In the early days of COC, the band honed their craft taking the shape of a hardcore punk style, with a 20-track debut, “Eye for an Eye” which was released in 1984 on Candlelight Records. They also released an album called “Animosity” in October 1985, but on Metal Blade Records. Their first album that struck the charts in a big way was an album called “Blind” released one November 5th 1991. It placed on the Heatseekers chart at number 24. They released “Dance of the Dead” and “Vote with a Bullet” as singles, both of which earning the band some valuable airplay on Los Angeles’ KNAC.
COC signed a deal with Columbia Records, and entered the studio in 1993. They emerged on September 27th 1994 with an album called “Deliverance”. Kerrang! described the album as a “True 90s classic”. Their song “Albatross” taken from the record has made it onto the video game Guitar Hero: Metallica. The album made it to number 5 on the Heatseekers Chart, and entered the Billboard 200 chart at number 155, and has since it’s release sold upwards of 379,000 copies. This record was followed with the ever-popular “Wiseblood” released on October 12th 1996 still on Columbia records. It made it to an even higher chart position of number two in the Heatseekers Chart, and this time, number 43 on the UK Albums Chart.
After a brief hiatus, which included the release of a live album entitled “Live Volume”, in 2005 on April 5th, the band released their album “In the Arms of God”. It was this album that managed to hit the top spot of the Heatseekers Chart and even number 41 in Sweden.
Their two following studio albums, the eponymous release on February 28th 2012, and IX on June 24th 2014, have both made it to number 5 on the Heatseekers Chart.
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that Corrosion of Conformity has been bringing their punishing brand of sludge/thrash metal to fans for nearly thirty years. Watching them perform at MetalFest Chile in 2013 is a testament to their dedication and talent as a live band. Of course, performing in Chile, a country long known for its passionate and excitable metal fans, makes this both easy and excitable.
Breaking it down in front of a packed crowd of literally thousands, Corrosion of Conformity look a bit older than when they first started, but no less enthused to be playing classics like their 1991 song Vote With a Bullet, as relevant to today’s political atmosphere as it was when released. Singer Pepper James Keenan (back after a brief hiatus from the band) looks entire comfortable as frontman, sporting the metal “uniform” of black shirt, blue jeans, and long hair, masterfully controlling his guitar riffs with the ease and talent of a seasoned pro.
Bandmates Mike Dean (bass), Woody Weatherman (guitarist) and drummer Reed Mullin are no less enthusiastic, performing their driving brand of metal with a practiced confidence that only 30 years as a band can bring. Watch out for the pit – but then, it’s a Corrosion of Conformity show. You know that already.
Show was incredible. Whores is one of the best live acts in heavy music right now. I've seen them 3 times and it doesn't matter if they go on at 11am or 11pm, they bring the energy and tight performance to each set!
If you haven't seen these guys live, you really need to! They'll rock your shit.
What an excellent gig really upbeat rock music the band get right in with the fans really enjoyed listening to their new songs and from their album also supported by 2 other good bands Scorpion Child & Buffalo Summer