Though, Obituary may not have founded death metal, they certainly influenced it forever. Forming in 1984 under the moniker Executioner, they changed their name to Xecutioner that same year and then to Obituary in 1988. Their debut album, "Slowly We Rot", came out in 1989 under Roadrunner records.

In 1997 they disbanded, only to reform in 2004, and create their first album since 1997's "Back From The Dead" with there rejoin studio album "Frozen in Time". The members of the band had many side projects during their breakup. Donald Tardy did some drumming for Andrew W.K., and Allen West has his own projects [Six Feet Under and Lowbrow]. Trevor Peres formed a band called "Catastrophic", which will continue creating new music.

In January of 2007, Obituary released "Frozen Alive", a live DVD that was recorded in Warsaw, Poland. They recently got a new record contract under Candlelight Records, and released the new album, "Xecutioner's Return", on August 28, 2007. Ralph Santolla will be filling in for Allen West while he is incarcerated. His release is expected for February 2008.

In total, Obituary have released 7 studio albums, 1 live disc, one DVD, and a compilation.