Tag: corrosion of conformity

Let’s go all the way back to ’91 with what is COC’s best album. This is a killer reissue, as not only do you get the album but you get a whole albums worth of demos and B-sides. The liner notes are a superb read as well, they actually asked Chris Cornell to join the band prior to the recording of this album. Before this album they were more of a hardcore band and there are elements of that here, but ultimately this is quite a technical metal record with some killer grooves.

Dance Of The Dead is quite simple with a basic descending riff, but it’s a really cool song with hints of Sabbath. In fact, those Sabbath tones are sprinkled liberally throughout the album. Break The Circle has a hint of hip hop with the groove and vocal.  My favourite track is the brutal Vote With a Bullet, such a dirty riff and groove that just bounces along. This is the 30th anniversary reissue and it’s rather excellent.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

What started out as their main gig, over time turned into a project as the members went off and did other things. Pepper Keenan even auditioned for Metallica. Blind is one of my favourite albums from the early nineties. I was really looking forward to this album when I heard it was coming out with the classic line up, and it definitely delivers with a heavy doom vibe. There is a tinge of sadness as Reed Mullin passed on in 2020.

After the short intro, it’s the epic Sabbath-esque The Luddite that starts things off in great fashion – it’s a monster track. Cast The First Stone is even better with a freakin’ great riff and groove. I’m happy to report this awesomeness carries on throughout the record. My favourite tracks (other than the two lead off tracks) are Nothing Left To Say, Elm, and the very groovy Wolf Named Crow. Even in the quieter moments, like No Cross, the evil shines though. If there is one album that could be Sabbath in this modern age, it’s definitely this one. Great record and I definitely recommend it.

9.5/10 from The Grooveman.