If you’re a metal fan or curious about the roots of one of death metal’s most iconic vocalists, this listicle is for you. Here, George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher shares the bands that ignited his passion for metal, offering insights into their influence and why they matter. Whether you’re exploring metal history or seeking new bands to check out, these selections provide a window into the genre’s evolution and the bands that shaped a legend.
1. Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden’s soaring melodies and complex songwriting were instrumental in shaping Corpsegrinder’s early musical taste. The energy of tracks like “The Trooper” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name” captivated him as a young listener, inspiring his vocal style and love for metal storytelling. Maiden’s blend of speed, melody, and theatricality set a high standard for metal musicians worldwide.
2. Metallica
Metallica’s groundbreaking thrash metal albums, especially “Master of Puppets” and “Ride the Lightning,” introduced Corpsegrinder to the aggressive yet technical side of metal. Their intense riffs, complex compositions, and raw emotion made them a pivotal influence. The band’s ability to balance melody and brutality helped shape his approach to vocal intensity and songwriting.
3. Slayer
Slayer’s relentless speed and ferocity, exemplified in albums like “Reign in Blood,” made a deep impression on Fisher. The raw aggression and dark themes pushed him to embrace the intensity that would become a hallmark of his vocal style. Slayer’s uncompromising attitude and musical brutality are often cited as major inspirations for his work in Cannibal Corpse.
4. Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath’s pioneering doom-laden sound and dark lyrical themes opened Fisher’s eyes to the power of atmosphere and mood in metal. Albums like “Paranoid” and “Master of Reality” introduced him to the darker, heavier side of music that would influence his approach to death metal. Their gritty sound and rebellious spirit remain foundational to metal music.
5. Judas Priest
Judas Priest’s twin guitar harmonies and Rob Halford’s soaring vocals made a lasting impression on Fisher. Their blend of speed and melody, especially in tracks like “Painkiller” and “Breaking the Law,” helped develop his appreciation for powerful singing and aggressive riffs. Priest’s influence is evident in the vocal delivery and songwriting in Cannibal Corpse’s music.
6. Death
Death, led by Chuck Schuldiner, pioneered the technical and progressive death metal genre. Fisher credits Death with expanding his understanding of complex song structures and lyrical themes. The technical mastery and innovation of Schuldiner’s guitar work and songwriting pushed him to elevate his own performance and songwriting standards.
7. Venom
Venom’s raw, primitive sound and black metal aesthetic opened Fisher to the darker, more rebellious aspects of metal. Albums like “Black Metal” and “Welcome to Hell” fostered a DIY ethos that resonated with him. Venom’s aggressive attitude and dark imagery helped shape the thematic elements of death metal.
8. Motörhead
Motörhead’s high-octane blend of punk and metal, epitomized by Lemmy Kilmister, was a key influence. Their relentless speed, gritty sound, and rebellious attitude inspired Fisher’s own approach to performance and songwriting. Motörhead’s ethos of raw energy and no-nonsense attitude are reflected in Cannibal Corpse’s music.
9. Sepultura
Sepultura’s fusion of thrash, groove, and Brazilian rhythms helped broaden Fisher’s musical horizons. Albums like “Beneath the Remains” and “Arise” showcased a new level of heaviness and complexity. Their innovative sound inspired him to incorporate diverse influences into his death metal style.
10. Napalm Death
Napalm Death’s grindcore style, with its extreme speed and brevity, pushed Fisher to embrace chaos and intensity. Their pioneering work, especially in “Scum,” challenged traditional metal boundaries. The band’s aggressive approach has been a significant influence on Cannibal Corpse’s relentless sound.
How to Choose
When selecting bands that influenced your metal journey, focus on what resonates emotionally and musically. Consider the intensity, lyrical themes, and innovation that inspire your own style. Personal connection and the impact on your musical development matter more than popularity or genre labels. Listening to the albums and understanding their historical context can deepen your appreciation and help you discover your own influences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Corpsegrinder get into metal?
He was introduced to metal through classic bands like Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath, which sparked his interest in heavier, darker music styles.
2. Which album was most influential for him?
He often cites Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” and Slayer’s “Reign in Blood” as key turning points in his musical development.
3. Does he still listen to these bands?
Yes, Fisher remains a fan of many of these bands and often cites them during interviews as ongoing inspirations.
4. Are these bands still active today?
Most are, with Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer (although retired), and others continuing to tour and release new music, maintaining their legacy.
5. How can new metal fans explore these influences?
Start with their most acclaimed albums, watch live performances, and read about their history to understand their impact on metal.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the bands that influenced Corpsegrinder offers a window into the roots of death metal and the evolution of his vocal style. These bands not only shaped his musical journey but also continue to inspire countless fans and musicians. Exploring their discographies provides a deeper appreciation of the genre’s diversity and history, making it a rewarding journey for any metal enthusiast eager to understand what fuels the genre’s relentless energy and dark creativity.
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