Obituary - Darkest Day Review

Over the years, Obituary has added in groove metal elements, sticking with mid-paced material that aims for intensity and sheer heaviness over breakneck speed. Darkest Day continues this direction, with the majority of the thirteen songs driven by razor sharp rhythm guitar work from the always-reliable Trevor Peres and the strong dynamic between the Tardy brothers. The band has perfected the art of keeping a balance between hostile restraint and outright aggression, while keeping things from getting stale by adding in powerful percussion to “Blood To Give” and an extended introduction on “Your Darkest Day.”

Lead guitarist Ralph Santolla doesn’t sound as incongruous as he did on Xecutioner's Return, adding a technical edge to Obituary’s sound, while keeping things grounded enough not to fall into over-indulgent territory. The production is also much improved over their last album. While the guitars still sound distorted and muddled at times, the mix is evenly balanced between all the instruments.

Read the complete Obituary - Darkest Day Review

(CD cover courtesy Candlelight Records)