About this album

Sound: "A ferocious blend of guttural growls and thunderous riffs, capturing the essence of early death metal."

Where they were

Obituary released 'Cause of Death' as their second studio album in 1990, following their acclaimed debut 'Slowly We Rot.' This album solidified their position in the death metal genre, showcasing a more refined sound that would influence countless bands that followed.

Why it matters

'Cause of Death' is notable for its critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching significant positions on various charts, including the Billboard Heatseekers. It is often cited as a classic within the death metal community and has influenced a generation of musicians with its intense sound and memorable songwriting.

Essential tracks

  • "Chopped in Half" โ€” This track features one of the most recognizable riffs in death metal history, showcasing Obituary's ability to blend melody with brutality.
  • "Body Bag" โ€” 'Body Bag' exemplifies the band's signature style of heavy riffs combined with visceral lyricism, making it a fan favorite during live performances.
  • "Cause of Death" โ€” The title track encapsulates the album's themes and showcases powerful instrumentation along with atmospheric elements that elevate its lyrical content.

Release Date

September 19, 1990

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

  1. 1 Infected 5:35
  2. 2 Body Bag 5:49
  3. 3 Chopped in Half 3:45
  4. 4 Circle of the Tyrants 4:26
  5. 5 Dying 4:30
  6. 6 Find the Arise 2:51
  7. 7 Cause of Death 5:39
  8. 8 Memories Remain 3:44
  9. 9 Turned Inside Out 4:59
  10. 10 Infected (demo) 4:16
  11. 11 Memories Remain (demo) 3:34
  12. 12 Chopped in Half (demo) 3:45