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).

Opeth, the seminal Swedish progressive metal band from Stockholm, emerged in 1990. Their sound is a masterful blend of progressive metal, death metal (particularly prominent in their early work), folk, blues, classical, and jazz influences. This eclectic mix is woven into epic compositions characterized by acoustic guitar passages, Mellotron textures, harsh death growls, and dramatic dynamic shifts.

The band`s history is marked by significant personnel changes; every original member has since departed. However, Mikael Åkerfeldt, the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, has remained the creative force since the departure of founder David Isberg in 1992. Initially, Opeth played live shows sparingly, but following their 2001 breakthrough album Blackwater Park, they embarked on numerous world tours, cementing their status as a major live act.

Opeth boasts an extensive discography: fourteen studio albums, four live DVDs, four live albums (three paired with DVDs), and two box sets. Their debut, Orchid, dropped in 1995. The band achieved significant international chart success with Ghost Reveries (2005), cracking the Top Ten in Sweden and charting in numerous other countries. Their subsequent album, Watershed (2008), debuted at number one in Finland and reached a respectable #23 on the US Billboard 200. Their impact on progressive metal and the wider metal scene remains undeniable.

Pain of Truth, a hardcore punk band from Long Island, New York, exploded onto the scene in 2020. Emerging from the ashes of Michael Smith's previous band, Hangman, Pain of Truth quickly built a reputation for their raw energy and collaborative spirit. Formed in the crucible of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Smith, initially a solo project, laid down the groundwork with the No Blame… Just Facts demo in July 2020. He then assembled a formidable lineup: himself on vocals, Chris Rini on drums, Nik Hansen and Ridge Rhine on guitars, and Zach Stachura on bass.

Their sound is defined not only by their aggressive hardcore punk foundation but also by their innovative use of guest vocalists. Notable hardcore heavyweights such as Freddy Cricien, Scott Vogel, and Justice Tripp have graced their recordings, adding layers of intensity and influence. This collaborative approach cemented their place in the scene. The band's hard work culminated in their debut album, Not Through Blood, released September 8th, 2023, following a split EP and solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with.

Smith's journey to hardcore punk began with witnessing his older brothers, Chris and Danny's band, Backtrack, live. This ignited his passion, leading him through various bands – Stand Your Ground (guitar), Numbskull (vocals), and finally Hangman (guitar). Hangman's 2019 debut, One By One, proved short-lived due to the pandemic, but the experience fueled Smith's drive to create Pain of Truth. The lockdown became a breeding ground for the band’s raw, intense sound, transforming isolation into a creative catalyst.

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Portrayal of Guilt emerged in 2017, a potent force in the American black metal scene. The band's genesis lies in the fusion of two distinct Austin hardcore scenes: guitarist/vocalist Matt King and drummer James Beveridge, veterans of the hardcore outfit Illustrations, joined forces with bassist Blake Given of the screamo band Lyed.

Their self-titled 7" EP, dropped in May 2017, immediately announced their arrival, propelling them onto extensive US and European tours alongside heavy hitters like Centuries, Majority Rule, Planning for Burial, Street Sects, and Slow Fire Pistol. The critical acclaim continued with their March 2018 split EP with industrial hardcore act Street Sects – a collaboration forged on the road – further solidifying their reputation. Deathwish Inc. also reissued their self-titled 7" that same month.

Building momentum, they released a single-sided 5" single, "Chamber of Misery (Pt. 1)," in July 2018, a precursor to their debut full-length. This cleverly orchestrated campaign, launched just before a US tour with French post-hardcore mainstays Birds in Row, culminated in the September 2018 announcement of their debut album, Let Pain Be Your Guide, alongside the premiere of the single "A Burden." The album’s sonic assault was further previewed with the October release of "Your War," a track featuring guest vocals from Dylan Walker of Full of Hell.

RATT (stylized as RATT), the iconic American glam metal band, ruled the 1980s. Their albums achieved multi-platinum status, cementing their place in music history. The bands infectious hits, including the Billboard Top 40 smashes "Round and Round" (#12) and "Lay It Down" (#40), along with anthems like "Wanted Man," "Youre in Love," and "Dance," became staples of the era. Shoulder-to-shoulder with rivals like Mötley Crüe, RATT was pivotal in shaping the explosive Los Angeles glam metal scene—also known as hair metal or pop metal—of the early 1980s.

Though they continued touring and recording sporadically from the 1990s to 2021, enduring numerous lineup changes and extended hiatuses, their final studio album, Infestation, dropped in April 2010.

Early Years (1973-1982):

RATT`s story begins in 1973 Hollywood with the band Firedome, formed by vocalist Stephen Pearcy and friends. After Firedome disbanded in 1974, Pearcy formed Crystal Pystal, later evolving into Mickey Ratt in 1976, finally shortened to Ratt in 1977, setting the stage for their legendary rise.

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Reclaim The Fallen emerged as a post-hardcore force. Their debut EP, Cliché While Still Captivating (September 2005), showcased a captivating blend of familiar and innovative sounds across five tracks. While echoing influences, the EP possessed a distinct originality that set them apart. Known for their passionate performances, Reclaim The Fallen delivered an unforgettable live experience fueled by a genuine love of music.

In 2024, the band reunited for a series of live shows featuring the original lineup, with the exception of keyboardist Joel Morton. A notable change saw vocalist Judah focusing solely on vocals, relinquishing his past dual role of vocals and bass. Skyler Mann filled the bassist's role for the reunion tour.

Sepultura, meaning "grave" in Portuguese, exploded onto the global metal scene in 1984, formed by brothers Max and Igor Cavalera in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Initially making waves in thrash and death metal, they quickly became a major force in the burgeoning groove metal movement of the late 80s and early 90s. Their influence extended far beyond these genres, however, with later albums incorporating elements of alternative, world, nu-metal, hardcore punk, and industrial metal. Considered key players in the second wave of thrash, Sepultura`s relentless innovation cemented their legacy.

Their journey began with 1986s *Morbid Visions*, followed swiftly by *Schizophrenia* in 1987, which attracted the attention of Roadrunner Records. Signing with the label in 1988, they released *Beneath the Remains*, their international breakthrough. The powerhouse trio of *Arise* (1991), *Chaos A.D.* (1993), and *Roots* (1996) solidified Sepulturas status as one of the most influential and successful heavy metal bands of the 90s, selling over three million albums in the US and nearly twenty million worldwide. This success translated into multiple gold and platinum certifications across the globe, from France and Australia to Indonesia and their native Brazil.

Sepultura`s story is not without its significant lineup changes. While the band has endured, both Max and Igor Cavalera eventually departed, Max in 1997 and Igor in 2006. Their "classic" lineup, featuring Max, Igor, and bassist Paulo Jr., reigned for nearly a decade, leaving an indelible mark on the history of extreme metal. With fifteen studio albums to their name, Sepultura’s legacy continues to resonate with metalheads worldwide.

Seven Hours After Violet: A Fresh Face in Metalcore

Seven Hours After Violet, the brainchild of System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, stormed onto the metalcore scene in 2024. The band, known for their intense, aggressive sound, made their debut with the single "Paradise" in June 2024. This explosive first offering set the stage for their self-titled debut album, released in October of the same year.

The band's lineup features:

• Taylor Barber: Vocals, unleashing powerful and passionate screams.
• Michael "Morgoth" Montoya: Guitar, delivering razor-sharp riffs and scorching solos.
• Shavo Odadjian: Bass, laying down the driving rhythm that defines their sound.
• Alejandro Aranda: Guitar and backing vocals, adding another layer of intensity to their music.
• Josh Johnson: Drums, providing the relentless backbone that fuels their sonic onslaught.

Seven Hours After Violet's self-titled debut album is a testament to their raw energy and musical prowess. It showcases their ability to blend heavy riffs, intricate rhythms, and haunting melodies, creating a unique and captivating experience for metalcore fans.

Silent Planet, the acclaimed American metalcore band, emerged from Azusa, California in 2009. Their name, a nod to C.S. Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet, perfectly encapsulates their blend of intense musicianship and introspective lyrical themes. The current lineup features Garrett Russell on vocals, Mitchell Stark on guitar and clean vocals, Alex Camarena on drums, and Nick Pocock on bass. Signed to Solid State Records, they've solidified their place in the scene with five studio albums, their latest, Superbloom, dropping November 3rd, 2023.

Early Days and Rise (2009-2014):

Before solidifying their iconic lineup for their debut EP, Come Wind, Come Weather, Silent Planet honed their sound in the Azusa Pacific University music building. Interestingly, vocalist Garrett Russell concurrently fronted the hardcore band Hepafilter, even recording an EP, Coward, and touring with them until their dissolution in late 2011. In 2012, Silent Planet tracked Come Wind, Come Weather in Atlanta, Georgia, with producer Matt Goldman. This marked their official entry into the scene, launching them on tours with notable acts like Becoming the Archetype, I, of Helix, and Dayseeker, culminating in a performance at California Metalfest 2012. Their early trajectory showcases a band dedicated to their craft, laying the foundation for their future success.

Suicidal Tendencies, a seminal crossover thrash band, emerged from Venice, California in 1980, spearheaded by vocalist Mike Muir. While the lineup has seen significant turnover, Muir remains the sole constant member. Currently, the band features Muir, guitarists Dean Pleasants and Ben Weinman, bassist Tye Trujillo, and drummer Jay Weinberg. A veritable who`s who of musicians have graced the stage and studio over the years, including guitarists Rocky George and Mike Clark; bassists Louiche Mayorga, Robert Trujillo, Ra Díaz, Josh Paul, and Stephen "Thundercat" Bruner; and drummers Amery Smith, Jimmy DeGrasso, Brooks Wackerman, David Hidalgo Jr., Thomas Pridgen, Ron Bruner, Eric Moore, Dave Lombardo, Brandon Pertzborn, Greyson Nekrutman, and session ace Josh Freese.

Often cited alongside D.R.I., Corrosion of Conformity, and Stormtroopers of Death as a foundational force in crossover thrash, Suicidal Tendencies boasts a prolific discography. Their output includes fourteen studio albums (four comprised of re-recorded or previously released material), two EPs, four split albums, four compilations, and two long-form videos. Their self-titled debut in 1983 launched them into the spotlight, thanks in no small part to "Institutionalized," one of the first hardcore punk videos to receive significant MTV airplay. The band’s influence exponentially grew throughout the following decade. Their 1987 album, Join the Army, marked their Billboard 200 debut and showcased their evolving, heavier sound instrumental in shaping the crossover thrash genre. Their subsequent releases on Epic Records—*How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Cant Even Smile Today* (1988), *Controlled by Hatred/Feel Like Shit...Déjà Vu* (1989), and *Lights...Camera...Revolution!* (1990)—were critically acclaimed within the thrash and heavy metal scenes, with the latter two achieving RIAA gold certification. *The Art of Rebellion* (1992), their sixth studio album, became their biggest chart success, peaking at #52 on the Billboard 200 and featuring hits like "Asleep at the Wheel," "Nobody Hears," and "Ill Hate You Better."