Obituary
Slowly We Rot


5.0
classic

Review

by Yeahtoast USER (19 Reviews)
April 29th, 2010 | 293 replies


Release Date: 1989 | Tracklist

Review Summary: An absolute death metal classic.

June 14th 1989. Metal fans the world over are astounded by what is now one of the most infamous metal records of all time. Slowly We Rot by Obituary is still every bit as relevant, not to mention gut wrenchingly ferocious, today as it was on the day of it’s release. Perhaps it was the malevolence and brutality bands like Death had not fully achieved yet that made Obituary such an attractive outlet for death metal fans across the globe. Perhaps it was the viciousness of John Tardy’s voice which still melt the ears of even the most hardened of listeners. Not to say that death metal bands preceding them were by any means bad song writers, but Slowly We Rot combines speed, grooves and riffs all of immense quality, not to mention snarling vocals of gross hostility. The combination of musical ability and all of the above are only a number of factors which have led to the success of not only this outstanding album, but the band itself.

For many fans of band and genre, their anticipation for this album was well placed. Slowly We Rot has many factors which fans of thrash would expect, an energetic surge that makes for a truly great album. However, many songs here signify the transition into death metal, each song becoming faster and faster in tempo and never for a second letting up on the brutality. Double bass drum work is present in abundance from Donald Tardy; riffs are sharp, complex and extremely infectious. John Tardy utilizes his voice to great effect, from fierce thrash yelling transcending into low, guttural death metal growls; this man is quite a talent behind the mic in many aspects. Tardy stands at the fore of a monstrous juggernaut of a band who will go on to become one of the biggest selling and most influential death metal acts of all time.

From the first eerie moments of “Internal Bleeding” transcending to a thrash laden riff with the slightest dash of sludge, it is immediately clear we are in for something special. Not only a great song but a perfect album opener. Tardy delivers a truly punishing performance with his clearly distinguishable voice, growling like a wounded beast, he pummels each and every listener into the sudden awareness that something colossal is taking place. From this moment on Obituary never let up on the intensity and aggression. By the time third track “’Til Death” kicks in the album is in full swing. Malicious riffing from Trevor Peres and Allen West, crushing drumming and Tardy dominating on vocals with his trademark growls. Right through the sludgy title track to the lightning fast “Gates To Hell”, every track here offers something new to the fray. Adding more and more fire power to the band’s already impressive arsenal. The manner in which these men display their art, with perpetual confidence and blinding force, not to mention the quality of music that develop from this, is an ominous sign for anyone who doubted the future of this band pre release.

Slowly We Rot is an unrelenting enigma that simply desecrates everything that stands in its path. An album that would ultimately propel Obituary to legendary status. An album that truly set the standard in terms of quality, belligerence and raw power for every extreme metal release that was to follow. Obituary remain one of the most original death metal bands in style and this is a great introduction album for those pursuing an interest in the death metal scene. An undisputed seminal masterpiece and an essential for all who appreciate the genre.



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user ratings (847)
4
excellent

Comments:Add a Comment 
Yeahtoast
April 29th 2010


2041 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Not my best by ANY means guys. Just thought this album had gone long enough without a damn review! Not the best as I said so be nice ;)

FadeToBlack
April 29th 2010


11043 Comments


good review, but Obituary are unbelievably overrated imo :/

Yeahtoast
April 29th 2010


2041 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Thanks for the pos man, haha I love Obituary, Especially this album. And the material slays live.

SteelErectedb4you8er
April 29th 2010


2620 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

Just the other day I made a post as to being surprised that this wasn't reviewed yet. I thought about it, but it looks like you got it under control. Not bad, dude. Mucho props. Fade, not that many people really praise them THAt much, I wouldn't say overrated. However, this album and Cause of Death are superb death metal albums. The End Complete and World Demise are great, but not as fantastic as this and Cause of Death. Later albums, i never really payed attention.

KILL
April 29th 2010


81580 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

a classic indeed, great review

Yeahtoast
April 29th 2010


2041 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Thanks steel and KILL, appreciate it guys! Yeah steel I'm almost certain I read that post, wasn't sure it was yourself though! It really astounds me how this went unreviewed for so long :/ I thought I'd take on the challenge!

FadeToBlack
April 29th 2010


11043 Comments


what i mean is this album or Cause Of Death are usually put into 'Best Death Metal Albums' lists (maybe not so much on this site), and while they are great albums, I just don't think they deserve that distinction. just my opinion though, I know I'm in the minority

Yeahtoast
April 29th 2010


2041 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Well, here on Sputnik I really do fall into the category of someone who likes bands everyone thinks are shit xP so I understand and respect your opinion my friend awesome Dissection review by the way! Pos'd

bloozclooz
April 29th 2010


1770 Comments


well, now we know where carnifex got their logo from.

Yeahtoast
April 29th 2010


2041 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

LOL they are actually very similar!

eggsvonsatan
April 29th 2010


1087 Comments


Can't believe no one had reviewed this yet. Easily the best Obituary. Seeing them next month at Maryland Death Fest. I'm kind of skeptical, but I think it will be good.

ExcavatedSkull00
April 29th 2010


59 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Good stuff me old metal head -- slowly we dwelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll !!!!!!

scissorlocked
April 29th 2010


3538 Comments


classic one.good job yeahtoast

Urinetrouble
April 29th 2010


5771 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

finally a review for this- album and its cover are great

Yeahtoast
April 29th 2010


2041 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Thanks duuuuuuuudes! I missed these guys the last time they played here ARGH.

combustion07
April 29th 2010


12822 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Great review, I didn't know this never got one...wtf sputnik

Yeahtoast
April 29th 2010


2041 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

^ exacty my thoughts combustion. No idea how it went so long without a review! Thanks for the pos

ExcavatedSkull00
April 29th 2010


59 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

I missed cathedral last night bro.... i share your sorrow they played less than 2 miles away from my sisters home. but the bredthren shall rise again.

Yeahtoast
April 29th 2010


2041 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

It's SUCH a horrible feeling missing a great gig isn't it? Absolutely sickening. And what makes it worse? Your good friend was there and they describe every moment of how epic it was ommiting not even the tiniest detail constantly for about two weeks.

ExcavatedSkull00
April 29th 2010


59 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

yea man... but thank god for youtube videos i checked but could'nt find anything today give it a while laters dude!



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