The Birth of Brutality

In the latter part of the 1980s, Buffalo, New York became the birthplace of a musical phenomenon that would go on to reshape the boundaries of the metal genre. In 1988, members from established bands like Beyond Death, Leviathan, and Tirant Sin united to form what would soon become a legendary name in death metal: Cannibal Corpse. This newly formed amalgamation brought with it a fresh wave of brutality, characterized by graphic narratives in their lyrics and artwork, often dwelling deeply into themes of horror, violence, and death.

Their explicit content and unique style propelled them swiftly to the forefront of the death metal scene, garnering both intrigue and acclaim.

Their musical style, a complex web of compositions supported by deep growling vocals and technically rich instrumentation, quickly found a massive following. Cannibal Corpse was not just a band; it was a revolution that significantly influenced the burgeoning death metal genre in the 1990s. Their explicit content and unique style propelled them swiftly to the forefront of the death metal scene, garnering both intrigue and acclaim.

As the band progressed, they enriched their discography with several albums, carving a niche that was both horrific and fascinating. Their third studio effort, “Tomb of the Mutilated”, marked a pivotal point in their journey. This album, often hailed as one of Cannibal Corpse’s best works, displayed a matured and refined sound that stood out starkly compared to their initial releases. Tracks like “Hammer Smashed Face” became synonymous with the band’s identity, echoing their gruesome yet captivating approach to music.

However, their journey wasn’t devoid of controversy. The explicit artwork and lyrics of “Tomb of the Mutilated” drew significant attention, polarizing audiences into segments of avid admirers and staunch critics. This duality brought a level of attention to the band that was unprecedented, solidifying their position as pioneers in the genre and setting the stage for a legacy that would continue to influence the world of death metal for decades to come.

A Glimpse into the Release and Resounding Tracks

In the annals of death metal history, September 22, 1992, stands as a monumental date. This was the day when Cannibal Corpse released their seminal album “Tomb of the Mutilated”, under the banner of Metal Blade Records. The creation process of this album took place in the renowned Morrisound Recording studio located in Tampa, Florida. Spanning from June 1st to June 15th of the same year, the recording sessions were orchestrated meticulously, witnessing the collaboration of some of the finest talents in the death metal genre. Scott Burns, a name resonant with excellence in the industry, took charge as the producer, engineer, and mixer of the album, guiding it to its grotesque brilliance.

The album was brought to life with the united efforts of Chris Barnes (vocals), Bob Rusay and Jack Owen (guitars), Alex Webster (bass), and Paul Mazurkiewicz (drums). This ensemble worked together to craft tracks that were not only musically complex but also narratively graphic, pushing the boundaries of conventional themes explored in metal music.

A notable standout in the album is “Hammer Smashed Face”, a track seeped in brutality, narrating the metamorphosis of an individual into a serial killer, bringing forth vivid depictions of violence and murder. This track not only became a staple in the band’s live performances but also found its place in popular culture, featuring in the comedy film “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” and as a playable track in the Rock Band video game series.

A notable standout in the album is “Hammer Smashed Face”, a track seeped in brutality, narrating the metamorphosis of an individual into a serial killer.

Then, there is “I Cum Blood”, a track that navigates through dark narratives of necrophilia, blending explicit lyrics with intricate musical compositions. This track too has made its mark in popular culture, finding a place in the video game “Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned”.

As listeners journey deeper into the album, they encounter tracks like “Addicted to Vaginal Skin”, which starts with a bone-chilling confession, from the infamous “Genesee River Killer” Arthur Shawcross, and “Split Wide Open”, a speedier track known for its aggressive vocal delivery and detailed instrumental sections.

The album continues its dark voyage with songs like “Necropedophile”, which is renowned for exploring taboo themes with controversial lyrics, and “The Cryptic Stench”, a song that showcases technical proficiency paired with complex musical structures.

Tracks like “Entrails Ripped from a Virgin’s Cunt” and “Post Mortal Ejaculation” maintain the album’s explicit narrative style, blending graphic content with meticulous musical arrangements.

Finally, the journey culminates with “Beyond the Cemetery”, a track that seals the album’s legacy with powerful musical compositions, housing what many claim to be the best riffs of the record, bringing the brutal narrative to a close yet leaving a lasting impression on the listeners.

The Brutality Behind the Beats and Lyrics

In the death metal world, where pushing boundaries is almost a given, Cannibal Corpse’s “Tomb of the Mutilated” stands as a beacon of musical innovation and lyrical audacity.

The musical odyssey embarked upon in this album is one characterized by aggressive and fast-paced instrumentation. The guitar duo of Bob Rusay and Jack Owen brought to life heavy guitar riffs that resonate with a dark and heavy atmosphere, setting new standards in the brutal death metal genre. Alongside them, Alex Webster wielded the bass guitar, creating deep undertones that ring clearly throughout the tracks, adding depth and a sinister touch to the album’s soundscapes.

The drums, handled by Paul Mazurkiewicz, are another standout feature, bringing in complex rhythms and fast blast beats that complement the raw and heavy guitar sounds perfectly. Though slightly low in the mix, the drumming remains a pillar of the album’s intricate musical framework, offering a relentless pace that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

Chris Barnes, the maestro behind the vocals, unleashed a performance that could easily be touted as his career’s best.

Chris Barnes, the maestro behind the vocals, unleashed a performance that could easily be touted as his career’s best. His vocal range in this album stretches from the deepest growls to high-pitched screams, a roller coaster of sounds that adds an extra layer of brutality to the narrative spun in each song. This style became a defining feature of not only Cannibal Corpse but also the death metal genre at large. However, the guttural delivery means that fans often need a booklet to fully grasp the explicit narratives being spun, as the words meld into a symphony of growls and screams.

The lyrics, notorious for their explicit content, delve deep into dark and taboo subjects, offering a shocking, intense listening experience that is not for the faint of heart. From the explicit narrations in “I Cum Blood” to the graphic visuals painted in “Entrails Ripped from a Virgin’s Cunt”, the album spares no detail, creating a canvas that is as gruesome as it is artistically daring.

The Controversial Canvas

In the realm of death metal, where shock value often walks hand in hand with musical artistry, the album art stands as a powerful statement, a visual representation of the brutal tales spun within the album’s tracks. For Cannibal Corpse’s “Tomb of the Mutilated”, Vincent Locke, renowned for his work in “Deadworld” and “A History of Violence”, painted a canvas that mirrored the dark, gruesome narratives embedded in the album’s lyrics.

Vincent Locke, a veteran in crafting ultra-violent album covers for Cannibal Corpse, once again lent his artistic prowess to the band, putting a “bloody face to the hymns embodied within” the album. His collaboration with the band has spanned over three decades, consistently presenting artwork that perfectly embodies the essence of their music.

The album’s cover is nothing short of graphic and explicit, a characteristic feature that has come to define Cannibal Corpse’s album covers over the years. It captures a hellish landscape where a zombie performs a sexual act on another mutilated corpse, offering vivid imagery that complements the extreme nature of the music and lyrics housed within the album. This dark and morbid scene, set predominantly in red and black tones, ignites horror and a grotesque fascination, a reflection of the explicit lyrical themes focusing on necrophilia and sadism.

However, the artwork has not been without its share of controversies, sparking discussions about its explicit content and the portrayal of gender dynamics. Contrary to initial perceptions of violence against women, Locke intended to portray the female figure in a position of power, a detail that comes alive upon closer inspection of the cover where the female figure sits up while the male grovels on the floor, indicating a reversal in power dynamics. This intention was confirmed by Locke in a 2008 interview with Decibel, where he expressed his aim to avoid a pattern of covers depicting violence against women.

The album was banned in Germany, proof of the significant controversy generated by the explicit nature of both the cover art and the lyrics.

Despite this, the cover faced significant backlash, perceived as promoting violence and potentially having a negative impact on audiences, particularly young listeners. This led to bans and censorship in various countries, with alternate covers being used to bypass strict regulations regarding explicit content. Notably, the album was banned in Germany, proof of the significant controversy generated by the explicit nature of both the cover art and the lyrics.

Yet, amidst the storm of controversies, many stand in defence of the artwork, viewing it as a form of artistic expression that mirrors the extreme nature of death metal music and arguing for its protection under the right to freedom of expression.

Charting the Triumph

The release of “Tomb of the Mutilated” marked a pivotal moment in the death metal genre. The album not only fortified Cannibal Corpse’s position as one of the leading acts in the death metal scene but also became a cornerstone in the history of death metal music.

Upon its release, the album quickly gained traction, establishing itself as a significant release within the genre. This commercial success played a pivotal role in cementing Cannibal Corpse’s status as one of the forerunners in death metal. It resonated profoundly with listeners, who embraced the album’s raw energy and brutal sound, a hallmark of the death metal genre during that period. Fans appreciated its unapologetic approach to the genre, with the album swiftly becoming a favourite among death metal aficionados. Proof of its enduring appeal is a poll on Cannibal Corpse’s official site, where fans hailed it as their favourite, surpassing all other albums by a significant margin.

Critics at the time echoed this sentiment, generally lauding the album for its complexity and quality. The band’s growth in technical proficiency compared to their earlier works didn’t go unnoticed, with critics highlighting the effort showcased in tracks like “Hammer Smashed Face” and “I Cum Blood”. These tracks were singled out for their maddening riffs, crushing bass, and rapid drumming. However, the explicit content within the lyrics and artwork emerged as a point of contention, with critics divided between praising the album for pushing boundaries and criticizing it for its perceived obscenity.

Its influence has been far-reaching, frequently securing a spot in lists of the greatest death metal albums of all time.

Despite not bagging any formal awards at the time of its release, “Tomb of the Mutilated” received retrospective recognition as a seminal work in the death metal genre. Its influence has been far-reaching, frequently securing a spot in lists of the greatest death metal albums of all time, and serving as a major influence for new bands within the genre.

The Resounding Legacy

As we venture further into the depths of “Tomb of the Mutilated”, it becomes increasingly apparent that its influence reverberates far beyond its initial release. The album, with its raw and unapologetic approach to the death metal genre, not only carved out a distinct space in the music scene but also laid the foundation upon which countless bands have built their sound.

From the moment of its release, “Tomb of the Mutilated” stood as a pioneering force, known for its extreme lyrical content and aggressive musical style. Its intricate guitar work, crafted meticulously by Bob Rusay and Jack Owen, became a study material for aspiring metal guitarists, encouraging them to dissect and learn the nuances that went into creating such a groundbreaking piece of art. The album has spurred many new bands to push the boundaries of extreme metal music, serving as a direction for inspiration that promotes innovation and raw authenticity within the genre.

This shift in perception has elevated the album to a sort of cult status among death metal enthusiasts, who appreciate it for its raw and no-holds-barred approach to the genre.

As time passed, the album underwent a critical reappraisal, with a growing consensus acknowledging its significant influence and importance within the death metal genre. This shift in perception has elevated the album to a sort of cult status among death metal enthusiasts, who appreciate it for its raw and no-holds-barred approach to the genre. This reverence is manifested in the band’s live performances, where songs from the album remain as staples, proof of its lasting popularity and influence.

The legacy of “Tomb of the Mutilated” is not just confined to the praise and critical acclaim it has garnered over the years. It stands as a monument of musical ingenuity that echoes through time, influencing and shaping the landscape of the death metal genre with each passing year.