The iconic frontman of Obituary, John Tardy, is renowned for his distinctive growls and guttural delivery, which contributed to the development of the death metal vocal style. His voice is raw, unrelenting, and instantly recognizable.
So in honor of Tardy's birthday, here is what I consider to be 10 of his greatest vocal performances, showcasing his intensity, range, and influence.
10. “Slowly We Rot” (Slowly We Rot, 1989)
The title track from Obituary’s debut album is one of Tardy’s most iconic performances. His feral, sludgy delivery perfectly complements the crushing riffs, setting the standard for death metal vocals. His screams toward the end are particularly chilling.
9. “Sentence Day” (Obituary, 2017)
On this track, Tardy proves that his voice hasn’t lost any of its power over the decades. His rapid-fire phrasing and razor-sharp aggression match the song’s breakneck speed, making it a standout from their later work.
8. “Dying” (Cause of Death, 1990)
This song features some of Tardy’s most tortured-sounding vocals, as he delivers each line like a horrifying death wail. The way his voice drags and lingers over the riffs makes this track one of his most haunting performances.
7. “Chopped in Half” (Cause of Death, 1990)
Tardy's infamous opening growl (“Chooopped… in haaaalf!”) is legendary. His vocals throughout the song are dynamic, switching between long, agonizing moans and short, brutal bursts, making this one of his most recognizable performances.
6. “Visions in My Head” (Inked in Blood, 2014)
This track from Obituary’s later years proves that Tardy can still deliver with intensity. His voice has a slightly more refined, controlled tone here, but it retains the rawness that makes his style so unique.
5. “Threatening Skies” (Back from the Dead, 1997)
Tardy’s machine-gun-like phrasing and snarling delivery on this track are electrifying. He sounds rabid and vicious, matching the song’s frantic energy.
4. “I’m in Pain” (The End Complete, 1992)
A defining moment for Obituary, Tardy’s relentless, almost agonized vocal style makes this track a classic. His voice sounds like it’s being dragged through hell, adding a grim, nightmarish feel to the song.
3. “Turned Inside Out” (Cause of Death, 1990)
Tardy’s growls on this track are among the deepest and most monstrous of his career. His voice oozes with menace, complementing the crushing groove of the song. It’s a masterclass in death metal vocals.
2. “Redneck Stomp” (Frozen in Time, 2005—Live Performances)
While the original version is instrumental, Tardy’s live performances of this song are legendary. He adds in guttural roars and war cries that make the song even more intense in a live setting. His presence alone elevates it into one of his best vocal moments.
1. “Cause of Death” (Cause of Death, 1990)
This track defines John Tardy’s vocal style—his drawn-out, almost inhuman wails and guttural howls make this one of his most terrifying and powerful performances. Every word sounds like it’s being wrenched from the depths of his soul, making it a benchmark for death metal vocals.
John Tardy’s voice is one of the most recognizable and brutal in metal history, and his influence on death metal vocals is undeniable. His ability to blend raw emotion, sheer brutality, and unmatched intensity has cemented him as one of the genre’s greatest frontmen.
Until next time, play it loud, friends!
