Cannibal Corpse: Members, Albums, and Songs
Cannibal Corpse is a name that strikes both fear and fascination in the hearts of metal enthusiasts. Since itsinception in 1988, this death metal band has made a significant mark on the genre with their brutal sound, graphic lyrics, and controversial album covers. In this article, we will explore the band’s members, discography, notable songs, and intriguing facts that fans have long wanted to know.
Founding and Early Days
Cannibal Corpse was formed in Buffalo, New York, by a group of musicians who shared a passion for heavy metal. The founding members included Chris Barnes (vocals), Jack Owen (guitar), Bob Rusay (guitar), Alex Webster (bass), and Paul Mazurkiewicz (drums). Their intention was clear from the start: to create music that was unapologetically extreme.
In 1989, the band released their debut album, “Eaten Back to Life,” which set the tone for their future endeavors. The album was characterized by its aggressive riffs and grotesque lyrical themes, establishing Cannibal Corpse as a pioneering force in death metal.
Initial Lineup and Changes
Over the years, Cannibal Corpse has undergone several lineup changes. Chris Barnes was the original vocalist, but after the release of “The Bleeding” in 1994, he was replaced by George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher. Fisher’s arrival marked a new era for the band, as his powerful growls and dynamic stage presence helped elevate Cannibal Corpse to greater heights.
The other founding members, Alex Webster and Paul Mazurkiewicz, have remained constants in the band, ensuring a cohesive sound throughout their numerous releases. Guitarist Pat O’Brien joined Cannibal Corpse in 1997, bringing with him a unique style that further enriched the band’s sonic landscape.
Current Members of Cannibal Corpse (2024)
As of now, the lineup of Cannibal Corpse consists of:
- George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher (vocals): Joined in 1995, Fisher’s aggressive vocal style and energetic performances have been a major influence on the band’s success.
- Alex Webster (bass): A founding member, Webster is known for his technical proficiency and intricate bass lines.
- Paul Mazurkiewicz (drums): The only constant drummer since the band’s formation, Mazurkiewicz is essential to the Cannibal Corpse sound.
- Rob Barret (guitar): He is the current guitarist of the band.
- Erik Rutan (guitar): Rutan, a long-time collaborator with Cannibal Corpse, officially joined the band in 2021, bringing his extensive experience in the metal scene.
Cannibal Corpse Discography
Cannibal Corpse has released a total of 15 studio albums. Here are the Cannibal Corpse albums ranked from earliest to latest:
- Eaten Back to Life (1990)
- Butchered at Birth (1991)
- Tomb of the Mutilated (1992)
- The Bleeding (1994)
- Vile (1996)
- Gallery of Suicide (2000)
- Bloodthirst (2002)
- Gore Obsessed (2002)
- the Wretched Spawn (2004)
- Kill (2006)
- Torture (2012)
- A Skeletal Domain (2014)
- Red Before Black (2017)
- Violence Unimagined (2021)
- Chaos Horrific (2023)
The album “The Bleeding,” which marked the first appearance of George Fisher, is often considered a classic, featuring standout tracks like “Staring Through the Eyes of the Dead.” On the other hand, “Violence Unimagined” showcases the band’s evolution while staying true to their brutal roots.
Controversial Album Covers
Cannibal Corpse is infamous for its graphic album covers, which often depict violent and gory imagery. This has led to controversy and even bans in certain regions. For instance, the cover art for “Butchered at Birth” was so graphic that it was banned in several countries including Germany, and some stores refused to carry the album.
Fans appreciate the provocative nature of these covers, seeing them as an extension of the band’s artistic expression. The artwork is often done by renowned artist Vincent Locke, who has collaborated with the band on multiple projects.
Cannibal Corpse’s Pat O’Brien: A Key Member
Pat O’Brien’s journey with Cannibal Corpse began in 1997 when he replaced the departing guitarist Bob Rusay. Known for his rapid-fire riffs and complex solos, O’Brien has played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound. He contributed to many of Cannibal Corpse’s critically acclaimed albums, including “The Wretched Spawn” and “Kill.”
O’Brien’s career has not been without controversy, as he faced legal issues in 2018, resulting in a temporary hiatus from the band. However, his passion for music remained unwavering, and he made a triumphant return to Cannibal Corpse, much to the delight of fans.
Musical Style and Genre
Cannibal Corpse is primarily categorized as a death metal band, known for its fast tempos, complex guitar riffs, and guttural vocals. They are not classified as black metal or thrash metal, though they have incorporated elements from both genres into their sound.
Cannibal Corpse and the Metal Community
The band’s influence on the metal community is undeniable. They have inspired countless musicians and bands in the death metal genre, and their music has appeared in various media, including video games and movies.
Despite their often-misunderstood lyrics, which deal with horror themes, Cannibal Corpse has managed to maintain a dedicated fanbase, drawn in by their relentless energy and musicianship.
Fan Questions Answered
How old are Cannibal Corpse members?
- George Fisher was born on July 8, 1970. He is 54 years old (2024).
- Erik Rutan was born on June 10, 1971. He is 53 years old (2024).
- Alex Webster was born on October 25, 1969. He is 55 years old.
- Paul Mazurkiewicz was born on September 8, 1968. He is 56 years old (2024).
- Robert Barret (Robert Joseph Barrett III) was born on January 29, 1969. He is 55 years old (2024).
What is the name of the singer of Cannibal Corpse?
The singer of Cannibal Corpse is George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher. He joined the band in 1995 and has played a crucial role in their success since then.
Is Cannibal Corpse Death or Black Metal?
Cannibal Corpse is primarily classified as a death metal band. Their sound and themes are deeply rooted in death metal.
Is Cannibal Corpse Thrash?
Cannibal Corpse is not classified as a thrash metal band, although they do incorporate some fast and aggressive elements in their music that can be found in both genres.
When did Cannibal Corpse move to Florida?
The band moved to Florida in the early 1990s, which was an important phase in their career. The Floridian metal scene provided Cannibal Corpse with the opportunity to evolve and grow.
Did Cannibal Corpse guitarist Pat O’Brien have skulls in his house?
A well-known rumor states that guitarist Pat O’Brien was found with human skulls in his house during a difficult time in 2018. This controversy shocked fans and led to a temporary hiatus for the musician.
Which countries have banned Cannibal Corpse?
The band has been banned in some countries due to their graphic lyrics and album covers. This only contributed to the controversy and mysterious image of the band.
Australia prohibited the sale of any of the band’s material for a decade, starting in 1996, due to its graphic content. In Germany, the sale of their first three albums and live performances of those songs were banned until 2006, despite later albums being just as violent. Even today, their music is only available to those aged 18 and older. The situation in Russia is more complicated, as the band faced a tumultuous tour in 2014, with six out of eight shows canceled due to religious protests. Their music is also banned from being translated into Russian and distributed within the country, and their artwork is prohibited as well.
Cannibal Corpse Merch
Cannibal Corpse offers a variety of merchandise, including t-shirts, hoodies, vinyl records, and collectibles. Their merch is extremely popular among fans and often sells out quickly.
You can find Cannibal Corps merch on the band’s official website.
Cannibal Corpse Chaos Horrific
“Chaos Horrific” is a recently released album that showcases the brutality and musical prowess of the band. It is regarded by fans as one of its strongest works in their discography.
Cannibal Corpse’s “The Bleeding”
“The Bleeding” is a pivotal album in Cannibal Corpse’s career, released in 1994. It marked the debut of George Fisher as the vocalist and is often considered one of their best works.
Cannibal Corpse remains a titan in the world of death metal, with a legacy that continues to grow. From their controversial beginnings to their current status as genre leaders, the band has remained true to their roots while pushing the boundaries of extreme music. With a lineup that features some of the most talented musicians in the industry and a discography that is as extensive as it is impressive, Cannibal Corpse is sure to remain a significant influence for years to come.
As fans continue to support their work, it’s clear that Cannibal Corpse is more than just a band; they are an institution within the metal community, inspiring new generations to embrace the power and ferocity of death metal. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, Cannibal Corpse promises a relentless journey through the darkest corners of extreme music.
