Obituary Members, Gear & Sound
US death metal band
Members
Select a Obituary band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Obituary is a foundational American death metal band hailing from Tampa, Florida, established in 1986. Known for their relentless yet varied sound, the group consists of John Tardy (vocals), Donald Tardy (drums), Trevor Peres (guitar), Terry Butler (bass), and Ken Andrews (guitar). Obituary has been instrumental in shaping the death metal genre with their fusion of lo-fi elements and hardcore influences, which can be traced back to their debut album Slowly We Rot. The band's ability to seamlessly transition from rapid tempos to crushingly slow, dirge-like passages set them apart in the late '80s and early '90s, solidifying their status as pioneers of the genre.
How to Sound Like Obituary
The sonic character of Obituary is raw and aggressive, marked by their use of heavily distorted, downtuned guitars and thunderous drumming. The dirty, gut-punching guitar tones are often achieved through the use of equipment like the Pro Co RAT distortion pedal combined with the powerful Marshall JCM800 2204 amplifier head. This setup provides the thick, visceral sound that is essential to their music. To capture their dense, oppressive vibe, it's crucial to incorporate intense, articulate riffing and deeply resonant bass lines, elements that add weight to their compositions. The vocals, delivered with a snarling intensity, further enhance their dark, foreboding sound, creating a sonic onslaught that is both brutal and captivating.
Discography
Slowly We Rot (Reissue)
1989
Cause of Death (Reissue)
1990
The End Complete (Reissue)
1992
World Demise (Reissue)
1994
Back from the Dead
1997
Dead (Live)
1998
Frozen In Time
2005
Inked in Blood (Deluxe Version)
2014
Ten Thousand Ways to Die
2016
Obituary
2017
Slowly We Rot - Live and Rotting
2022
Cause of Death - Live Infection
2022
Get the Obituary Sound
Want to sound like Obituary? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
