Cause of Death is widely regarded as one of the greatest death metal albums ever released. This 1990 masterpiece by Obituary showcased a unique sound that pushed the boundaries of the genre. The vinyl edition of Cause of Death remains highly sought after by collectors and metal enthusiasts alike.
Recently, Obituary has revisited this landmark album with Cause of Death – Live Infection. This special release captures the band performing the iconic record in its entirety. Available on vinyl, CD, and Blu-ray, it offers fans a chance to experience the raw power of Cause of Death in a live setting.
The enduring appeal of Cause of Death on vinyl speaks to both the album’s musical significance and the resurgence of vinyl as a preferred format for many music lovers. Its crushing riffs, haunting atmosphere, and John Tardy’s distinctive vocals continue to captivate listeners over three decades after its initial release.
Origins and Album Overview
Obituary’s “Cause of Death” stands as a pivotal release in the Florida death metal scene. The album’s impact on the genre’s development and Obituary’s rise to prominence are closely intertwined with the broader evolution of extreme metal in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Inception of Death Metal in Florida
Florida emerged as a hotbed for death metal in the late 1980s. Bands like Death, Morbid Angel, and Obituary pioneered a distinctive sound characterized by brutal riffs, guttural vocals, and intense drumming. This regional scene quickly gained international attention, with Tampa becoming a focal point for the genre’s growth.
Obituary formed in Tampa in 1984, initially under the name Xecutioner. The band’s early demos caught the attention of Roadrunner Records, leading to their signing and subsequent debut album release in 1989.
Obituary’s Rise to Prominence
Obituary’s debut album “Slowly We Rot” (1989) established them as a force in death metal. The band’s unique sound, featuring John Tardy’s distinctive vocals and the Peres brothers’ guitar work, set them apart from their peers.
“Cause of Death,” released in 1990, marked a significant step forward for the band. It featured new bassist Frank Watkins and guitarist James Murphy, formerly of Death. This lineup change brought fresh elements to Obituary’s sound, contributing to the album’s impact and the band’s growing reputation.
Overview of ‘Cause of Death’ Album
“Cause of Death” was released on September 19, 1990, through Roadrunner Records. The album features 9 tracks, including a cover of Celtic Frost’s “Circle of the Tyrants.”
Key aspects of the album include:
- Production by Scott Burns at Morrisound Recording
- Artwork by renowned artist Michael Whelan
- A more refined and technical approach compared to their debut
- John Tardy’s distinctive vocal style
- Memorable riffs and solos from Donald Tardy and James Murphy
The album’s blend of raw aggression and improved musicianship helped solidify Obituary’s status as one of death metal’s most influential bands. “Cause of Death” remains a benchmark release in the genre, inspiring countless musicians and earning critical acclaim.
Album Analysis
Cause of Death showcases Obituary’s evolution in musical style and lyrical depth. The album’s composition, themes, and James Murphy’s guitar work solidified its place as a death metal classic.
Musical Style and Composition
Cause of Death marked a significant progression in Obituary’s sound. The album features a blend of punishing riffs and dynamic tempo changes. Heavy, down-tuned guitars create a thick wall of sound, complemented by John Tardy’s distinctive guttural vocals.
The rhythm section provides a solid foundation, with thunderous drumming and bass lines that enhance the overall heaviness. Tracks like “Infected” and “Body Bag” exemplify the band’s ability to craft memorable, crushing death metal compositions.
Atmospheric elements add depth to the music, creating a dark and ominous mood throughout the LP. This grim atmosphere sets Cause of Death apart from Obituary’s other releases.
Lyrical Themes and Interpretation
Cause of Death delves into morbid and macabre subjects typical of death metal. The lyrics explore themes of mortality, suffering, and societal decay. John Tardy’s vocals, often indecipherable, contribute to the album’s overall sense of horror and unease.
Songs like “Chopped in Half” and “Dying” vividly depict graphic scenes of violence and death. The lyrical content aligns with the music’s intensity, creating a cohesive and unsettling listening experience.
The album’s title track addresses the inevitability of death, while “Find the Arise” touches on themes of resurrection and damnation. These dark narratives reinforce the LP’s position as a quintessential death metal release.
James Murphy’s Contribution
James Murphy’s guitar work on Cause of Death significantly impacted the album’s sound and success. His technical prowess and melodic sensibilities added a new dimension to Obituary’s music.
Murphy’s lead guitar parts provide a stark contrast to the rhythm section’s brutality. His solos, featured prominently in tracks like “Infected” and “Cause of Death,” showcase his ability to blend shredding techniques with tasteful, atmospheric playing.
The interplay between Murphy’s lead work and Trevor Peres’ rhythm guitar creates a dynamic and engaging musical landscape. This collaboration elevated Obituary’s songwriting and helped establish Cause of Death as a landmark album in the death metal genre.
Recording and Production
Cause of Death was recorded at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida. The album’s distinctive sound resulted from a combination of skilled musicians and experienced production personnel.
Morrisound Studios Sessions
Obituary entered Morrisound Studios in 1990 to record Cause of Death. The facility was renowned for its work with death metal bands. John Tardy’s powerful vocals were captured using specialized microphone techniques. Donald Tardy’s drum tracks provided a solid foundation for the album’s crushing sound. Trevor Peres laid down guitar parts that blended technical precision with raw aggression.
Production Team and Technique
The production team for Cause of Death included experienced professionals in the metal genre. They employed a mix of analog and digital recording methods to achieve the album’s signature sound. The guitars were recorded using a combination of high-gain amplifiers and carefully placed microphones. Bass tracks were engineered to complement the guitar tones while maintaining clarity. The final mix emphasized the band’s aggressive performance while preserving the nuances of each instrument.
Track Analysis
The Cause of Death vinyl showcases Obituary’s raw power and technical prowess across two sides of blistering death metal. Each track captures the band’s signature sound with crushing riffs, pummeling drums, and John Tardy’s unmistakable vocals.
A-side Tracks
“Infected” opens the album with a relentless assault of grinding guitars and blast beats. The track’s mid-tempo breakdown highlights Obituary’s knack for groove. “Body Bag” follows with its haunting intro riff before erupting into a furious display of Trevor Peres’ guitar work.
“Chopped in Half” features one of the album’s most memorable riffs, complemented by Donald Tardy’s precise drumming. The side closes with “Circle of the Tyrants,” a Celtic Frost cover that Obituary makes their own through sheer brutality.
B-side Tracks
The B-side kicks off with “Dying,” a slower, doom-laden track that showcases the band’s dynamic range. “Find the Arise” picks up the pace with its frantic riffing and John Tardy’s guttural roars.
The title track “Cause of Death” is a masterclass in death metal songwriting, featuring intricate guitar work and a crushing mid-section. “Memories Remain” slows things down again, demonstrating Obituary’s ability to create atmosphere.
“Turned Inside Out” closes the album on a high note, its relentless pace and memorable chorus leaving listeners hungry for more. Each track on the B-side further cements Obituary’s status as death metal pioneers.
Releases and Reissues
Obituary’s “Cause of Death” album has seen multiple releases and reissues since its initial launch in 1990. The record has been made available in various formats and special editions over the years.
Initial Launch and Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records released “Cause of Death” on September 19, 1990. The album quickly became a death metal classic, featuring the band’s new lineup with Frank Watkins on bass and James Murphy on guitar.
Roadrunner continued to support the album with subsequent pressings and reissues. The label’s involvement ensured wide distribution and helped cement the record’s status in the metal community.
Vinyl, CD, and Cassette Formats
“Cause of Death” has been released in multiple formats to cater to different listener preferences. Vinyl editions have been particularly popular among collectors and audiophiles.
CD versions offer convenient digital playback, while cassettes provide a nostalgic format for old-school metal fans. Each format has seen multiple pressings over the years.
Some vinyl reissues feature colored variants, including bone white and blood red pressings. These special editions often command higher prices in the collector’s market.
Exclusive and Limited Editions
Several exclusive and limited edition releases of “Cause of Death” have appeared over time. These versions often feature unique packaging or colored vinyl pressings.
In 2022, a limited orange and black vinyl edition was released. Other notable variants include:
- Bone white vinyl pressings
- Blood red vinyl editions
- Versions with pink labels
Some limited runs are restricted to 500 copies or fewer, increasing their rarity and value. Unofficial releases have also emerged, though their quality and legality may vary.
Artwork and Packaging
The artwork and packaging of Obituary’s “Cause of Death” vinyl release are distinctive elements that complement the album’s brutal sound. The visual presentation has evolved through various reissues while maintaining the iconic imagery associated with this death metal classic.
Cover Design and Artist Credits
The “Cause of Death” album cover features a striking image created by Odd Life Studios. It depicts a grotesque, zombie-like figure emerging from a misty background, capturing the album’s dark and morbid themes. The artwork’s earthy tones and intricate details make it instantly recognizable among death metal album covers of the era.
The band’s logo appears prominently at the top of the cover, with the album title positioned below in a blood-red font. This design choice emphasizes the album’s title and reinforces its ominous atmosphere.
Packaging Variations During Reissues
Original pressings of “Cause of Death” vinyl included a printed inner sleeve with credits, photos, and additional graphic art. Some editions came with an A4 advertising sheet or order form, adding collector’s value.
Reissues have introduced variations in packaging. Certain versions feature colored vinyl, such as red and black marbled editions, enhancing the visual appeal for collectors. Some reissues include expanded liner notes and additional photos, providing fans with more background information on the album’s creation.
Recent remastered editions often come in gatefold sleeves, allowing for larger artwork presentation and space for expanded content. These packaging updates cater to both long-time fans and new listeners seeking a premium physical format of this influential death metal album.
Posthumous Legacy and Tributes
“Cause of Death” has left an indelible mark on the death metal genre. Its influence continues to reverberate through tributes and acknowledgments from contemporary artists.
Tributes by Contemporary Artists
Numerous modern metal bands have paid homage to “Cause of Death” through covers and musical references. Celtic Frost’s T.G. Warrior has cited the album as a major influence on his own work. Morbid Angel, contemporaries of Obituary, have frequently praised the album’s groundbreaking sound in interviews.
The release of “Cause of Death – Live Infection” further cements the album’s legacy. This live recording captures the raw energy of Obituary’s performances, allowing fans to experience the iconic tracks in a new light.
Impact on Death Metal Genre
“Cause of Death” helped define the Florida death metal sound. Its distinctive guitar tone and groove-oriented riffs inspired countless bands in the years following its release.
The album’s production techniques, particularly the guitar and drum sounds, became widely emulated. Many death metal producers still reference “Cause of Death” when crafting their sonic palettes.
Its lyrical themes and artwork also set new standards for the genre’s visual and conceptual elements. The album cover remains instantly recognizable and has been reproduced on merchandise for decades.
Collectibility and Market Analysis
The vinyl records market has experienced a resurgence, driven by collectors and enthusiasts. Original pressings and limited editions command premium prices, while colored vinyl attracts both audiophiles and casual fans.
Value Assessment of Original Pressings
Original pressings of vinyl records often fetch high prices in the collector’s market. Factors influencing value include rarity, condition, and historical significance. First pressings of iconic albums can sell for thousands of dollars.
Collectors prize early releases for their sound quality and authenticity. The Beatles’ “White Album” first pressing, for example, has sold for over $790,000. Other valuable original pressings include Elvis Presley’s first recordings and rare jazz albums.
Condition plays a crucial role in determining value. Records graded as “mint” or “near mint” command the highest prices. Even minor surface scratches can significantly impact worth.
Demand for Limited and Colored Vinyl
Limited edition and colored vinyl releases have become increasingly popular among collectors and casual buyers alike. These special pressings often feature unique artwork, colored discs, or additional content.
Record labels capitalize on this trend by releasing collector’s editions of both new and classic albums. Some artists release multiple color variants of the same album, driving fans to purchase multiple copies.
Colored vinyl, while not necessarily superior in sound quality, appeals to collectors for its visual appeal. Common colors include red, blue, and clear, but more unusual options like splatter or glow-in-the-dark vinyl also exist.
Limited runs of 500 to 1,000 copies can sell out quickly, sometimes within minutes of release. This scarcity drives up resale prices, with some rare colored vinyl albums selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Fan Reception and Critique
Obituary’s “Cause of Death” album received widespread acclaim from death metal fans upon release. Its influential sound and raw intensity left a lasting impact on the genre and musicians for decades to come.
Initial Reaction to ‘Cause of Death’
Death metal enthusiasts greeted “Cause of Death” with overwhelming enthusiasm when it debuted in 1990. The album’s crushing riffs, John Tardy’s distinctive vocals, and James Murphy’s blistering guitar solos struck a chord with listeners. Many fans praised the record’s dark, atmospheric production and unrelenting heaviness.
Critics hailed it as a landmark release that helped define the Florida death metal sound. The title track and songs like “Infected” and “Chopped in Half” became instant classics in Obituary’s live repertoire. Some listeners needed time to digest the album’s more experimental elements, but most embraced its boundary-pushing approach.
Long-term Impact on Fans and Musicians
“Cause of Death” cemented Obituary’s status as one of death metal’s most influential bands. Its sound inspired countless musicians and shaped the genre’s evolution throughout the 1990s and beyond. Many fans consider it Obituary’s definitive album and a high point of early death metal.
The record’s legacy endures through continued vinyl reissues and live performances. Obituary’s 2022 “Cause of Death – Live Infection” release allowed fans to experience the classic album with modernized production. This re-recording earned praise for capturing the original’s spirit while adding subtle new elements.
Musicians cite “Cause of Death” as a major influence, with its mix of brutality and atmosphere informing death metal for decades. Its impact extends beyond death metal, influencing various extreme music subgenres.
Band Members and Personnel
Obituary’s “Cause of Death” album featured a talented lineup of musicians. The record showcased both core band members and a notable guest guitarist, contributing to its influential sound.
Band Line-up for ‘Cause of Death’
John Tardy provided his distinctive growling vocals on the album. His brother Donald Tardy handled drum duties and contributed to songwriting. Trevor Peres played rhythm guitar and also participated in the songwriting process.
Frank Watkins made his debut with Obituary on bass for this release. James Murphy joined as lead guitarist, marking his only album with the band. Murphy’s technical prowess added a new dimension to Obituary’s sound.
Contributions of Guest Musicians
James Murphy’s presence as a guest guitarist significantly impacted “Cause of Death.” His lead guitar work brought a more technical and melodic approach to Obituary’s music. Murphy’s solos and riffs complemented the band’s brutal death metal style.
Previously a member of Death, Murphy’s experience in the genre shone through on tracks like “Infected” and “Memories Remain.” His contributions helped elevate the album’s status as a death metal classic.