Corrosion of Conformity - No Cross No Crown

Corrosion of Conformity have pledged a lifetime of work to creating music guided by the influences of early hard rock and hardcore punk music. If you have somehow found yourself to this blog without at least listening to Corrosion of Conformity, then No Cross No Crown would be a perfect introduction to what they’re all about; slithering southern style rock vibrating with heavy Sabbath inspiration shuffled in with a whirlwind of punk ethics. 

Corrosion of Conformity’s new album No Cross No Crown rocks in waves and hits like a hammer. This is the most genuine and powerful line up that the band has had in nearly two decades, and it shows in every layer and chord of the recording. Reed Mullin and Woody Weatherman have that abrasive hardcore crossover and thrash style that remain a consistent part of their audacious brew, with Mike Dean keeping the spirit alive with thick grooves. The combination of this band’s original foundation with Pepper Keenan’s sexy southern and potent blues rhythms have formed a creative relationship that simply does not compare to anything else. 

Before stoner metal was even coined, COC were perfecting the sound as they matured out of their hardcore thrash fusion early days and slammed into the 90s with Blind, Deliverance, and Wiseblood. No Cross No Crown is the band’s first record with Nuclear Blast and it does a fantastic job of reclaiming the aura of their Colombia Records days. Of course, the band’s reunion with guitar player, vocalist, and creative mastermind Pepper Keenan would be a major factor in the rejuvenation of the classic era’s spirit.  

No Cross No Crown is a powerful album that hits many peaks and delves into some serious depth. The album would take several listens to really appreciate all the layers, but at a moment’s listen it hooks you along into a joy ride reminiscent of finer days for hard rock and heavy metal fans. For one whole hour, the band drops down a certified crusher that should elate its fanbase. Let No Cross No Crown be a reminder that the masters of these old southern stoner vibes are killing it and still have places to go. 

Released: January 12th 2018