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Band Timeline

1984

Formation and Early Years as Executioner/Xecutioner

Obituary was formed in 1984 in Seffner, Florida initially under the name Executioner, soon changing to Xecutioner to avoid confusion with another band. The original lineup included John Tardy on lead vocals, Donald Tardy on drums, Trevor Peres on rhythm guitar, Jerome Grable on bass, and Jerry Tidwell on lead guitar. The band drew inspiration from influential metal acts such as Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Slayer, and others. During this time, they released several demos between 1985 and 1987 and made their vinyl debut on the Raging Death compilation in 1987.
1988-1989

Name Change to Obituary and Debut Album Release

In 1988, the band changed their name to Obituary shortly before releasing their debut album. Bassist Jerome Grable and guitarist Jerry Tidwell were replaced by Daniel Tucker and Allen West respectively before they took the new name. They released their first full-length album, Slowly We Rot, in 1989. Shortly after, both Tucker and West left the band and were replaced by Frank Watkins on bass and James Murphy on lead guitar, marking the beginning of a lineup that would record some of their most important work.
1990

Release of 'Cause of Death' and First World Tour

Obituary released their second album, Cause of Death, in 1990, featuring guitarist James Murphy. This album is considered one of the most important and influential in death metal history. Following its release, the band embarked on their first world tour, playing extensively across North America and Europe, supporting major bands such as Sacred Reich, Sepultura, Demolition Hammer, and Morgoth, which helped to solidify their international presence in the death metal scene.
1992

Breakthrough with 'The End Complete'

In 1992, guitarist James Murphy left the band and was replaced by returning member Allen West. With this lineup, Obituary recorded 'The End Complete,' which became their breakthrough album. It achieved moderate commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies and marking their first appearance on music charts in the US and Europe. The release was supported by their first music video for the title track 'The End Complete' which received airplay on MTV's Headbangers Ball and extensive touring, moving them from playing clubs to larger theaters and arenas.
1994

Release of 'World Demise' and Touring Expansion

Obituary released their fourth studio album, 'World Demise,' in 1994. Although it did not match the sales success of 'The End Complete,' it nonetheless charted in several countries including the US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The band filmed a music video for the track 'Don't Care' and supported the album with tours in North America alongside bands like Napalm Death and Machine Head, and in Europe with Pitchshifter and Eyehategod, further expanding their fan base and reinforcing their established status in death metal.
1997

'Back from the Dead' Release and Temporary Disbandment

In 1997, after a hiatus from touring and recording, Obituary released their fifth studio album, 'Back from the Dead.' The album retained their signature death metal sound. Following this release, the band experienced a period of inactivity and eventually went on a hiatus in 1998, which lasted for about five years. During this break, members pursued other projects, marking an important pause in the band's career before their future reunion.
2003-2004

Reunion and 'Frozen in Time' Album

Obituary reunited in 2003 after their five-year hiatus. They quickly returned to the studio and released their sixth studio album, 'Frozen in Time,' in 2005. This album was seen as a return to their classic death metal roots and received positive reception from fans and critics alike. The reunion reinvigorated their career and marked their sustained presence in the metal scene, leading to more active touring and creating momentum for future releases.
2007-2009

Signing with Candlelight Records and New Releases

Around 2006, Obituary ended their long-standing relationship with Roadrunner Records and signed with the independent label Candlelight Records. Under Candlelight, they released 'Xecutioner's Return' in 2007 and 'Darkest Day' in 2009. These releases sustained their momentum in the metal community, showcasing the band’s continued evolution and ability to attract both longtime fans and new listeners while maintaining their signature sound.
2014

Release of 'Inked in Blood' and Billboard Chart Success

In 2014, Obituary released 'Inked in Blood' through Gibtown Music/Relapse Records. This album marked a significant commercial milestone as it was their first to enter the Billboard 200 charts, peaking at number 75. The album was well-received and reaffirmed Obituary's importance in modern death metal, blending traditional elements with contemporary production, keeping them relevant in an ever-evolving genre.
2017

Self-Titled Album and Continued Success

Obituary released their self-titled album in 2017, which further solidified their position in the death metal world. The album achieved higher chart positions across Europe and was praised for strong songwriting and performances. This release exemplified the band's ability to maintain artistic vitality decades into their career. The band continued touring and remained active, solidifying their legacy as one of death metal’s most enduring and influential groups.

Albums

obituary_1st_album
Slowly We Rot
11 tracks
1989
obituary_2nd_album
Cause of Death
9 tracks
1990
obituary_3rd_album
The End Complete
9 tracks
1992
obituary_4th_album
World Demise
13 tracks
1994
obituary_5th_album
Back From the Dead
11 tracks
1997
obituary_6th_album
Frozen in Time
10 tracks
2005
obituary_7th_album
Xecutioner’s Return
12 tracks
2007
obituary_8th_album
Darkest Day
13 tracks
2009
obituary_9th_album
Inked in Blood
12 tracks
2014
obituary_10th_album
Obituary
11 tracks
2017
obituary_11th_album
Dying of Everything
10 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Kendall Andrews

2012

Electric guitar

John Tardy

2003

Lead vocals

Trevor Peres

2003

Electric guitar

Donald Tardy

2003

Drums (drum set)

Terry Butler

2010

Electric bass guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Donald Tardy

1988
1997

Drums (drum set)

James Murphy

1990
1990

Electric guitar

Frank Watkins

2003
2010

Electric guitar

Allen West

1988
1989

Electric guitar

Allen West

2003
2006

Electric guitar

Daniel Tucker

1988
1989

Electric bass guitar

Frank Watkins

1989
1997

Electric bass guitar

John Tardy

1988
1997

Lead vocals

Allen West

1992
1997

Electric guitar

Trevor Peres

1988
1997

Electric guitar

Ralph Santolla

2007
2011

Electric guitar

Story of Obituary

Obituary: Death Metal Titans from Florida

Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Obituary emerged in 1984, initially under the name Executioner, and quickly established themselves as a cornerstone of the death metal genre. Their impact on the scene is undeniable, cementing their place as one of the genre’s most enduring and successful acts. Over their career, they've unleashed eleven studio albums, maintaining a relentless touring schedule with only a brief five-year hiatus from 1998 to 2003.

The band's current lineup features the Tardy brothers – John on guttural vocals and Donald on drums – alongside rhythm guitarist Trevor Peres, bassist Terry Butler, and lead guitarist Ken Andrews. While the band has seen lineup changes throughout its history, the Tardy brothers and Peres remain the constants, their unwavering commitment a testament to Obituary's longevity.

Obituary's signature sound is built on a foundation of crushing, groove-laden guitar and drum riffs, perfectly complemented by John Tardy's iconic, earth-shattering growl. This potent combination established a distinctive death metal sound that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Early Years (1984-1990): From Executioner to Xecutioner to Obituary

Formed in Seffner, Florida as Executioner in 1984, a name change to Xecutioner followed quickly after discovering another band using the same name. The original lineup comprised John Tardy (vocals), Donald Tardy (drums), Trevor Peres (rhythm guitar), Jerome Grable (bass), and Jerry Tidwell (lead guitar). Influenced by bands like Savatage and Nasty Savage, as well as their contemporaries in the burgeoning Florida death metal scene (Death and Morbid Angel), the band honed their craft, releasing demos between 1985 and 1987 (the 1985 demo as Executioner, and the subsequent demos as Xecutioner).

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