Obituary - The End Complete (1992)

[Death Metal]

Let's get straight into this. Track 2 'Back To One' was the very first introduction of this band to me, played on a local radio station. Their third release, but by this time still in their early 20's. And yes, who cannot be captivated by John Tardy's unique vocal style. Let's call that out straight up. In your thrash / death metal genre, he stands alone as having the most unique voice. For the band it works super well, and I'll never grow tired of listening to it. Backed by his brother on the drums, they have been inseparable through the highs and lows the band has had. This early period was a diamond period for them although still having to work for their meal ticket. There were much bigger bands taking a slice of the pie, but they never gave up, and more importantly never changed their sound. Track one provides no misgivings into what you are to expect over the next 40 odd minutes. Simply hard thrashing solid riffs, and drumming backed up by razor like vocals. Granted if you are looking for an album with variety, you won't see it here. Equally I see no problem in a band putting across a simple formula for each track and adding special niches to the track. I return to 'Back To One' with the slow breakdown toward the end of the track, before the tempo again reaches a high-point. I'm easily exhausted by the end of this track but there is more to come. Much more. 'Corrosive' I love as it does mostly take the vocals away and you hear is the music craft that this band can put together that still exists today. Again a unique sound which modern day death metal bands fail to succeed in. There is much to love about this record and the band actually. A standout in their genre. Just not got the acknowledgement they should receive, but glad they are still with us today. And finally a quick shout-out to Donald Tardy, the drummer write or co-writes all of the songs. Who said drummers were dinosaurs or monkeys that are capable of only one thing?