Obituary

Frozen in Time
Roadrunner Records

8/10: A welcome return to the metal ranks.

10 Tracks, 34:22

As surprising as it may seem, Roadrunner Records have found themselves doing quite well over the last year or so in finding their way back onto the metal map. Another example is Obituary returns after a long hiatus. Unfortunately, the return effort is short on quantity, but very strong in terms of material. But some will either be content or dismayed. (More on that in a bit.)

Thus, Frozen in Time should be another "must-have" in what has turned out to be an exceptional year of metal (and there's still four months to go!). Now granted, this album is no The End Complete, and it would be somewhat unfair for any of us to immediately expect that. However, the album blends in well with the rest of their storied catalogue, and kicks a ton of ass along the way.

John Tardy sounds as fierce as ever. The guy hasn't missed a beat. Tardy sounds ravenously evil, which puts an unmistakable stamp on just who this album is done by. Musically, guitarists Allen West and Trevor Peres, bassist Frank Watkins, and drummer Donald Tardy (hopefully taking an infinite break Andrew WK) have added the familiar basic riffage, but have changed it up with a more down-tuned, somewhat bluesy groove that old-timers may find fault with at first. Luckily, the band wastes no time in letting that be known on the instrumental opener, Redneck Stomp. So you won't really have the chance to be surprised. But given the chance, I'm sure it will be yet another highly respected release in due time.

Chris Burnham