Who knows what death metal vocals would sound like today if it not for Chris Barnes. As the original Cannibal Corpse vocalist, Barnes introduced low growling and continued with his violent gutturals after forming Six Feet Under in 1993. Undead is the Florida band's ninth studio album and although Barnes enlisted a new line-up, replacing original members Terry Butler and Greg Gall, the music is consistent and distinctly Six Feet Under. The band's adherence to death metal traditions is made apparent as soon as the crushingly brutal groove of opening track "Frozen At the Moment of Death" kicks in. Barnes kicks up the band's game by finding some excellent musicians to work with, including drummer Kevin Talley (Dying Fetus, Misery Index, Chimaira) and ex-Chimaira guitarist Rob Arnold, who reinvigorate Six Feet Under by adding their fresh, new twists to the band's classic sound. "Blood On My Hands," "Reckless" and "The Depths of Depravity" are album highlights, with mid-tempo, groovy riffs and heavy blasts, as well as dark, thought-provoking lyrics. As the first new material from Barnes and company since 2008's Death Rituals, Undead has proven to be well worth the four-year wait.
Read an interview with Six Feet Under here.
(Metal Blade)Read an interview with Six Feet Under here.