Candlelight Records together with I-Tunes will premiere the first song from OBITUARY's upcoming new album, Xecutioner's Return, via an advance single.

'Evil Ways' will be available for purchase starting July 31st and for fans will be the first and only advance listen of the album set to hit North American stores on August 28th.

Tampa-based Obituary, featuring vocalist John Tardy, guitarist Trevor Peres, bassist Frank Watkins, drummer Donald Tardy and new guitarist Ralph Santolla, are one of the genre's most respected and successful bands. Formed in 1985, the quartet have released six critically-acclaimed albums that have to date sold nearly one million copies in the United States.

Regarding the band's new cooperation with Candlelight Records Frank Watkins says, "We are very excited to be part of Candlelight Records. This will mark a new chapter in death metal history."

John Tardy says, "We are really looking forward to having a record company that wants to work with us. We feel rejuvenated and this new album is gonna be sick!"

Donald Tardy adds, "We couldn't be more pumped about teaming up with Candlelight. It is an unbelievable feeling to know that a record company cares about our music as much as we do."

Album art for Xecutioner's Return was created by artist Andreas Marshall. Marshall has worked with the band for The End Complete and their most recent record Frozen In Time. The album was produced by the band with mastering completed at Morrisound Studios in Tampa on June 16th.

Obituary will embark on a headline tour of the US on September 11th. Tour details will be announced shortly.