Tardy Brothers 

Bloodline

Candlelight Records 2009

The core duo behind Florida's Obituary, Donald and John Tardy, have blazed their own path away from Obituary on a musical excursion where new influences and elements are allowed to breath.  Bloodline features a crapload of session guitarists such as Ralph Santolla (Deicide, Obituary), Jerry Tidwell (Executioner), John Li, and Scott Johnson.  On the opening track as well as the title track a groove-laden power is the driving force behind the compositions as thick, muscular riffs pound the listener in the face like a meat tenderizer.  Wired picks up the tempo with Slayer-esque thrash riffing that scorches the landscape like an uncontrolled wildfire.  Fiery guitar solos char your eardrums with their burning notes.  Acoustic guitars softly balances itself against a smooth, dancing melodic lead on Wired.  Next is Fate's Call with more thrash heaviness with a lot of similarities to middle era Slayer.  Scream Descendent features a some gothic tinged NWOBHM melodic riffs, galloping drums, and a flamenco guitar passage.  Classy guitar solos are dripped over the final track, Fade Away with its stomping walls of burly guitars and melodic accents.  Over the top of every song though are John's characteristic vocals which are unmistakable in their sandpaper rawness and bellowing power.  The Tardy Brothers are definitely exploring new territory though it is not too drastic a change.  The songwriting is mature and stands on its own when compared to Obituary.  Not to mention this material is far more commercially accessible and steers clear from the muddy morbidity of their primary band.  To me this album is interesting and slightly different but in the end I prefer Obituary's work.