Corrosion of Conformity Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity: The Pioneers of Southern Metal

Corrosion of Conformity (COC), hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, blazed a trail through the heavy metal landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Their distinctive blend of Southern metal, hardcore punk, and sludge earned them a loyal following and critical acclaim.

Early Years and Rise to Prominence

Formed in 1982 by vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan, bassist Mike Dean, and drummer Reed Mullin, COC's early sound was raw and aggressive, influenced by hardcore bands like Black Flag and the Misfits. Their debut album, "Eye for an Eye," released in 1984, established them as a force to be reckoned with in the burgeoning underground scene.

Mainstream Success and Critical Acclaim

As COC's sound matured, they gained broader recognition with the release of their fourth album, "Blind," in 1991. Featuring iconic tracks like "Albatross" and "Vote with a Bullet," "Blind" showcased their mastery of heavy, riff-driven grooves and Keenan's enigmatic lyrics. The album garnered critical praise and commercial success, helping COC break into the mainstream.

Artistic Challenges and Controversies

COC's music often touched on controversial topics, such as religion, politics, and social injustice. Their lyrics, often cryptic and open to interpretation, led to accusations of censorship and criticism from conservative groups. However, the band remained defiant, using their music as a platform for expressing their views.

Discography

* Eye for an Eye (1984)
* Animosity (1985)
* Blind (1991)
* Deliverance (1994)
* Wiseblood (1996)
* America's Volume Dealer (2000)
* In the Arms of God (2005)
* No Cross No Crown (2018)
* Monument (2022)

Band Members

* Pepper Keenan - Vocals, Guitar
* Woody Weatherman - Guitar
* Mike Dean - Bass
* John Green - Drums (1982-1993, 2014-present)
* Reed Mullin - Drums (1982-1993)
* Jason Patterson - Drums (1993-1994)
* Jimmy Bower - Drums (1994-2001)
* Stanton Moore - Drums (2001-2005)
* Adam Duce - Drums (2005-2014)