Corrosion Of Conformity
This seminal hardcore crossover band, originally known as No Labels, was formed in Raleigh, North Carolina, by Reed Mullin (drums), Woody Weatherman (guitar) and Mike Dean (bass/vocals) in 1982, and rose to become one of the biggest draws in the US underground with their stunning live shows. EYE FOR AN EYE, with vocals supplied by Eric Eyke, separated them from the pack by mixing hardcore speed with Black Sabbath and Deep Purple-influenced power riffing. A more metallic crossover style became evident with ANIMOSITY, although the group lost neither their aggression nor their hardcore ideals. The blistering TECHNOCRACY, with Simon Bob (ex-Ugly Americans) on vocals, saw the band's audience expand with the rise of thrash, but record company problems and the loss of Simon Bob and Dean led to Corrosion Of Conformity's collapse. However, just as it seemed that SIX SONGS WITH MIKE SINGING was to be their epitaph, Corrosion Of Conformity returned, with Mullin and Weatherman joined by Karl Agell (vocals, ex-School Of Violence), Pepper Keenan (guitar/vocals) and Phil Swisher (bass). Impressive tours with DRI and Danzig helped gain a new deal, and the acclaimed BLIND saw the band adopt a slower, more melodic, but still fiercely heavy style. It also continued the hardcore lyrical stance of an increasingly politically active band, challenging social, political and ecological issues. Success with Vote With A Bullet and electrifying live shows, including a UK tour supporting Soundgarden, re-established Corrosion Of Conformity as a force, but the departure of Agell and Swisher slowed the momentum once more. DELIVERANCE, with Keenan taking lead vocals and Dean back in place, saw the band incorporate ever more diverse influences into their weighty sound, adding southern rock grooves and, perhaps most surprisingly, Thin Lizzy-style guitar harmonies for a varied album which was a considerable departure from their hardcore musical roots.