Well OK the honeymoon is over. Every man and his dog is now aware that Obituary are back and appear to be here to stay. The bands first album after their extended hiatus, "Frozen In Time" was met with mixed emotions by both fans and critics alike. It was always therefore going to be the case that it's successor would receive the same, if not more scrutiny upon it's release.

The first notable change from the aforementioned "Frozen In Time" is that of the addition of Ralph Santolla to the lead guitar berth. Over recent months anyone who has seen Obituary live would have seen the steady decline of original guitarist Allen West, to the point where he had become somewhat of an albatross around the collective necks of the other members. With West's enforced leave of absence, Santolla more than amply fills West's boots and then some, brining a new dynamism and sharpness to the proceedings.

Stylistically "Xecustioner's Return" does not stray to far away from that 'Obituary sound' we have come to expect over the past two decades. The most notable change being John Tardy's almost audible vocals; I said almost! His style is still as brutal as a sledgehammer to the knee caps and unmistakable classic Tardy, so no worries on that front. The albums high points come in the form of the slower, more groove driven songs, such as "In Your Head" and "Contrast The Dead"; as they prove the perfect foil to the remainder of the albums fierce bombardment.

Like the proverbial leopard, Obituary won't, or can't change their spots. Their music is uncomplicated and their style uninterested in trends. They have made a career out of knowing what they do well, and executing (excuse the pun) to perfection. From a career spanning close to two decades it's hard to pin point a career low point in the material they have produced; which stands as testimony to their ability to write timeless, yet as brutal as a bag of spanners to the head, Death Metal. "Xecutioner's Return" is no exception, ensuring the continuation of this long dynasty in true gut wrenching, ear blistering fashion.