Album Review: Corrosion of Conformity - 'IX'

Corrosion of Conformity have a long and, perhaps, twisted history, changing genres, mixing up members and going on extended hiatus. Now 2014 brings us their latest work, ‘IX.' Described as “an eclectic reformulation of their familiar key influences," interest is gained initially.

Opener 'Brand New Sleep' is a long introduction coming in at six minutes. While it starts the album off a little slow and sludgy, the riffs are ominous. Essentially, what is does is provide a solid foundation for the rest of the record.

Equally and early on, COC highlight a sound that is very traditional, old school metal. It is Corrosion after all. The band has come a long way from where they started though. There's progression in familiarity.

Things get a little heavier at times and showcase the group's earlier punk influences as well with songs like 'Denmark Vesey,' taking you back to their 1985 album, ‘Animosity.’ 'IX' really fluctuates with its sounds. Part groove and doom, songs like 'Tarquinius Superbus' then reinforce the heavier style again as it leans on an old hardcore sound.

It's a wide variety of influences and constant tempo changes that prevail here. Hailing from their multiple past genre endeavours. ‘IX’ proves to be an impressive formation for Corrosion of Conformity.

'IX' manages to smash out some of the best of Corrosion of Conformity's past musical experiments. You have it all from sludge to punk and hardcore and then to heavy metal. It sounds dangerous but these guys manage to pull it off with finesse.

1. Brand New Sleep
2. Elphyn
3. Denmark Vesey
4. The Nectar
5. Interlude
6. On Your Way
7. Trucker
8. The Hanged Man
9. Tarquinius Superbus
10. Who You Need To Blame
11. The Nectar Revised