by Steve Huey

Obituary returns after a three-year layoff from the studio just as heavy as ever, and not much different. Back from the Dead is another collection of detuned, heavy riffs backed by powerful drumming, and John Tardy's vocals still sound as if he is in immense pain. Ultimately, though, it's the riffs that matter on an Obituary record, not sweeping stylistic overhauls, and Back from the Dead delivers exactly what longtime listeners are looking for, even if other listeners might be turned off by the lack of dynamic contrasts.