Redneck Stomp" — from Frozen in Time (2005)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"List of Dead" — from Darkest Day (2009)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Infected" — from Cause of Death (1990)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Obituary

Obituary has carved a distinct space within the heavy music landscape, embodying the raw power and visceral intensity that defines death metal.

Their impact is felt not just in their relentless sonic assault but in their ability to evoke a primal catharsis among listeners, turning the experience of heaviness into a ritualistic confrontation with mortality and despair. This connection resonates deeply within a community that seeks authenticity and emotional release through music. The band’s approach melds unyielding riffs with a palpable sense of groove, creating an atmosphere that balances aggression with an almost hypnotic quality. By intertwining intricate guitar work with crushing rhythms, Obituary crafts songs that invite headbanging as much as introspection. Their innovation lies in combining speed and melody in ways that push the boundaries of heaviness while staying true to the genre's roots, ensuring each track feels both fresh and familiar. Lyrically, Obituary often delves into themes of death, decay, and existential reflection, employing a straightforward yet impactful storytelling technique. Their voice is marked by sincerity rather than irony, conveying a deep-seated understanding of life's darker aspects without pretense. The tone carries an urgency that compels listeners to confront their own fears and uncertainties.

12 studio albums· 20 total releases· 3 decades· United States