The return of the Floridian Death Metal outfit Obituary in the music scene back in 2005 was a very happy occasion as far as I was concerned, especially seeing as it coincided with the release of the very impressive effort "Frozen In Time" - an album that was generally well accepted, having bared all the classic elements of Obituary's unique sound and style. Deep down inside, though, I was really interested to see whether the success that the above-mentioned album brought to the quintet was to become the starting point of a new era for the deathsters or the end of yet another chapter in their turbulent history. Luckily enough, the members of Obituary decided to continue their musical quest, the product of which is the band's 7th studio release entitled "Xecutioner's Return".

Obituary are far from being described as a musically adventurous band, seeing as they have been investing in the same groovy-sounding and simply-structured riffs for the last nineteen years, yet miraculously enough, they have always managed to come up with really impressive compositions. One great obstacle that the band had to overcome this time round, though, was a slight alteration in their line up, seeing as their founding member and lead guitarist Allen West is currently serving a jail sentence for driving under the influence of alcohol. Would his absence influence the overall sound and style of "Xecutioner's Return"? The answer is yes and strangely enough it was a change for the better, seeing as the musician who came to Obituary's rescue is the amazing Ralph Santolla (Deicide, Iced Earth, etc).

My first impression of the opening track "Face Your God" was that of a typical mid/fast tempo Obituary composition. John Tardy's legendary low growls and Trevor Peres' Celtic Frost-influenced groovy riffs are still there bringing goosebumps to my body, but as soon as the first notes of what I could only describe as a brilliant guitar solo appeared on the horizon, I knew that this release would be something special. Santolla has given his signature to every single composition of the album without messing around with the band's character and that means that old-school fast tempo compositions such as "Lasting Presence", "Steal Your Fate" and "Lies" will impress you as much as the groovy mid tempo killers "Evil Ways" and "Fell The Pain".

Even though I was hugely impressed by "Bloodshot", a song that not only contains one of the catchiest riffs of the album but also some of John Tardy's most inspiring vocals, I will have to grant "Contrast The Dead" with the title of the best composition of the album - a seven minute epic whose main riff will remind you of the classic opus "Infected" (from the album "Cause Of Death"), which displays some of Santolla's most impressive guitar work ever.

I have to admit that my expectations for "Xecutioner's Return" were that of another good but predictable album, but these eleven new compositions completely took me by surprise. It's not only the fans of Obituary that should feel comfortable with what's on offer here, but also those of you who appreciate virtuoso guitar performances in extreme metal. What I am really looking forward to see now is how the next Obituary album is going to sound like in comparison, knowing that Allen West will by then be handling guitar duties, but for the time being I prefer to waste my energy listening to these great tunes!

****½

Review by John Stefanis