The 15th studio album by the OGs of Death Metal, Violence Unimagined by Cannibal Corpse was released on April 16th, 2021 (Metal Blade). Of course, it’s awesome! It’s Cannibal Corpse! But more than that, this record is their best in over a decade! Cannibal Corpse always delivers the beatings; you always know what is coming. After 32+ years there is no sign of them slowing down or losing a step. In fact, with Violence Unimagined, the opposite is true. Cannibal Corpse have solidified themselves as the kings of terror, horror, torture, crunch, and furious frenzy.
One major reason for the bands rejuvenation on this record is the addition of guitar mastermind, producer genius Erik Rutan (Morbid Angel; Ripping Corpse; Hate Eternal) on lead guitar. He filled-in for Pat O`brien on the band’s 2019 tour, and produced four of Cannibal Corpse’s albums. In February of 2021 Erik joined the band full time. For ViolenceUnimagined, Erik wrote the music and lyrics for three songs (“Condemnation Contagion,” “Ritual Annihilation,” and “Overtorture”) and he even sings backing vocals on “Murderous Rampage.” Erik compliments long time member Rob Barratt (lead and rhythm guitar) very well. Founding members Alex Webster (bass) and Paul Mazurkiewicz (drums) are one of the hardest working rhythm sections in all of music. And what can you say about the most recognizable voice (and neck) in Death Metal?! George “Corpsegrinder” Fischer (vocals) steps it up another notch with his powerful holler/gutteral/scream.
Two singles were released for Violence Unimagined, “Murderous Rampage” and “Inhumane Harvest.” The former is the opening track that beats you to a pulp from GO, and the latter is one of my favorite songs on the record; with its unforgettable, Cannibal Corpse trademark buzzing riff. “Condemnation Contagion” and “Slowly Sawn” bring the heavy grooves. “Ritual Annihilation,” “Bound and Burned,” and “Overtorture” contain some of the crunchiest riffs on the album. “Follow the Blood” is almost a throwback to their thrash metal roots, and is nearly anthemic in the chorus. “Necrogenic Resurrection” and “Surround, Kill, Devour” are straight-forward bone crushers. And “Cerements of the Flayed” is a great song that seems a leftover from A Skeletal Domain (2014) and reminds me of “Skewered from Ear to Eye” on Evisceration Plague (2009).
Favorite Songs: Condemnation Contagion; Ritual Annihilation; Slowly Sawn
Rating: 9/10!! Great technical Death Metal with powerful gutterals; exactly what you expect from Cannibal Corpse, with a fresh infusion of the seasoned Erik Rutan!
Stay Metal,
THE SAW