Cannabis Corpse has returned with a new full length album, Beneath Grow Lights Thou Shalt Rise, only this time they've decided to make Morbid Angel and Deicide the subjects of their parodies. With song titles like "Chapel of Bowls" and "Slaves to the Chron" they may seem like a silly parody band that turns well known Death Metal classics into songs about weed, but that couldn't be further from the truth. They do indeed change the titles and lyrical content but the music itself is great. The obvious influence of Cannibal Corpse is there but they manage to retain their own sound as well as create some awesome music guaranteed to make your headbang.
One thing that I immediately noticed is the technicality of the songs. The songs are technically sound but still very aggressive and catchy. The songs aren't all just brutal and heavy, but are rather varied from thrashy riffs to heavy Death Metal style riffs to dark melodies that are reminiscent of the Swedish Death Metal masters. The drums are really well done, as they fit the music greatly. Not abusing the blast beat here was a plus and keeps a very tight and concise sound throughout the album. Phil "Landphil" Hall also shows off his bass skills with some very cool bass lines as well as some great bass fills. The lead playing is also one of the highlights here, whether it be the solos or the melodies that are found on just about every track. But the best part about the album would have to be the riffs. The riffs alone are great but also the structuring of the riffs, as they are placed perfectly throughout the song to keep your headbanging. Overall, all of the instruments do their jobs and they do them extremely well.
There aren't any complaints that I can really make about this album. I thoroughly enjoyed it and find it to be one of the best releases of 2011. The only thing that worries me, are the people who won't give Cannabis Corpse a chance because they appear to be a goofy band that just wants to write music about getting high and parody the Greats. Cannabis Corpse is more than capable of standing out in today's metal scene with their brand of Death Metal but if people don't give them a chance based on their "image" then they have no idea what amazing stuff they're missing out on. If I had to name the best tracks I would say that they are "Lunatics of Pot's Creation" and "Sworn to the Bag." There isn't a single bad track here but I will say that my least favorite was probably "Dead by Bong."
Be sure to check out Cannabis Corpse on Facebook and like their page to stay updated with everything happening in/with the band!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cannabis-Corpse-Official/104903899597371
Final Rating - 4.5/5 or 90%.
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