-
Summary: Corrosion of Conformity's "Vote With A Bullet" RO 2401 is a powerful 12" vinyl LP album that showcases the band's signature blend of heavy metal and punk influences. Led by their distinctive sound and aggressive energy, the band delivers a memorable and impactful listening experience. With their raw talent and relentless attitude, Corrosion of Conformity cements their status as influential figures in the world of heavy music.
Released in 1992 on Relativity Records (RO 2401), Corrosion of Conformity's (C.O.C.) "Vote With A Bullet" marked a turning point for the band, both musically and in terms of personnel. While the album showcased a heavier, groove-oriented sound that incorporated elements of southern rock and heavy metal, it also marked the debut of Pepper Keenan as the band's vocalist, a move that would significantly influence their future sound and direction.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
In the early 1990s, heavy metal was undergoing a transformation. Grunge had emerged from the Pacific Northwest, challenging the dominance of hair metal, and thrash metal was evolving into more groove-oriented styles. C.O.C., having honed their craft in the hardcore punk scene, were ready to embrace this change, and the addition of Keenan as a vocalist and guitarist brought a new dimension to their sound. "Vote With A Bullet" is a powerful and dynamic album, showcasing a heavier, more mature sound than their earlier work. The album's ten tracks are a blend of sludgy riffs, infectious grooves, and anthemic choruses, with lyrics that touch on themes of social unrest, political disillusionment, and personal struggles. Keenan's vocals, with their southern drawl and bluesy inflection, added a new layer of depth and texture to the band's sound, distinguishing them from their peers in the metal scene.
Genre and Controversies
The incorporation of Pepper Keenan's vocals and songwriting on several tracks signaled a shift away from their hardcore roots. While "Vote With A Bullet" is often classified as heavy metal or groove metal, it also incorporates elements of hardcore punk, southern rock, and even stoner rock. This genre-bending approach, while broadening their appeal, also led to some controversy among fans of their earlier, more hardcore-oriented sound. However, this experimentation with Keenan's influence proved to be a key factor in the band's subsequent commercial success and helped define their signature sound in the years to come.
Production Team and Artistic Collaborators
The album was produced by the band themselves, along with John Custer, Kenny Soule, and Mike Gardner, showcasing their increasing involvement in the production process. The album's powerful sound and dynamic production are a testament to their musical growth and maturity.
Line-up changes:
"Vote With A Bullet" marked the debut of Pepper Keenan as the band's vocalist, a move that would significantly influence their future sound and propel them towards a more commercially viable style.
Music Genre: Hardcore Punk Crossover Thrash Metal |
Album Production Information: Producers COC, John Custer, Kenny Soule, Mike Gardner Photos by Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock |
Record Label & Catalognr: Relativity RO 2401 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record |
Year & Country: 1992 Made in Holland |
Band Members and Musicians on: Corrosion of Conformity - Vote With A Bullet |
|
Complete Track Listing of: Corrosion of Conformity - Vote With A Bullet |
The Song/tracks on "Corrosion of Conformity - Vote With A Bullet" are:
|
Album cover photos of : Corrosion of Conformity - Vote With A Bullet |
Photo of Album's Back Cover |
|
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Corrosion of Conformity (C.O.C.), formed in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1982, has etched a unique path in the annals of heavy music. Their journey is a testament to evolution, experimentation, and a refusal to be confined by genre boundaries.
Early Days and Hardcore Roots
Initially rooted in the hardcore punk scene, C.O.C.'s 1984 debut album, "Eye for an Eye," was a raw and aggressive statement against societal ills and political unrest. The album's DIY ethos, coupled with its fast tempos and politically charged lyrics, solidified their place as a formidable force in the underground punk movement.
Evolution and Experimentation
Following "Eye for an Eye," C.O.C. continued to evolve, incorporating elements of thrash metal and crossover into their sound. However, a significant turning point came in 1991 with the addition of Pepper Keenan as a full-time vocalist and guitarist. Keenan's southern rock influences and powerful vocals brought a new dimension to the band's sound.
The Southern Metal Groove Era
In 1992, C.O.C. released "Vote With A Bullet," an album that marked a clear departure from their hardcore roots. The album showcased a heavier, groove-oriented sound that incorporated elements of southern rock and heavy metal. Keenan's songwriting and vocals played a pivotal role in this shift, and the album's success propelled C.O.C. to mainstream recognition.
Legacy and Influence
C.O.C.'s willingness to experiment and evolve has earned them a dedicated following and a lasting legacy. Their influence can be heard in countless bands across various genres, from heavy metal to stoner rock to sludge metal. Albums like "Eye for an Eye" and "Vote With A Bullet" continue to be celebrated as classics, showcasing the band's versatility and their ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles.
A Continuing Journey
Corrosion of Conformity's journey is far from over. The band continues to create music and tour, their sound evolving and maturing with each release. While their early work remains a testament to their hardcore roots, their later albums showcase a more refined and diverse sound, reflecting their growth as musicians and their willingness to push boundaries.
C.O.C.'s story is a testament to the power of musical evolution and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. From their early days as hardcore punk pioneers to their current status as southern metal legends, C.O.C. continues to inspire and influence, proving that true artistry knows no boundaries.
"Eye for an Eye" is a raw and visceral album, filled with fast tempos, distorted guitars, and aggressive vocals. The album's ten tracks are a whirlwind of rage and rebellion, with lyrics that tackle issues of political corruption, social injustice, and the hypocrisy of the establishment.
Learn moreReleased in 1992 on Relativity Records (RO 2401), Corrosion of Conformity's (C.O.C.) "Vote With A Bullet" marked a turning point for the band, both musically and in terms of personnel. While the album showcased a heavier, groove-oriented sound that incorporated elements of heavy metal
Learn more